Posted by polarbear206 on September 30, 2002, at 16:13:24
In reply to Possible Cyclotymia, posted by SueT on September 28, 2002, at 23:27:24
> I am new to this forum, and this is the first time I have posted anything. I have been Diagnosed with Dysthymia, and I currently take Effexor XR 75 mg. I seems to work OK so far.I previously took Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and a combination of the two. The Zoloft definitely helped with my irritabilty and patience, but I did not like the side effects. The Wellbutrin alone made me very hyper.
> I am posting this because I am wondering if I might be Cyclothymic. I have times when I feel good and I am focused on getting things done, but mostly I am just irritable and tired. I feel like I never have the same mood for more than a few hours, and I over-react to minor things and turn them into big issues. There is a signifcant family histry of Bi-Polar in my family.
> I know that only a Psych can diagnose, but I would really appreciate anyone's input on thire own symptoms, treatment, etc.Sue,
It is very likely that you have an underlying bipolar spectrum disorder. Antidepressants used alone with this illness will only exacerbate mood cycling. If they are needed, it should be at the lowest effective dose and in combo with a mood stablizer. Many of the people who post here are having very good results with Lamictal. My self including. It acts as an ad/mood stablizer. Side effect profile is low. I am a soft cycling bipolar. Never had full blown mania. My ups are just increases in energy and can get many things accomplished at once. I can be irritable too at the same time. I tend to have more lows than highs. When this occurs I have hypersomnia, hyperphagia, leaden feeling, concentration problems and can't focus. Then this will escalate to periods of high anxiety. I hope this info helps you out.
Laura
poster:polarbear206
thread:121466
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020930/msgs/121675.html