Managing the munchies–a typical problem with the atypicals

Are there people out there who have been on Abilify for awhile (3 months to several years) who continue to have an increased appetite from it? Or does this side effect eventually stabilize and no longer be a part of daily life?

I am trying to be patient with being on Abilify b/c I think . . . → Read More: Managing the munchies–a typical problem with the atypicals

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

It's not just about the receptors . . . Sometimes it's just about common sense

Dell writes in with an issue . . . but I think the real issue is deeper than the chemistry . . .

I’ve just been prescribed Vyvanse for refractory Clinical Depression. I was hospitalized twice decades ago then was started on a regimen of dexedrine which I never abused. It got me through . . . → Read More: It's not just about the receptors . . . Sometimes it's just about common sense

SHOCKING!!! The role of ECT in the treatment of mental illness

I just have a question for you: what are your views on ECT – mine are completely negative since I have had so many and they did absolutely NOTHING for me but cause long term memory loss.

There is absolutely NOTHING that will scare a patient more than when the doc starts bringing up ECT–electroconvulsive . . . → Read More: SHOCKING!!! The role of ECT in the treatment of mental illness

Antidepressants make your anxious kid go BONKERS??? . . . a fine time for a mood stabilizer!!

My seven yr old son was diagnoised with Generalized Anxiety Disorder 1 1/2 yrs ago when it appeared he had a panic attack in school which led to two months of severe anxiety to the point where he could not leave the house. He was put on zoloft and went manic on that. We had . . . → Read More: Antidepressants make your anxious kid go BONKERS??? . . . a fine time for a mood stabilizer!!

A duty to listen . . . you don't violate confidentiality if you keep your mouth shut

My daughter’s father has recently (within the last week)begun taking an antidepressant for depression. He and I had been getting along well with no fights or hostility depsite some disagreements during this time. We are divorced but are friends and are able to attend family functions and cooperate as to our child 95% of the . . . → Read More: A duty to listen . . . you don't violate confidentiality if you keep your mouth shut

What's a little chest pain when I can at least pay attention to the ER doc when he tells me I've had my first heart attack!

This one made me a bit worried . . .

I am a 30 year old male, and I’ve been taking stimulant ADD meds for about 15 years. The last 5 years I’ve been on Metadate CD 60mg every AM. Worked pretty good, and insurance covered most of it.My doctor switched me to Focalin . . . → Read More: What's a little chest pain when I can at least pay attention to the ER doc when he tells me I've had my first heart attack!

Treat or wait? The annual ADHD question

With the start of September, all thoughts turn to . . . medicating our kids??? Well, as bad as that can sound to some, it IS time for the annual debate. A question for which there is no clear answer. Let’s examine several scenarios and I’ll give some suggestions . . .

We’ll start with . . . → Read More: Treat or wait? The annual ADHD question

Rash from Lamictal . . . do you have to stop it?

This letter brings up an important question about Lamictal . . .

I’m a 45 y/o female properly diagnosed and treated as bipolar for 1 & 1/2 years. Prior to this diagnosis, I was treated soley for depression for 10 years (the last 5 as refractory.) I am presently doing GREAT on Lamictal 200mg daily . . . → Read More: Rash from Lamictal . . . do you have to stop it?

Vyvanse–the medication you can't get to

Just a short entry this evening. A little bit of a rant and rave. I’ve been trying to gain more experience with Vyvanse. So far, the patients that I have taken it have given mostly favorable reviews. Not perfect, but none of these poisons I prescribe are. Problem is . . . the insurance companies . . . → Read More: Vyvanse–the medication you can't get to