Hi All,

I was diagnosed BP1 30 years ago. I haven't had a manic episode (full on psychotic breaks- total breaks with reality) in 28 years. The manic episodes were so devastating, so destructive that I still suffer from PTSD because of them. They happened because when I was first diagnosed I refused to take my prescribed med- lithium. Three years ago I started having problems with my kidneys so my Pdoc took me off lithium and put me on lamictal. The most insidious part of my BP1 symptoms is that I rapid cycle into depression. I have horrible, mind bending major depressive episodes (MDE) that lead to frequent thoughts of suicide. I have taken EVERY anti-depressive med I could that is safe to take as a BP1 and NONE have worked. My Pdoc has now recommended 10mg of Prozac one time per week. I have always been told to NEVER take a standard anti-depressant- especially Prozac- because of the threat of it causing manic episodes. It’s not that I don’t trust my Pdoc- he says new research has shown that 10mg of Prozac once a week will significantly help. I’m posting to see if anyone who has similar history like mine can confirm this research, taken Prozac or think this a good idea or bad idea. I’m in a MDE right now and almost (almost) want to risk a manic episode if it will cut through this depression. But then again… I don’t want to lose everything again like I have in the past. Please help.