Posted by JahL on May 23, 2005, at 14:17:14
In reply to Re: Effexor XR Withdrawl Hell, posted by SLS on May 22, 2005, at 20:33:11
Hi Scott.
>
> For me, things have been tolerable. Although still severely depressed and cognitively impaired, my usual cocktail of Parnate + TCA helps me keep my head above water. Combined with Lamictal, I would say that my degree of improvement is around 15% over my unmedicated baseline.15/20 % sounds about right. Lamictal (cognition/depression) + Sulpiride (s. phobia) + Clonazepam (sleep). I've temporarily given up on the dream of full remission; I figure 50% above baseline would make life tolerable.
> Without this improvement, I am not sure that I could maintain my independence in the apartment I have kept over the last 4 years.
I know. Life is one long struggle. I take it you can work enough to support yourself? I'm lucky I have a talent for gambling (what a surprise for a Bipolar!) and can make a decent wage by going online a couple of days a week.
> JahL, I really appreciate your friendly concern for my health and happiness. You can bet that the sentiments are returned.Thanks. A lot.
> Have you taken any anticonvulsants since your withdrawal of Effexor?You know me Scott, I've tried the lot ;-)
Lamictal (good - a keeper), Valproate (slight but sustained reduction in depression), Topiramate (not again, thanks), Keppra (nothing), Gabapentin (nothing), Lithium (*never* again. paralysis, extreme paranoia, bordering on the psychotic. I was being stalked by a giant swan. Seriously), Trileptal (I think). I can't remember the name of the other one right now (duh).
This is probably worthy of a new thread, but have you given much thought to trying Mifepristone? The early reports are very encouraging (GET THIS: apparently, cognitive dysfunction has been identified as *a predictor of response*!) but unfortunately it is almost impossible to source. It also works out at about $200 a day if you do find some!
C ya,
Jah.
poster:JahL
thread:500631
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050519/msgs/501759.html