Melinda,

I'm so sorry that you have having such trouble. The info you have been given about some anti-depressants making BP worse is correct. I was improperly diagnosed with depression and was given Paxil CR, took it a few years and I ended up with full blown manic/depression. I was in a psych hospital because of it.

I am currently on carbazepine, (Tegretol), and it has been my lifesaver. It works wonderful in keeping my moods stabilized. I have to have blood work every year to make sure my Tegretol level is within the therapeutic range and a liver test, to make sure it's functioning properly. (You may have to have a Tegretol level a few times to get it adjusted in the beginning. I don't think that they are too expensive. I take 400mg of Tegretol twice a day, and it was about $30.00 a month. Now I get my meds through patient assistance programs that I found through www.needymeds.com. Give them a try too!!

Best wishes with you new pdoc and new meds!!!!

Sincerely,
Katy