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Mood stabilizers

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Posted 7/7/2007 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi just wondering if anyone here takes mood stabilizers, and if so which one?

 

I am struggling with really erratic moods and just really wondering if its what i need.  I am on anti d's and doing CBT but my moods are really up and down.

 

Any thoughts or comments or anything welcome.

 

Thanks xx

Posted 7/7/2007 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
Angel,

I have taken several mood stabilizers in the past 2 years.  I have take Lamictal for about 1 1/2 years, Trileptal (about 3-4 months), and I am currently taking Lithium (a little more than a year).  There are plently more out there so you should discuss with your doctor which one you should take. 

Best Wishes,  :-)

Posted 7/8/2007 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
Hi angel, I take Abilify, but have had troubles with it, as it causes me extreme fatigue, even though I take it at night. I was advised to go up to a higher amount when I was diagnosed as bi-polar recently, but couldn't tolerate, so went back down low, but I do think it helps some. There are supposed to be a number of these types of meds available, definitely talk to your provider. take care, denali
Posted 7/8/2007 3:18 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Angel:

I have been on Lamictal for about 9 months now.  Prior to this I literally felt that I was going crazy as my mood swings ranged from downright depressed to very angry.  And they often changed several times in a day.  Lamictal has made such a difference for me.  It has kept my mood stable which in turn has helped me to focus better.  I started off at 100 mg. but about one month ago my therapist (i.e. APRN) increased the dose to 150 mg as it didn't seem to be working as well anymore.  This helped me to balance out again.

Good luck with whichever med. you end up trying.  I feel for you.  Mood swings are definately the worse!

Cass

Posted 7/8/2007 12:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Angel

I have been on so many different meds in my life,but have not tried any of those.

I did find some info on the net though...

addadhdadvances.com/moodstabilizers.html



You have been getting alot of great advice,hopefully it helps ease your mind.

good luck and keep us posted.

Shy
Posted 7/8/2007 12:14 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Angel,

What is your dx?  Depression (of some type) or Bi-polar?  I've never heard of ppl taking mood stabilizers unless they're bp.  From my own personal experience, the mood stabilizers when taken alone (meaning not comibined w/any anti-depressants) made my depression worse.  However it is also a well known fact that AD's increase mania or h-mania when used (by themselves) for treatment of bp or mood disorders.

So I think for me if I ever were to go back on meds, I would have to have a combination.

All meds are different.  Do you have a pdoc?  Definitely talk to him/her.  I wonder what your mood swings are like?  Is your pdoc aware?  I was initially dx w/depression for years, but was really bp maybe all along, but definitely for the last few years.

It is extremely common for depression dx to come first and then eventually bp dx comes along.

Talk to your pdoc/doc, my thougts are with you.  Moods swing/disorders are very tough.

Take care scool P.S. Awesome that you're doing the CBT!

Posted 7/8/2007 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Angel,

Its nice to hear from you again. Im glad that you are on AD's and have started CBT. Im sorry that your moods are out of whack at the moment but hopefully this is only a temporary problem. I dont take mood stabalisers myself, but im sure there are no shortage of people here who do.

Best Wishes

Darren

Posted 7/8/2007 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and thanks for all your replies.

 

I dont think i am bipolar.  I was diagnosed with major depression last year.  Things have got easier but i am noticing that my moods are very erattic.

I am on anti d's and doing CBT but i am finding that very hard.  It is easy to say about my thoughts but doing what i am meant to is what i am struggling with.  How can i change my thoughts when  i dont even know what has made my moods go down? (you dont have to answer that)

 

That is basically what CBT is, challenging your thoughts.  I dont even know what my negative thoguhts are most of the time.

 

I have a pdoc, i dont see her much.  But i have a social worker i see regularly.  Also my therapist.

 

I just wanted to find out about them thats all. 

 

Thanks again.

Posted 7/8/2007 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Angel,
Hey there, I wanted to wait and see what the members had to say about the mood stabliizers........................you know I am for you talking with your Dr. to get on one. Your moods are all over the place and I feel so sad to know you are feeling better and then crash daily.
Please take the advice here and see about the meds. You must advocate for you as no one is going to come strolling through the door with a magic pill.
So for you and your children, ask for the med and do not just say ok if they say naw..........I don't think so. You explain to them how your days are and see if they would like to live your life for a week.
You go girl........................this is Mum Kitt
((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))
Posted 7/8/2007 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
My sw, who is my care co ordinator thinks that the CBT is the answer. I have tried to tell her what i think but it just does not come out right. I have not got the confidence. And after all she is the professional and i am just the depressed person who has not got a clue.
Posted 7/8/2007 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
Sometimes Drs. perscribe mood stabilizes if the current AD are not working for the individual. Some meds out there for BP, like Lamictal has been somewhat successful for people who are depressed. But Angel, if you are nervous about it, you should get a 2nd opinion.
Posted 7/9/2007 9:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Angel,

Have you tried writing down what you want to say to your sw? The night before you are due to see her, try writing down how you feel and what your opinion of the CBT is etc... Sometimes it is easier for us to write than to vocalise. Then just give her the letter and let her read it.

Just a thought

Darren
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