My husband went to see his PDOC yesterday... - Family & Friends of the Mentally Ill Message Board

Kymberlee · 09-29-2006, 03:05 PM

I asked him how it went and he said,"Oh, good." I always need to ask tons of questions about his Appt. because he WON'T share unless I do. I asked more questions and found out that he has decreased his dose on the Effexor. He told me that he felt "too druged up" and told the Doc that he has been feeling better. He is also on Remeron. To my knowledge, he is still on the same dose for this med. His Doc had given him Lamical about 2 months ago and I asked my husband, "Are you going to try that med. out?" He said, "No. I'm feeling better now." One of my questions is: Do Doc's give this drug to treat only Bipolar or for depression as well???

I think that my husband has the symtoms of cyclethymia (sp?) which I've heard is like Bipolar 2. He is more on the depressed side and very angry at everything and everyone else. He has always told me that it's MY fault or our little boy's fault that he's so depressed and angry. Anyway, thanks for any replies. Kymberlee.

marshmallow · 09-30-2006, 12:23 PM

kim I can relate to being the cause of all their problems. My marriage is falling apart because he won't take responsibility for his illness and thinks it is my fault. Your one step ahead of me at least he takes meds. BUT I know it still is not easy. Hugs to you.

goody2shuz · 09-30-2006, 01:10 PM

Hi, Kym

The Effexor and Remeron are both antidepressants....I do know that when they introduce meds if they give a sedated effect they will make adjustments whether it be in the dosage or the time it should be taken.

As far as the Lamictal....that is considered to be a mood stabilizer with antidepressive effects as well. With Bipolar it is best to treat it with a mood stabilizer when using an antidepressant in order to take care of the manic components of the imbalance. i have heard that Lamictal is given to people experiencing depression as well but is most effective as an add on med.

Hope this helps answer some of your questions.

(((HUGS))) ~ Goody

Kymberlee · 09-30-2006, 05:19 PM

Goody, Yes, thanks! It does answer some of my questions. I'm not sure if he has depression or bipolar illness. Either way, it's an illness and everyone on this board & the depression board are very helpful. Also very understanding, which is wonderful! Marsh, yes, this is very hard! Even when a person is on meds. is doesn't mean all is 'well'. My husband has been on & off meds. for years. There is still a lot of denial going on with him. His PDOC has told him MANY times to get counseling along with his meds. He'll go for about one session, then quit and say that I'm the one who needs a 'shrink'. I've been in counseling for years because of his illness and a major car crash that happened back in 2001. I have to say that I'm glad that I have been in counseling--it has helped me tons! Marsh, are you in counseling for yourself? I hope so. Take it from one who knows--it will help to talk it all out!

Thanks for replying to my post! Kym.

marshmallow · 10-01-2006, 07:41 AM

Kym that is the same thing my husband does. He goe to a pdoc or tdoc once or twice and then says I am the one that needs it. Yes, I have been seeing a therapist. It does help. It can be so draining when you love a person and they wont help themselves.