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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Clayton on November 3, 2003, at 17:59:17
I have had fairly seious mood depression for a number of years (coupled wirh SAD and insomnia). I finally found a PDoc who prescribed the right meds for me. Paxil and Remaron. The relief was indescribable and gave me back life and freedom.
Prior to this, a Family Practice Doc incorrectly diagnosed Bipolar disease. He prescribed lithium which did nothing, then tried Zyprexa which helped me sleep but did not help my depression at all. It simply erradicated all my emotions- good and bad. (This is equvilalent to taking away much of my humanity. No happiness, sadness joy, tears, exhaltation in music and beauty, real empathy, poinience....the works).
The new PDoc threw out the Zyprexa immediately (as-well-as prescrobing Paxil and Remaron). Unfortunately, about two months ago I did suddenly develope real bipolar symptoms. (Just yesterday, this cost me my family of twenty years). I've known I was in trouble and made an appointment with the PDOC. He agrees I am now bipolar and put me back on Zyprexa. I hate it...I despise giving up my feelings but I will do it for now because it gives me perhaps a 10% chance of getting my family back, a fair shot at keeping my job and of avoiding a cascading deteriorization off symptoms.
Who knows about this stuff and bipolar disease? I am 52 and have never had bipolar before and the onset was sudden. Might it be a temporary synptom brought on by recent severe stres? Or will it recurr forever? What are my chances of getting of the Zyprexa and/or other anti-psychotic mood stabalizers?
I know that there is a growing body of evidence that SSRIs like Paxil are anesthetics that eliminate all the peaks of emotions. They don't cleanly reduce anxiety alone. I sense it with Paxil. But to add Zyprexa and really wipe the emotioanl slate clean is a tough one to swallow.
Yes, I am pragmatic enough to take it as a temporary expediant. But what are my chances of getting off this drug for good?
Any informed advice or words of encouragement are welcome.
Posted by Robert Fairburn on November 3, 2003, at 18:09:26
In reply to Help-They are erradicating my emotions! , posted by Clayton on November 3, 2003, at 17:59:17
Okay Clayton
Maybee you should consider a MAOI drug like parnate or nardil, they really are the best drug. If you can stand the diet they are worth it.
Regards Robert
Maybee you should give us more symptoms
Posted by JonW on November 3, 2003, at 18:29:04
In reply to Help-They are erradicating my emotions! , posted by Clayton on November 3, 2003, at 17:59:17
Have you tried Trileptal, instead of zyprexa? Maybe Trileptal + MAOI. MAOIs and RIMAs don't rob you of your emotions. A pdoc once suggested adding mirapex while I was on an SSRI and feeling very unmotivated. I'm not sure if amotivation and dulled emotions are the same thing, but they seem related. It was so long ago, I can't recall the exact conversation or the exact symptoms I was experiencing...
Good Luck,
Jon :)
Posted by srd1074 on November 3, 2003, at 19:55:50
In reply to Help-They are erradicating my emotions! , posted by Clayton on November 3, 2003, at 17:59:17
You may not be suffering from bipolar disorder, but a milder condition known as cyclothymic disorder. It is associated with numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and mild depressive symptoms. You could also be bipolar II which is marked by mildly manic episodes and major depressive episodes. If this is the case, your medication may be too stong. One scenario may be that you might be better off on one mood stabilizer accompanied with cognitive-behavioral therapy. This is therapy has shown to be of some efficacy in this disorder.
I STRONGLY recommend a second opinion. I would look for a psychiatrist who likes to incorporate therapy, but is not opposed to meds.
S.
Posted by MelD on November 3, 2003, at 20:28:18
In reply to Help-They are erradicating my emotions! , posted by Clayton on November 3, 2003, at 17:59:17
There is a theory, which is controversial, that some SSRIs can put some people into a bipolar state, which is referred to as BPIII. It is not even listed as an "official" DX, but perhaps you could discuss this possibility with your doc. Just FYI, i am about your age and tried everything in the book before finding true depression and anxiety relief on an MAOI. Best of luck to you, Melodie
Posted by Clayton on November 4, 2003, at 1:59:44
In reply to Help-They are erradicating my emotions! , posted by Clayton on November 3, 2003, at 17:59:17
Thank you all for caring enough to take the time to share your knowlwdge with me. The obvious common thread is the MAOIs and I will discuss all suggested options with my doc.
I have heard that SELEGILINE (l-deprenyl)is very good and not as diet-restrictive as other MAOIs. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge you'd like to share on this drug?
Thanks Again!
Posted by Robert Fairburn on November 4, 2003, at 7:21:52
In reply to MAOIs and L-Depyenyl, posted by Clayton on November 4, 2003, at 1:59:44
I wouldnt do it just stick to parnate or nardil, it seems to be the way of the world no pain no gain
Stick to the old fashion MAOI drugs
This is the end of the thread.
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