[ohlala]

After researching T3 and it's efficacy for relief of bipolar depression I ran it by my P-doc and after the appropriate thyroid tests he agreed to try it. I will start at 25 mcg. While my T3 was within the "normal" range, the studies have shown that bumping T3 up to what is considered higher than the norm successfully relieved treatment resistant BP depression. I am optimistic about this "trial" and happy that he is willing to prescribe it.

I asked if any of his other BP patients were on it and they're not, (so I'm the guinea pig), but since I did the research and proposed it I'm OK with that. I am also on Lamictal (Lamotrigine) 200 mgs. which has subtly worked it's magic on my depression as it was titrated up. I've had relief from the depression but I am still lethargic.

I've run the gamut of SSRI's and they weren't effective for me. I am also thankful for the "weight neutral" profile of Lamictal since I gained 20 lbs. over 6 months from comfort eating, depression, and a back injury. He suggested the T3 effect might be a "placebo effect" but I'll be the judge of that. They are doing clinical trials of T3 for BP at a major medical center in NY, but based on the studies so far I'm going for it.

If anyone here has tried T3 I'd appreciate feedback. I'll give an update as to wheter it works for me (or not)...

[Anneinside]

What is T3? A new drug? An enzyme? What? I've never heard of it.

[ohlala]

Originally Posted by Anneinside

What is T3? A new drug? An enzyme? What? I've never heard of it.

No, it is not new but it has not specifically been used for BP depression until recently. T3 is a thyroid hormone. Much success with initial studies thus far for the application to BP depression. In a controlled case study a remarkable (I remember over 60%) of BP patients had a complete remission! I'll post the specific journal documented article tomorrow. (Sorry too tired to access my sources tonight). It's not a "sexy" drug, that is one that is heavily marketed and promoted by Big Pharma. It's cheap! It is not psychcotropic, nor does it work on the brain via neuro-transmitters. It effects metabolism. What I understand from my research and my reading of the published research is that BP'ers may have a "higher requirement" for T3 than normals.

[ohlala]

I was wrong about the remission rate---33% had FULL remission. I am still exploring my favorites for the link to the journal studies.

[ohlala]

See corrected link to the article below...

[Confusedinomicon]

Plantar and digital dermatoglyphic characteristics of Zimbabwean subjects.

That's the title of the link I got. :\
Is this correct?

[ohlala]

Originally Posted by Confusedinomicon

Plantar and digital dermatoglyphic characteristics of Zimbabwean subjects.

That's the title of the link I got. :\
Is this correct?

OMG! Nooooo... I tried the link in the preview and it worked. Back to the drawing board. BTW, that's funny (but I'm so embarassed...)!

[ohlala]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19215985 - - Cached - Similar pages

Corrected link...

[Anneinside]

This is very interesting. It's not the best type of study (experimental, double blind is best) but still interesting Keep us informed on your progress please.