Starphoenix
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2402
posted
I appear to have bipolar disorder of some type, possibly Bipolar II. My Lyme psychiatrist says it's due to Lyme; I think it may have something to do with the fact that my father was bipolar, also.
I didn't do well with Neurontin. I'm so afraid to try the other drugs due to potentially fatal effects with Depakote and Lamictal. (You may have seen my post about my ex-boyfriend who died as a result of Depakote pancreatitis at the age of 43.) I tend to be in that .01% who get weird adverse reactions to meds.
What meds do you take? What side effects have you had? I'd like to hear about success and failure you may have had with mania drugs.
It may sound superficial, but I'm afraid of the weight gain, too. I became obese with steroids (which had been inaccurately prescribed before my diagnosis). I'm still at least overweight; I want to lose weight.
I may be rambling now. It's 3:35 a.m., and I'm nowhere near ready for bed. I have so much to do, um, today, too. I hope I can get up before noon. I've been missing meds due to the sleep problems ('cuz I get up so late).
I am eating everything in sight now, too.
Last "night," (it was after 3 a.m.), I was loudly singing Christmas songs from bed while my husband got ready for work.
This is maddening.
The thoughts race, and race, and race.
I guess I should get ready for bed soon.
I'd appreciate any advice and support you could offer.
All the best, Steph
-------------------- Learning to love, and loving to learn. Posts: 1318 | From Shohola, PA | Registered: Apr 2002
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rosesisland2000
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2001
posted
quote:Originally posted by Starphoenix: I appear to have bipolar disorder of some type, possibly Bipolar II. My Lyme psychiatrist says it's due to Lyme; I think it may have something to do with the fact that my father was bipolar, also.
OMG, I could've written that myself. I took Neurontin and couldn't really tell anything, other than it kept the seizures away a little.
quote:Originally posted by Starphoenix: What meds do you take? What side effects have you had? I'd like to hear about success and failure you may have had with mania drugs.
I take Depakote with Seroquel...I've just started on the Depakote...you have to have lots of blood work or I'd suggest you not go on the Depakote. I, personally, do not worry with the pkg inserts as most of what they are saying is stuff that covers their butts if someone sues them.
quote:Originally posted by Starphoenix: It may sound superficial, but I'm afraid of the weight gain, too. I became obese with steroids (which had been inaccurately prescribed before my diagnosis). I'm still at least overweight; I want to lose weight.
Well, I don't really know where my weight gain started from my quitting smoking in January or my taking Seroquel, but, last summer, size 4...this summer size 12...sad, very sad...I hate the weight gain part, but, my husband says he'd rather have me fat and sane than thin and making everyone around me miserable...so, take you pick.
quote:Originally posted by Starphoenix: I may be rambling now. It's 3:35 a.m., and I'm nowhere near ready for bed. I have so much to do, um, today, too. I hope I can get up before noon. I've been missing meds due to the sleep problems ('cuz I get up so late).
You'll find if you were to take your meds at night, you'll sleep better. I use to split them up during the day and was so hyped at night I couldn't sleep...so stop that, with your phy's ok, that is.
quote:Originally posted by Starphoenix: I am eating everything in sight now, too.
I understand your pain in this...I am raviness and can't seem to get full, it's like the survivor's on "Survivor" when they earn a food treat...I look like that when I am eating...well, at least I feel as I do.
Remember, YOU are not alone...
quote:Originally posted by Starphoenix: Last "night," (it was after 3 a.m.), I was loudly singing Christmas songs from bed while my husband got ready for work.
Have youstarted weaning off of the Lexapro?? The mania can be a withdrawal or even a drug interaction with the lexapro. I know the sleeplessness is and tyhe sleeping late and feeling fatigued.
Just a thought, I know you wanted to taper off the lexapro.
Posts: 677 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2002
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Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
It may turn out that indeed Lithium will help to substitute for another metal/mineral/electrolyte that is missing.
Keep in mind that Bb contains a protein kinase INHIBITOR and the inhibitors COMPETE with one another.
Here's some info.:
"Husseini Manji, MD, Director of the Neuropsychiatric Research Unit at the Detroit Medical Center, along with other laboratories, had been investigating the effects of both lithium and depakote on the protein kinase C system.
Dr. Manji has demonstrated that both these drugs bring about "very selective changes in protein kinase C in areas of the brain that we think are involved in manic-depressive illness" (Manji).
Dr. Manji shared in a speech, "So we wondered if dampening protein kinase C was how these medications work in mania.
If we had something that directly dampened protein kinase C, maybe it would be a new anti-manic medication."
And...
"Nearly all the protein kinase inhibitors that have been developed are ATP-competitive [1], although U0126, PD 98059, PD 184352 and Li+ are exceptions."
Lithium is an extremely "reactive" metal. There is a list of metals ie., the minerals...and the most active react with acids FIRST to produce hydrogen.
George Eby, developer of zinc lozenges and author of a HUGE documented Mg website, cured his own manic depression using Mg...over time...instead of the "traditional" lithium Rx.
Posts: 9424 | From Sunshine State | Registered: Mar 2001
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Starphoenix
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2402
posted
Thank you, all, for sharing your information, experience, and hope. I deeply appreciate it.
Aunty: I am staying on Lexapro at this time. I need both an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer. Thanks for checking in about this.
I have been afraid to take Depakote or Lamictal due to potentially life-threatening reactions. I know that only a small percentage have these reactions, and I try not to worry myself unnecessarily. I usually ignore the inserts and call my doctor if I experience anything unusual. I am afraid, though, because my ex-boyfriend died as a result of Depakote pancreatitis. It came on suddenly. He was only 43.
I will call my psychiatrist's office tomorrow. I'm due for a visit in a week and a half, but maybe I can get an Rx in the meantime, or move up my appointment.
I ordered "Bipolar Disorder For Dummies," too. Those Dummies books are actually quite good!
Steph
-------------------- Learning to love, and loving to learn. Posts: 1318 | From Shohola, PA | Registered: Apr 2002
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rosesisland2000
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2001
posted
Thanks Marnie, once again you have come to the rescue...I'm gonna talk with my doc about this.
posted
I take Neurontin for neuropathic pain, but also needed a mood stabilizer. The first one they tried me on was indeed Depakote. It helped immensely. After awhile, though, I began to feel "numb" -- no emotions. And I did gain weight. I asked to be taken off that, and they tried Topamax. Turns out I couldn't take that because of tingling in my hands and feet. Last, they tried Trileptal, a new relative of Tegretol. So far so good. I'm also on Prozac and Tranxene. I'm not without problems, but I've been doing okay for a long time now.
Posts: 459 | From Connecticut - just across the river from the Lymes (Old Lyme, Hadlyme, East Lyme, South Lyme & Lyme) | Registered: Oct 2000
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lymemomtooo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5396
posted
My daughter takes seroquil and lexapro..Also Valium for emergencies..The least side effects of all of the other meds so far..
Do not think she is bipolar, unless it is II..She only rarely has happy highs..Mostly in the past they have been angry ones..
Also, have you considered Bartonella..I think the family history may cloud the possibility of another culprit..It did so with us for over 5 years..Good luck..lymemomtooo
Posts: 2360 | From SE PA | Registered: Mar 2004
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Starphoenix
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2402
posted
Laurie: It's trial and error, eh? That's how it often seems to be. I'm glad you are having success with your current regimen. I hope it continues.
I asked about Trileptal, but my psychiatrist says she won't give that or Tegretol to Lyme patients because of a WBC effect(?). I dunno.
Lymemom: I'm sorry your daughter suffers. It is possible she's bipolar even without euphoria. There are two types of manic episodes, euphoric and agitated. I get both of them.
I do have Bartonella, too. It's a mixed bag. I have Lyme, Bart, and probably Babs (treating for all). I also have the family history.
I see my psychiatrist this Wednesday instead of next, thank goodness. I really need help. The not sleeping is making the TBDs worse. I am so sick right now, and I'm missing meds due to getting up late.
Yikes!
Steph
-------------------- Learning to love, and loving to learn. Posts: 1318 | From Shohola, PA | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
I know Tegretol can, in rare cases, cause serious anemia and may affect the white cells (infection fighting) as well. Trileptal (they tell me) is more benign. I keep getting my blood taken for immune response (and mine isn't great to begin with, even though I have lots of autoimmune stuff going on!). Incidentally my BP is way prior to the Lyme, but as it virtually crippled me a few years back when my neuro Lyme acted up, I am SURE Lyme/co-inf's made it worse.
Posts: 459 | From Connecticut - just across the river from the Lymes (Old Lyme, Hadlyme, East Lyme, South Lyme & Lyme) | Registered: Oct 2000
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Starphoenix
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2402
posted
Laurie: Our immune systems sure can be whacked, with low response but autoimmunity. It kind of reminds me of bipolar illness: our immunity can be depressed, but then it's overactive!
My CBC's have been good, but I get every cold that passes by. And I have autoimmune thyroid disease.
We have both acquired and innate immunity. Sometimes, with Lyme, the innate (cytokines and such) is out of whack.
Well, I'm gonna hash it all out with the psych tomorrow. I want to discuss the pros and cons of Depakote, Lamictal, Seroquel, and Trileptal.
Steph
-------------------- Learning to love, and loving to learn. Posts: 1318 | From Shohola, PA | Registered: Apr 2002
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quote:Originally posted by Starphoenix: I appear to have bipolar disorder of some type, possibly Bipolar II. My Lyme psychiatrist says it's due to Lyme; I think it may have something to do with the fact that my father was bipolar, also.
I saw this post and didn't know whether it applied or not. I have never been dx as bi-polar but with "seizure-like" activity. I took Depakote for 2 years (8x a day) to help control migraines. The only thing that it did was made me frustrated that I couldn't remember when I took the last pill and whether I had taken the next dose or not. It also made me gain weight.
I started taking Topamax in April 05 for migraine control. What I found what it took away "impulsive" thought processes and my carb cravings. It also had a few weird side effects that I outgrew in about 6 weeks - tingling lips, fingers, mispelling words (worse than usual).
When I went back to my neuro I asked him if I was bi-polar because I no longer had racing thoughts, I was more settled, could easily complete tasks (pre most recent tick bite) and then go on. I didn't impulse and rage at every turn. He laughed at me and asked how my migraines were.
I still take Topamax. Its probably why I am still sleeping well with LD and I'm not in as much pain as I could be. Also I've only had 1 major migraine since April 05. I recently reduced my dose by 1/2 since my weight has dropped.
-------------------- When I feel blue . . . . . . its time to take another breath Posts: 296 | From East Coast | Registered: Aug 2005
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Starphoenix
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 2402
posted
Hi, Elle.
I'm so glad you found relief with Topamax. I can't use it due to the rare eye effect. It had to be reported to the FDA!
I had an apparent allergic reaction to Lamictal, also. And my doctor doesn't like Depakote. I'm in despair. I hope I can find something suitable!
I can't take Neurontin.
I definitely have Bipolar Disorder, but I don't know what classification. (There are many.) I left a message, asking about this, but I left many afterwards about the allergy, and I haven't heard anything yet. They may not come in today. Hopefully, someone checks the messages soon.
Steph
-------------------- Learning to love, and loving to learn. Posts: 1318 | From Shohola, PA | Registered: Apr 2002
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