Cyclothymia meds newbie

[Shamindo]

I've been diagnosed with cyclothymia (I also have ADHD) and the psychiatrist wants me to change my meds that I'm on to something more suitable for Cyclothymia. Right now I'm taking an SSRI which is sorta doing something...but not so much. I went there complaining that the SSRI was making me numb with my emotions, putting on weight and just all round unmotivated. When she started talking about bipolar meds, I have to be honest, I was ****ting myself. I had heard they are pretty debilitating. She printed of a bunch for me to read about until our next appointment. I feel really nervous about starting them. Lamictal seems like the only one that doesn't affect weight gain. because my mood swings are mild compared to full bipolar, I am wondering if it is worth the effects of the medication. Does anyone have any good experiences with these meds or any recommendations of which ones to try first?

[peripatetic]

greetings,

i'm neither bipolar nor do i have experience with lamictal. however, i'm posting to let you know that there's a section you might want to poke around in: http://www.addforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=327

that's called anti convulsants, but it's really meds used as mood stabilizers for the most part. lithium would be in there, to, for example, despite not being an anticonvulsant.

[sarahsweets]

I dont necessarily think bipolar meds are any more debilitating than other meds depending on the issue they treat. Untreated mental illness is more debilitating than the medications used to treat it. I have BPII and I take : cymbalta, lamictal, buspar, and geodon.

[Roxx1980]

Originally Posted by Shamindo

I've been diagnosed with cyclothymia (I also have ADHD) and the psychiatrist wants me to change my meds that I'm on to something more suitable for Cyclothymia. Right now I'm taking an SSRI which is sorta doing something...but not so much. I went there complaining that the SSRI was making me numb with my emotions, putting on weight and just all round unmotivated. When she started talking about bipolar meds, I have to be honest, I was ****ting myself. I had heard they are pretty debilitating. She printed of a bunch for me to read about until our next appointment. I feel really nervous about starting them. Lamictal seems like the only one that doesn't affect weight gain. because my mood swings are mild compared to full bipolar, I am wondering if it is worth the effects of the medication. Does anyone have any good experiences with these meds or any recommendations of which ones to try first?

This is just my experience, but when I was first prescribed Lamictal, I experienced some 'forgetfulness' in the first month or so-like being in the middle of a conversation(or even sentence) and having a 'duh' moment of totally losing train of thought. This has been the case for about a month after any dosage increases that I have had, as well. However, after the initial month it seems to have always gone away. At least I hope so, may just have forgotten it was going on-lol. But honestly, no other side effects noticed with the Lamictal. Keep in mind that everyone is different and my positive experience isn't a guarantee you'll have the same. If it doesn't suit you, however, you always have options.

[Lash107]

Lamictal is an excellent medication for me. I won’t take any meds that cause daytime sedation or weight gain. I did make an exception for Lithium, as I was in a very bad mixed episode.....I gained forty lbs and lost it when I went off it. That’s the only med I have gained on. However, we all react differently to meds.

I’ve tried numerous medications over the years. Lamictal is the only one I have stayed on since the beginning. I do well on Geodon as an AAP and have lost weight on it. Abilify was weight-neutral for me.

Zyprexa is a notorious weight gainer. It works well for many, but my pdoc won’t prescribe it to any patients due to the weight gain.

I also take Wellbutrin, Lexapro, Klonopln and Adderall IR.

I have bipolar 1, rapid cycling with occasional psychotic features and mixed episodes are my “predominant” mood state. It’s rough but I have a great psychiatrist and therapist.

The above is the best med combo for me, it took 8 years to get there, being treatment-resistant.

PM me anytime for support. I can’t give medical advice but I can support you and share my experiences as to meds...I have tried so many meds over the years. I have some anxiety disorders, too.

I relate to your trepidation about meds. They are a necessity for me, I’m always med-compliant. But a lot of people can manage with less. I’m hoping to reduce my medication at some point, with the guidance of my pdoc.

[sarahsweets]

I have BPII and I take: Cymbalta, Lamictal, Buspar, and Geodon to control it.

[LyrinMeow]

Originally Posted by sarahsweets

I have BPII and I take: Cymbalta, Lamictal, Buspar, and Geodon to control it.

I'd probably be classified as BP I. No one ever really told me. They just medicate me for it. BP I or BP-NOS. I don't know if they would put severe mixed episodes in what category. Google tells me I. I had psychosis as well. Which I think qualifies as BP I.

Lamictal made me manic. Geodon did nothing for me. Psych told me not to even bother with Buspar. I know my roommate didn't do well on Buspar.

I was sitting outside today and came to the realization that I felt content. Or what I think of content as being. It was strange. On the ride home I started getting depressed again though.

Current mix: Celexa, Elavil, Risperdal, Klonopin, Ativan.