Jump to content

Best med(s) for mood swings?


Recommended Posts

Hey guys. So, I have dysthymia and my mood is always low, but it sort of swings around. It goes from mildly depressed (aka feeling crappy but able to function) to severely depressed (wanting to curl up on the floor and cry, absolutely miserable, sometimes feeling suicidal)... and sort of in between, then it goes back up and down etc. This happens more times everyday than I can count, making me constantly feel like I'm on an emotional roller coaster. I've been on quite a few anti-depressants and they've never helped with my mood or the mood swings. I mentioned this to my shrink and mentioned mood stabilizers but he said he's not convinced that it helps those with dysthymia. Does anyone have any med suggestions (suggesting a specific mood stabilizer is also fine)? It's really frustrating and I don't want to feel this way forever. Thanks in advance for suggestions :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just want to say that I have MDD and Dysthymia and I believe they can be helpful. The gold standard is Lamictal, but that's by no means all there is. I've also had luck with Lithium. I would just leave it open for your pdoc to find one that's right for you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

yes if you haven't augmented with an aap that might be worth a shot.

lamictal may or may not work. however, it might well be the first AC to try for depression, specifically.

Lithium also may or may not work. Much shorter titration period, so you'd find out sooner.....

Anna

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The gold standard is Lamictal[...]

For Lenox-Gestaut Syndrome, but a depressive disorder? Not so much.

Point. I still think it's rather common and useful overall - much more so than say Depakote or Topamax with Depression.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you haven't tried Welbutrin, it is worth trialing since it works differently than the SSRIs and Pristique. You could also try a couple tricyclic antidepressants. As others have mentioned, supplementing with Abilify or Seroquel XR (which has commercials out now, oy) might help as could adding Lithium or replacing with Lamictal. Even from there, there are yet more options.

I would try the Welbutrin first, btw. It is the simplest and has a fairly low side effect profile.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm on Lamictal and it's working pretty good for me. My mood swings are usually depressed to mania or a mixed state. I agree with Stacia, I am also on Wellbutrin and have been for years and I also like that. I hope you find what you're looking for.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...