Back from 1st apt..got dysmythia..anyone know anything about it? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

sharonamy · 04-23-2007, 11:47 AM

Ok went to pdoc today cos sure bp. He says no, i have recurring depression ( think i worked that one out after 42 years)! and dysmythia. Can find no info on this. Anyone know anything about it. He has started me on tegretol. What can you tell me about tegretol?? Really grateful for any help.

Amy50 · 04-23-2007, 12:11 PM

Hi Sharon, the reason you can't find anything on it is because you misspelled it. Try again with dysthymia. When you research Tegretol put the word bipolar next to it because it has many uses. Of course, you can search it by itself also just to see what it's all about. Glad you got a diagnosis and are on your way to proper treatment!

sharonamy · 04-23-2007, 12:31 PM

thanks amy.

tsohl · 04-23-2007, 03:10 PM

Hi Sharonamy,

Were you able to get everything out that you wanted to tell him? Do you feel the pdoc got a good idea of what you are experiencing?

The definition I like for dysthemic disorder or dysthymia which is definitely in layman's terms, is low-grade depression. It is not as severe or all-encompassing as unipolar depression, but it lasts at least 2 years.

Tegretol is an anti-seizure med. that is used as a mood stabilizer. My son takes it along with lithium and Lamictal. There are usually a few side effects when you first begin, but these usually go away quite soon.

How do you feel about all this?

Tsohl

sharonamy · 04-24-2007, 03:22 AM

thanks tshol. not sure how i feel this morning. i have been on antidepressants constantly for 20 years cos with out them im suicidal within a fornight so i would nt call that low grade depression. i understand that with medication this is what it looks like. tried to get everything out but no mention on bp. pdoc upped my 40mg prozac to 60mg a day and has added tegretol. I am also on propanalol and zopiclone. He said the tegretol should help with extreme irritability/ rage i experience. Heres hoping!