Making Effexor more Effective for depression and anxiety

Anne writes in . . . (I) am currently taking effexor. effectiveness marginal. still depressed and still anxious in social circumstances, perhaps, I just need more time with that aspect. what, if any other drug might I combine with the effexor to help with the depression?

The first step, of course, is to make sure . . . → Read More: Making Effexor more Effective for depression and anxiety

Managing Bipolar During HepC Treatment Without Losing Your Liver

I have been on Interferon/Ribovarin (HepC TX) and also have Chronic Fatigue Sydrome separate from HepC. I have been on TX for 6 mos now and the depression is TRULY starting to come through. MY CONCERN is that I am 10 months drug/alcohol free, menopausal & bipolar. I have NOT taken anti-depressants since 2006 because . . . → Read More: Managing Bipolar During HepC Treatment Without Losing Your Liver

A difficult case

A colleague writes in . . .

I’m a therapist working with an adolescent with a rapid cycling bi-polar, and the episodes of suicidal thoughts are not improving, the psychiatrist is working on the meds, we seem to have a good week and a bad week, where episodes of deep depression hit most days . . . → Read More: A difficult case

When is Lamictal Good for Regular Old Depression?

In our striving to provide our patients with the latest, the greatest and the newest treatments for one condition or another, many psychiatrists go out on a limb to try new things. Some of us go wwwwaaaaaayyyyy out on a limb. There are two sides to this, of course. You don’t want a shrink who . . . → Read More: When is Lamictal Good for Regular Old Depression?

Rapid-cycling Bipolar II–what to do . . . what to do

Jeff writes in with a common problem . . . feeling kind of crappy on the medicine:

Hey doctordan, I was in counseling for 11 months. Blah. The same questions over and over. Point being, I dont need to talk . Honestly. I’m a smart cookie. Now, ONTO the LAMICTAL I have been diagnosed with . . . → Read More: Rapid-cycling Bipolar II–what to do . . . what to do

A warning . . .

Joanne writes in with a warning . . .

From The FDA Enforcement Report 1/30/08 PRODUCT Lithium Carbonate Extended Release Tablets, USP, 450 mg, 90 and100 count bottles, Rx only, NDC 0143-1277-01, Recall # D-085-2008 CODE 100 count bottle; Lot number 62395C, Exp. Date 3/2008, 90 count bottle; Lot number 62395B, Exp. Date 3/2008 . . . → Read More: A warning . . .

Weight gain and Bipolar Medication

Amber writes in to say . . .

I am 20 and have just recently been diagnosed with Bipolar Type II. Right away my doctor prescribed me Lamictal, in addition to my Welbutrin…then added lithium. It all just seems too much. I have been taking birth control for years now and I am afraid that . . . → Read More: Weight gain and Bipolar Medication