Posted by Mitch on November 27, 2001, at 23:50:35
In reply to Re: New Drug 4 Social Phobia. BPII., posted by JahL on November 27, 2001, at 16:00:47
> I was also hoping someone would have some suggestions 4 novel BPII treatments; my appt. is in just over 24hrs..............................................
>
> J.Hi JahL,
I doubt if I could shed any light on *novel* treatments (as monotherapy), but there might be some combinations to consider (that may or not be novel ones for you).
I have had BPII for over 25 years and I understand how antidepressants can accentuate the polarization of cycling (I have my doubts about the "aggravating the course of the illness" kindling theory, however-specifically in regard to BPII as a subtype-my most intense hypomanias were in my 20's and the hypomanias seem to have "burned out" to some degree with age).
IF you don't have a history of either "free-floating" or "situational" panic attacks, I really think that a pstim like Adderall or Dexedrine in a low dose has the best efficacy for bipolar depression and even seems to have a *mood-stabilizing* effect. If you don't have probs with panic, then, maybe a low-dose pstim in combination with a mood-stabilizer could work for you. I found Neurontin+Adderall worked superbly, but I have comorbid panic history that the pstim seemed to cause a lot of trouble with over time. If you can find a way to get away from (or minimize) antidepressants to treat *anxiety* and stay stable on something else (like a pstim) that will effectively treat the bipolar depression-you have got it made.
Mitch
poster:Mitch
thread:85200
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011123/msgs/85363.html