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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by tom_traubert on April 27, 2005, at 21:31:18
Hi,
I met with a pdoc today for the first time in over 6 years. For the last couple of weeks I've been panicking, thinking that I am spiraling into a manic episode. It's really just heightened anxiety, but I'm not sure. It's happened twice before, but only directly after abrupt withdrawal from high levels of Anafranil and Klonopin. I haven't been on any psych meds since 1999.
Ok. So the doc said he wasn't sure if i am bipolar 1 or a new assignation that is coming around called bipolar3, which is manic episodes brought on by medications. That possibly the condition is there, but is only brought out by meds. I've never heard of this, but he says that there is literature supporting the idea that tricyclics, specifically, can trigger manic episodes in bp patients.
As for me, life has been highly anxious, focusing on my main fear, that I'll have another manic episode. As such, I am hypervigiliant of my thoughts and test myself to see if I amd thinking things that are apart from reality (Do I think there are messages for me on the radio or tv?). I don't think these things, I'm just afraid that I will and that's what the anxiety focuses on. He prescribed Klonopin to start on again, but I'm still hesitating the starting of medications again. I worked really really hard to stay off, and i want to continue if I can. I don't know.
any ideas?
thanks,
tt
Posted by PM80 on April 28, 2005, at 8:38:47
In reply to Bipolar 3?, posted by tom_traubert on April 27, 2005, at 21:31:18
Have you ever been to a therapist? There are a lot of effective cognitive-behavioral therapies out there for anxiety. As far as meds go - just remember that it's your body. Only you can decide if the benefits outweigh the risks/side effects.
Posted by stresser on April 28, 2005, at 14:21:50
In reply to Re: Bipolar 3?, posted by PM80 on April 28, 2005, at 8:38:47
I truly believe meds can bring on manic episodes. I am bipolar II, and was tested while taking Wellbutrin. After stopping Wellbutrin and starting Zoloft, my life changed. Wellbutrin made my CRAZY, and that could have been as you doctor described as bipolar III. After reading your post, that sounds possible to me anyway. I do believe that I am bipolar anyway, but that medication didn't help at all. -L
Posted by linkadge on April 28, 2005, at 17:36:36
In reply to Re: Bipolar 3?, posted by stresser on April 28, 2005, at 14:21:50
I know that Wellbutrin can trigger anger in a lot of other wise self contained individuals.
Anger management often uses SSRI's, but would never touch Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin induced anger could easily be mistaken as mania.
I am almost the opposite, SSRI's make me uninhibited, but a stimulant like ritalin makes me very normal.
I think it is foolish for doctors to think that they can plunk us into such small categories.
Linkadge
Posted by bipolarspectrum on April 28, 2005, at 18:18:43
In reply to Bipolar 3?, posted by tom_traubert on April 27, 2005, at 21:31:18
Tommy,
Just my opinion here of course... I have antidepressant induced manias as well and i believe it is a new subclass of bipolar... I think the current thinking is to treat them with mood stabilizers a priori.. and then consider bringin in other stuff... I'm not sure about ur anxiety, but ive heard lots of anecdotal evidence claiming that lamotrigine helps with anxiety.. which, in my opinion once again, is often the manifestation of some sort of hypomanic episode in bipolars... anywayz, ur defiantely not alone in this.. good luck
bps
Posted by Phillipa on April 28, 2005, at 18:44:02
In reply to Re: Bipolar 3?, posted by bipolarspectrum on April 28, 2005, at 18:18:43
They're right. You know what is best for you. But it might not be a bad idea to take something for a short while to calm you down until you're over this feeling. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by tom_traubert on April 29, 2005, at 10:06:34
In reply to Re: Bipolar 3?, posted by Phillipa on April 28, 2005, at 18:44:02
Thanks for the feedback, it's good to hear.
I guess I'm scared to go on medication. It sucks. For 6 years I've been able to stave it off, but in reality, my life hasn't been that great. Even on the best days, half my energy is spent organizing my thoughts and protecting against calamity. It's exhausting. I feel that if I start taking meds, I won't ever be able to get off, and that maybe whatever mix I get may trigger another manic episode or make me depressed and I'll start having to take a whole bunch of stuff. My identity for 6 years has been my strength in being able to cope without meds. I don't view anyone who is on meds as it's their fault, I really don't, all I have is compassion and hope for them, but for myself, going back on meds feels like failure. It's just frightening: the withdrawal was HELL, and as far as the mania, it's a miracle I'm still alive. Really. I feel I've made so much progress, and now this is huge step backwards.
Or it's just whining. Do what you have to do to make your life better and that's it, nothing more I guess. It's great to have people to talk to about this.
Thanks for listening.
tt
Posted by stresser on May 2, 2005, at 22:29:56
In reply to Re: Bipolar 3?, posted by tom_traubert on April 29, 2005, at 10:06:34
We're here for you, whenever you need us. I, myself, am thankful for the medication. I finaly feel "normal", again after about 12 months of not knowing what was going on with my mind. I am amazed that medication can do this for me. Hang in there, and let us know if we can help you in any way.
I know things will be better for you in the future, and it may not take as much time as you think. -L
Posted by tom_traubert on May 3, 2005, at 0:02:32
In reply to Re: Bipolar 3? » tom_traubert, posted by stresser on May 2, 2005, at 22:29:56
Hey, thanks a lot, nice to hear.
I've pretty much decided to keep my options open see what medications might be able to do.
Thanks again from everyone, I'll keep you posted.
tom
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