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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lexie on September 6, 2000, at 6:48:30
Does anyone have any experience with which medications work well with anxeity and Bipolar? I am currently taking Topamax and Desipramine. I have recently experieced incredible anxiety to the point that my stomach hurts all of the time and heart is pounding. I don't know how much more of this I can take. I see the doctor this week. I just want everything to stop. I didn't know it could get this bad. Too bad I don't have a circuit breaker. Any Suggestions? Lexie
Posted by Mania on September 6, 2000, at 12:31:19
In reply to Bipolar and Anxiety, posted by Lexie on September 6, 2000, at 6:48:30
Hi...
In my case Lithium and Absenor (antiepileptica) works well on my bipolar disorder.
And to that my doc put Seroxat (SSRI) and Remeron (goes on serotonin and dopamin).
If I only eat meds for my bipolar disorder I fell down in a deep depression with anxiety and panic disorder.
I also have Imovane if I can't sleep. And Stesolid (diazepam) if I feel worried.I hope you and your doc find whats best for you.
A Big Hug
Mania
> Does anyone have any experience with which medications work well with anxeity and Bipolar? I am currently taking Topamax and Desipramine. I have recently experieced incredible anxiety to the point that my stomach hurts all of the time and heart is pounding. I don't know how much more of this I can take. I see the doctor this week. I just want everything to stop. I didn't know it could get this bad. Too bad I don't have a circuit breaker. Any Suggestions? Lexie
Posted by Chris A. on September 6, 2000, at 17:29:46
In reply to Re: Bipolar and Anxiety » Lexie, posted by Mania on September 6, 2000, at 12:31:19
Dear Lexie,
Klonopin (clonozepam) works best for anxiety associated with my ultra rapid cycling and bipolar mixed states. It is a benzodiazepine that is used for anxiety, as an anticonvulsant and also has some mood stabilizing effects. It has a long half life, meaning it stays in your system longer. That quality helps keep serum levels steady so you don't get dumped like some of the shorter acting ones do. Short acting ones tended to make my moods worse. Keeping the doses small and backing off of it when possible has helped me to avoid any problems with addiction. It has less potential for addiction than other benzos. I do keep a small amount of lorazepam around and take a very small amount if the anxiety gets really out of hand and I desperately need sleep. With the Klonopin on board it doesn't seem to have the let down that it does when taken alone. My doses of Klonpin are .5 mg at bedtime and .125 mg. in the a.m. About once a month I'll add .5 mg of Lorazepam. Getting the bipolar under control can also be productive. Sometimes antidepressants are counterproductive, in that they add to cycling, actually making the depression and anxiety worse. We are still experiementing with meds (sigh). Just when when 'normal' seems like a possibility it crashes in on me again.Hope this helps.
Blessings,
Chris A.
Posted by Greg on September 6, 2000, at 17:53:25
In reply to Bipolar and Anxiety, posted by Lexie on September 6, 2000, at 6:48:30
Hi Lexie,
I'm Bipolar II and have acute anxiety. I'm REAL familiar with the heart pounding and the stomach aches. I've really been having a hard time finding a combo that will help me, but my current one is making me hopeful. My med "cocktail" currently consists of Paxil (30mgs daily) for the lower level anxiety, Xanax (.5mg as needed) for severe anxiety, Depakote (375mgs daily) for the rapid cycling, Tegretol (200mgs when needed for the severe mood swings), Ambien (10mgs at bedtime) for sleep and Vitamin B-6 'cause my pdoc says it aids with endorphine production. I think the Paxil is pretty useless, but my pdoc is determined to keep me on it for awhile longer. I'm finally starting to feel some balance although I still have a long way to go.
I hope you get a lot of input to this. it's tough when you feel like nothing is working, but stay after it, you'll find what's right for you. If it helps to know that someone understands, I know EXACTLY what you're going thru. You aren't alone.
I wish you all the best, and please let me know how you're doing from time to time.
Hugs,
GregP.S. Ny niece and nephew just had a baby and they named her Lexie. Very cool huh?
> Does anyone have any experience with which medications work well with anxeity and Bipolar? I am currently taking Topamax and Desipramine. I have recently experieced incredible anxiety to the point that my stomach hurts all of the time and heart is pounding. I don't know how much more of this I can take. I see the doctor this week. I just want everything to stop. I didn't know it could get this bad. Too bad I don't have a circuit breaker. Any Suggestions? Lexie
Posted by Lexie on September 7, 2000, at 20:11:02
In reply to Re: Bipolar and Anxiety » Lexie, posted by Greg on September 6, 2000, at 17:53:25
Hi Everyone, My doctor increased the Topamax and is taking me off the Desipermine, it is like Chris said the TCA's can really mess with the Mood Stabilizer and aparantly that is what is happeining to me. As for the stomach he has given me Zantac and for not sleeping 10 mgs. of Ambien. I want all of you to know how much it means to me to have received your messages over the last few days. I have really been down and each time I thought I couldn't take anymore another message of encouragement would come through. Thank you all so much. I am feeling hopeful. I hope I can be there if any of you ever need a shoulder. Thanks again. Smiles, Lexie
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