Bipolar & Paxil

[Delynbetter]

Went out with some friends last night who all know that I'm going through this withdrawal and get an earful every time we meet up on the latest I've learned...

One of their daughters has been diagnosed bipolar and was put on Paxil 2 weeks ago. We don't know the dosage, but her mother has been BEGGING her to not take it, to start tapering NOW, don't stop cold turkey, etc... She's 21, drinks alcohol and I'm not sure what else is in her history. I drink my beers also, but I drink them as far away from a dose as I can...and I've cut way down in my old age. I gave her mom this website, telling her to get both of them on here as soon as she can...and I'm praying that the publisher gets those books out to me REALLY quickly to me. Aw, heck. I'll just pring out a copy right now for them to start.

Anyway, My question - Suggestions of what has worked for bipolarism outside of SSRI's and such? We had a doc at the table, a neo-natal nurse, a Cert. Pharm. Tech (me) and the only thing they came up with was Wellbutrin. That's when I mentioned the no drinking with that. The girl's 21. Yeah. That's going to happen.

Yes, Darcy. This doc in NM will be another one recipient of your publication as soon as it arrives. Dang. I'm going to have to order another case of these! Check that quantity discount!

[rdjanis]

This is sad! I may be wrong but I thought that ssri's were not to be used with bi polar patients, that it can make them worse. Perhaps that is why wellbutrin was suggested.

I know of a member who does not visit often anymore and tried a supplement plan for his daughter, he swears it works and she has improved when she gets it..... I will pm him, both Laurie and I read up on it and there certainly was nothing in it that could hurt. I will find out for you the name of the product.

[Sage]

I was told I had mild bi-polar III because my anxiety gets so severely agitated (this apparently is now a form of the manic side of bi-polar according to a new "cutting edge" diagnosis). Shrinks are now wondering if unipolar really even exists. Anyway I have had one paxil-induced mania 10 years ago -- I wasn't taped on. Then I went on Paxil two more times with no problem. After another recent episode I'm on moderate doses of Lithium and Zoloft and I am down to .25 Klonopin once a day. I would never, ever in a million years choose Depakote (been on this -- HORRIBLE), Zyprexa, Neurontin or Lamictal over Lithium. But that is just me -- they know everything they need to know about Lithium (some side effects are not pretty) as it had been around for 55 years. The others are too new and Zyprexa and Neurontin are lawsuit material -- big time. Drinking booze isn't contraindicated with Lithium but I would not recommend it! I'm not pushing anything here...just giving my opinion based on my experience. Wellbutrin is bad for anxiety.

[Delynbetter]

Thank you so much! None of us liked the idea of Paxil for bipolar, but with the daughter being in another state...

Oh, wait. None of us like the idea of Paxil period. We couldn't come up with anything except the stuff we have known for 30 years. Anything I can pass along will be greatly appreciated!

[Delynbetter]

Sage, what do you consider as "your" best combination? (No, we won't put her on it, but it gives a starting place to investigate.)

[Sage]

For classic bipolar manic/depressive -- Lithium
for agitated anxiety/clinical depression -- Lithium and Zoloft with Klonopin if needed (especially if sleeping is an issue).
Personally I's stay away from the mood stabilizers I mentioned above and stick with the tried and true. 20 mg of Paxil was a lot more sedating and "fattening" than 100mg's of Zoloft for me. I also didn't do well on Lexapro. I'd stay away from Xanax too -- too short acting.

[neogbf]

There is mounting evidence that antidepressants are destabilizing for bipolar disorder. That said, an accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder is not easy, especially when ''agitated depression'' is the basis for it.

[damama]

I thought ssri's weren't NOT protocol for bipolar? I know someone who is on lithium for bipolar. I also recently found out my sis-in-law is bipolar but I didn't find out what med she is taking. I hope your friend switches doc's because I'm almost positive ssri's are not used for bipolar.....at least not that I've heard. Good luck!

[Delynbetter]

I hope someone in their family has made it to this site. I'll see them tomorrow...uh, later this morning. Went "ghost hunting" tonight. Didn't realize what time it is. YIKES!

[rdjanis]

Ok, the supplement is 'Niacin'...... apparently when their daughter takes this she calms completely, no signs of hallucination, voices, if she stops it starts back up again.

So do some reading about it, I have had no experience with it just heard about it through someone else.