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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
What is the most effective antidepressant for bipolar?
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
What is the most effective antidepressant for bipolar?
by Emily, Jun 18, 2000 12:00AM
I have been on 7 different antidepressants and combinations of antidepressants, and have taken 14 ECTs without success. I have been recently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. My psychiatrist is increasing my dosage of Neurontin, and decreasing my dosage of Prozac. His goal is to get me off of the antidepressants completely, however, I become extremely suicidal when I am not on an antidepressant, so I won't allow the "washout" he is attempting. My question is, what antidepressant would be effective, and not cause anxiety, as the Prozac, and other SSRI's have done? Also, can Neurontin cause urinary retention? Thank you for your help! Emily
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS MD-JM, Jun 18, 2000 12:00AM
Emily,
I recommend that you continue to work on these concerns with your psychiatrist. Some of the mood-stabilizers like Lithium, Lamictal and Neurontin are considered to have some antidepressant efficacy. As a rule ECT is the most effective treatment of depression. The MAOI inhibitors are probably the most effective medications. I hope this was helpful. My beleief is the least amount of medication one needs to be on to maintain stability is the best amount.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
I recommend that you continue to work on these concerns with your psychiatrist. Some of the mood-stabilizers like Lithium, Lamictal and Neurontin are considered to have some antidepressant efficacy. As a rule ECT is the most effective treatment of depression. The MAOI inhibitors are probably the most effective medications. I hope this was helpful. My beleief is the least amount of medication one needs to be on to maintain stability is the best amount.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
