Posted by BetterDays on November 3, 2007, at 8:37:06
Hi there,
There appears to be a lot of knowledge and insight within this forum, and am helping for some feedback on my med mix.
I was recently prescribed Lithium (300mg 2x/day) and Seroquel (150mg evening) for Bipolar. My Psych is exploring the path that my addictive behaviors (gambling, alcohol, painkillers) could be a result of Bi Polar II. Not sure if that is the case but I am not going to get stuck on a diagnosis.
He put me on Lithium and Seroquel a couple of weeks ago. I have noticed that I do not have the same intensity of racing thoughts, overwhelming urges to play out my addictions - a good thing!
The bad part of this is that since I've been on the meds I am having almost debilitating panic attacks. I haven't figured out yet if these are caused by my "self-talk" or the meds.
Does anyone know if Lithium could possibly be causing my panic attacks? I've read some data online and it seems that if anything, the Lithium should be helping anxiety. I don't think it could be the seroquel as that seems very specifically to be used for anxiety.
I don't want to go off the Lithium because my initial impression is that it is helping in other areas, but these panic attacks are hard to live with. I've been taking Xanax when I absolutely have to for them, but really want to stay away from any narcotics because of my abuse history.
Any feedback, experiences, insights much appreciated.
poster:BetterDays
thread:793108
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071027/msgs/793108.html