[NikkiLLL]

ok so some of you may know that i've been really depressed lately. in my last post i told you that i went to a doctor who gave me an initial diagnosis. we haven't discussed meds because i wanted to know more. but that was it. then i knew that my doctor is moving to another city. anyway i went to a new psychiatrist 3 days ago. and it was, i don't know, strange. i knew i should've made a list of everything i wanted to tell him. my head has a very annoying habit of going blank when i need important information. but as expected i didn't write anything down. all that managed to come out was that i'm really depressed, tired, irritable, forgetful and experiencing persistent obsessive thoughts. it was horrible. he was asking me questions and at times i was like i don't know, i'm not sure, its hard to say. i said almost nothing about manic symptoms.
but he gave me meds. is that normal? from the first time? maybe its my delusional paranoia but i felt like he was trying to cut it short and treat the symptoms. i was alone with him for no more than 15 mins. when he found that i didn't have much to say ( which couldn't be further from the truth!) he was asking me hows my mood, sleep, if was experiencing psychosis. i felt that he should've been more specific because these broad terms were just words to me and i wasn't accurate with my answers. urgh never mind i feel like i ruined it.
these are the meds he gave me. Moodapex 50 ml + (2) Dogmtail 50 ml + (1/2) Remeron 30 ml. these are the daily doses. please let me know what you think, if you've ever been on them, if i should prepare for any side effects? i've been on them for almost 2 days know. i feel less anxiety which is great but i'm sleepy & needing much more sleep. my finals are in 2 weeks and all i want is to function until then.
but its kinda hard to say about the depression. i still feel it. but not as bad as it was last week.

[bipolarmedstudent]

Okay.
Moodapex = serteraline (zoloft in North America). This is an SSRI antidepressant. The usual dose is 50-200 mg, so you are at the low end on that. Common side effects (>10% of people) are: drowsiness, sedation, insomnia, hypomania, headache, dry mouth, tremor, dizziness, upset stomach, and sexual side effects.

Remeron = mirtazapine. This is a noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA antidepressant). The usual dose is 15-60 mg.
Common side effects are drowsiness, sedation, fatigue, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and weight gain.

Dogmtail = Sulpiride. This is an atypical antipsychotic, often used in major depression. The usual dose for depression is 50-200 mg. A common side effect is lactation.

What do I think of what he prescribed you? I think it's a lot of meds, all at low doses. it's also what you would prescribe someone with serious major depression, but not really what you would prescribe someone with bipolar. Did you tell him you are bipolar?

What I would do is call and say you are experiecing major side effects and book a follow-up with him soon. The next time you see him, bring with you a record of your past psychiatrist history (type it out). I did this when I went to see my new psychiatrist, and it was very helpful. I typed out all my past meds (and what side effects I had with them), my diagnoses, my symptoms, my family psychiatric history, etc. Then we went through it together. That way you won't forget to mention this or that.

In the meantime, if you are feeling too sleepy to study, I would try cutting out the Remeron. Remeron is a great drug for depression, but unfortunately it causes most people significant sedation. Cutting it out (at least for now, until your exams are over) should help.

Good luck!

[NikkiLLL]

What do I think of what he prescribed you? I think it's a lot of meds, all at low doses. it's also what you would prescribe someone with serious major depression, but not really what you would prescribe someone with bipolar. Did you tell him you are bipolar?


no i kinda forgot to talk about symptoms of mania that i've had. i was really depressed and it felt like a hazy memory. & with the last doctor it was just one appointment & not a final diagnosis he gave me . & i haven't had any psychiatric care before. so i don't have a lot of experience. this was the 1st time. i was nervious. i will try to see him again soon. thank you

[Victoria'smom]

With my first Pdoc it was 15 min. but through the years my Dx kept changing. With my new Pdoc an intake therapist took three hours with me asking questions, clarifying what he was asking, and labeling what program he thinks I should be in. This takes about one to three hours. Then I was assigned a pdoc and therapist.

When I went to Pdoc he already had everything the intake person wrote, had a dx, talked about the medication he would/would not allow me on and the effects of each. Then asked for clarification with some things, we talked, he asked if I wanted to try any of the medications, I asked if it was him what would he take and walked out with a prescription of lamictal. Took all in all 30 min. and it's been 10-15 mins. there on out. He has access to my therapists notes so he has an idea of how I'm doing bi-monthly before I walk through his door. Even though it's the same amount of time I feel I'm getting much better care now then with the other Pdoc. I do find that to be a lot of medication however I go in saying look I'm not good at taking meds and I wont take them if they have X side effects.

Originally Posted by NikkiLLL

... it was horrible. he was asking me questions and at times i was like i don't know, i'm not sure, its hard to say. i said almost nothing about manic symptoms.
...he was asking me hows my mood, sleep, if was experiencing psychosis. i felt that he should've been more specific because these broad terms were just words to me and i wasn't accurate with my answers. urgh never mind i feel like i ruined it...

NikkiLLL! Don't be too hard on yourself. It is a very hard situation to be in, trying to answer questions when very depressed -- and with someone you hadn't ever seen before no less! Just wanted to let you know that I feel for you on that having once been in a similar situation. I was a mess and in no mental state to even comprehend what she was asking, let alone answer coherently. And in this confusion, BP got by-passed, and in just a few minutes it was straight to the meds... yeah. Again,

Sorry to not be able to comment on those particular meds, as I've never been on any of them.

Remembering from your previous thread.. in all of this, don't forget to be proud of yourself for pursuing new care after your experience with the previous doctor. Glad to hear that you will be trying to go again soon. I definitely second the idea of writing things down that you want to remember. Keep us posted, ok?