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mmm3 Posts: 18
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Has anyone noticed a rhythm to when their Rx's don't work anymore...when they "poop out"? I'm starting to see a trend in my medication adjustments over the last 3 years. They always take place in the spring or early summer. The adjustment is preceded by what I hope will be my emergence from the effects of SAD. But every year, the days get longer and I STILL DON'T FEEL GOOD.  This year is the worst. I have been miserable since late December. Partly to blame is my job. My employer has made major budget cuts over the last 3 years. My job has changed 4 times. One of the changes was a happy one-- a promotion. Unfortunately, it only lasted 6 months; I was bumped to my former position because I was the last one hired. When I visited my Pdoc a couple of weeks ago, she suggested we start exploring other ways to combat the depression that won't go away. My mood is stable, but I constantly feel like I have to push myself through the day. Nothing comes easy. Anyway, my Pdoc suggested a couple of options: 1) Consider taking an SSRI like Effexor with a stronger mood stabilizer to keep me from getting hypomanic, or 2) Consider adding additional mood stabilizers to the Lamictal and dropping everything else. The problem is I feel extremely anxious about all of the side-effects of the Rx’s she suggested. I have a family history of heart disease and diabetes. I am afraid of drugs that will raise my cholesterol, blood sugar and weight. I’m chuckling right now because I guess I’m not that suicidal if I’m worried about dying from heart disease. It must mean I want to live. Well, I'd better stop rambling and let you all have some input. Thanks. mmm3
somewhere in the desert
lamotrigine 400mg, oxcarbazepine 900mg
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jaguarandcubs Posts: 1837
Senior Member
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Lexapro is a really good SSRI for me. I know it works well for quite a few people. I have a friend and an uncle on Effexor, and they both had really bad weight gain. The lexapro does send me a little hypomanic on it's own, so I take lithium as well. I've been in a more depressive state lately, so my lexapro is being increased for a couple of weeks to see how it goes. Lithium is going up, too. I don't have any side effects with either of the meds. Good luck! Not much fun trying to find something that works. Disclaimer : I am not a doctor. I cannot diagnose or advise on specific treatments. I can only share my own experiences.
Come visit my blog at http://carlsandclan.wordpress.com/
My name is Carley, but feel free to call me Carls! :)
Current meds
1250 mg Lithium
75 mcg Thyroxine
300 mg Lamictal
Occasionally 10-20 mg Temazepam for sleep
Paracetamol + codeine for arthritis pain
Previous meds
2000 mg Epilim (sodium valproate)
50 mg Seroquel (to help sleep)
600 mg Tegretol |
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mmm3 Posts: 18
Member
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The Pdoc didn't mention Lexapro. I'll look it up. Thanks! mmm3
somewhere in the desert
lamotrigine 400mg, oxcarbazepine 900mg |
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Joy75 Posts: 15656
Group Leader
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I find Lexapro very good also. It's usually taken with a mood stabilizer so it doesn't throw you into mania. I wish you luck in finding the right meds. Take care. Hugs Joy, 37 years old
Blog:
http://www.joylepley.blogspot.com
Email:
simplyjoyful75@gmail.com
Bipolar type 2 and ADD
300mg Wellbutrin
200mg Lamictal
40mg Viibryd
15mg Abilify
I AM NEITHER A PSYCHIATRIST OR PSYCHOLOGIST. I AM HERE FOR THE SAME REASONS YOU ARE. TO GIVE AND RECEIVE SUPPORT. WHAT I SAY IS PURELY MY OPINION. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR FOR MEDICAL ADVICE.
Bipolar disorder can be a great teacher. It’s a challenge, but it can set you up to be able to do almost anything else in your life. – Carrie Fisher |
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mmm3 Posts: 18
Member
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Thank you. I'm embarrassed to say I got my period today so my anger and frustration have lessened a bit. Also, I asked my new manager if I can take some time off at the end of the month, and she said yes. Having said that, I'm still thinking about calling the Pdoc to get in sooner than the end of the month. Has anyone ever heard of tests that determine whether you have too much or too little of certain enzymes that help to metabolize drugs? My Tdoc pointed out that some people of Asian or African descent are missing certain enzymes. Hence, they run the risk of overdosing, or of medication not working because the dose isn't high enough. I wonder if that's why I can't seem to find an antidepressent Rx that works for me. mmm3
somewhere in the desert
lamotrigine 400mg, oxcarbazepine 900mg |
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venusenvynyc Posts: 1352
Senior Member
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That's totally happened to me MMM. I track my cycle to try and figure out if my downswing may be influenced by PMS, but my cycle is so irregular it's hard to tell. My pdoc recommended Evening Primrose Oil for the PMS, and it seems to be helping; I didn't go so far down before my last period. Keep in mind that I'm not a medical professional, and my advice is based on personal experience. |
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mmm3 Posts: 18
Member
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I read about Evening Primrose Oil. Currently, I take Borage Oil for PMS; it helps with digestive system distress. I'll ask the Pdoc about adding the other. I used to take a really great OTC product called Estroven PMS, but it appeared to conflict with the 75 mg budeprion that I added last spring. After 3 months, I advised the doc about my observation & she said she hadn't heard anything. In any case, I didn't have the symptom (shooting pain in heart area) once I stopped taking the Estroven product. Of course, this is MY experience & folks should consult with their docs. mmm3
somewhere in the desert
lamotrigine 400mg, oxcarbazepine 900mg |
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MissStacey Posts: 14847
VIP Member
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I am so med sensitive so during my trial and error I could barely take the meds long enough for them to poop out on me lol. I do know what you are talking about though and it stinks. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you try. I hope it works out and you gain your stability soon.  I suffer from Rapid Progressive MS, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Epilepsy, Migraines, Neuropathy, IBS, Narcolepsy, Arrythmia, Arthritis and too much more complete list on profile.
"Just because we have the right to disagree with a person, does NOT give us the right to disrespect that person."
I'm not currently active due to many personal and medical issues. I will not be participating in MDJ for awhile, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone. I hope everyone is well and I appreciate all of the thoughts, kind words and messages. I have tried to respond as much as possible and apologize if I have not gotten back to everyone. Love & Hugs, Stacey |
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mmm3 Posts: 18
Member
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Thanks MissStacey. I can't seem to catch a break lately. The last couple of weeks have been particularly stressful. I was crying every day up until 2 days ago. The stress has caused me to become physically ill. mmm3
somewhere in the desert
lamotrigine 400mg, oxcarbazepine 900mg |
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venusenvynyc Posts: 1352
Senior Member
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I'm sorry! When it's not one thing, it's another. I can totally identify with that. I just try to remind myself that in between the bad there is good, and vice versa. Keep in mind that I'm not a medical professional, and my advice is based on personal experience. |
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