Anybody else ever experience something like this???

Here's the scoop.

In June of this year (2016) I had to quit Lamictal because it made me really unsteady on my feet. I kept feeling like I would fall down eventually. I did. I tripped over the edge of a bus ramp (about 6 inches off the sidewalk) due to lack of balance then fell off onto my back, on the concrete sidewalk, and hit my head. No more lamictal for me after that!

After a summer from hell (2016), a new pdoc (for me) rx/d Lithium. I zinged up and down -- way high and pretty low -- for 4 months. Then I located my previous pdoc, and he immediately took me off lithium, adjusted my meds, and now I am on 10 mg Lexapro, 250 mg or Depakote, and 125 mg lamotragine. My mood has been 99.9% steady for about 2 weeks now.

Today especially, though, I almost fell flat on my face, twice, maybe 3 times, in my apartment. It happens, I think, when I bend forward to pick something up off the floor, or even a little higher than the floor. I am not a hoarder, but my apt. has a lot of stuff and furniture in it.

I left a mesg for my pdoc about it, and the nurse called me back. Her conclusion is that it's "all the medications you are taking." I've listed three above; I also take Famotidine for GERD (acid reflux) which is very important. I also take Ceterizine, an all-day antihistamine. I used to get severe sinusitis every winter -- for over 2 months or more, and it caused depression after it lasted a while. I have not had it for at least five years, but this may also be b/c I stopped drinking cow's milk and switched to calcium fortified, low fat, soy milk.

I'm going to drop the Ceterizine and see what happens for a while.

But the nurse also said I must go slow, slow, slow when I move and walk. Hey -- I have decided to use two canes to REMIND MYSELF that I need to go slow. I know this is really mean and prejudicial to say: but I feel like "a case,.." like I have a broken leg or something, which I don't.

I have always been a fast moving person. I move quickly, efficiently, and think about other things (creative things I do) while I move around the house or walk somewhere outdoors. Now, if I find I need to continue these crutch-reminders, my creativity is stifled because I must pay attention to every tiny thing around me, so I don't lean forward or trip or something.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

How is your blood pressure? When I was falling over on abilify that was determined to be the cause. I had other big problems on a tiny dose so it was stopped and I started staying upright again. Are you getting plenty to drink?

[Moose72]

I did that a lot for a while- especially after my friend bought me those "rocker" tennis shoes.

[Icare dixit]

I'd agree it's likely the antihistamine. It's also not really a prophylactic; it's not used for prevention: you can use it when you need it (and it would be more effective). I hope it solves your problem.

Originally Posted by BeyondtheRainbow

How is your blood pressure? When I was falling over on abilify that was determined to be the cause. I had other big problems on a tiny dose so it was stopped and I started staying upright again. Are you getting plenty to drink?

I've started drinking more water. I was drinking 7-8 cups a day when on Lithium. Then when I stopped lithium, I suddenly found I was drinking only about 3 cups of water a day. Today I drank 10 cups and probably will drink a bit more tonight.

You are right on, Beyond the Rainbow. The nurse's advise was to "stay hydrated."

Originally Posted by Icare dixit

I'd agree it's likely the antihistamine. It's also not really a prophylactic; it's not used for prevention: you can use it when you need it (and it would be more effective). I hope it solves your problem.

Thank you so much!

Originally Posted by BeyondtheRainbow

How is your blood pressure? When I was falling over on abilify that was determined to be the cause. I had other big problems on a tiny dose so it was stopped and I started staying upright again. Are you getting plenty to drink?

I think my blood presssure is low, not sure, though. Do they prescribe statin drugs if it's high? If so, then my blood pressure is high -- I was rx'd statin, but refuse to take it.

[BipolaRNurse]

Originally Posted by flowerbells

I think my blood presssure is low, not sure, though. Do they prescribe statin drugs if it's high? If so, then my blood pressure is high -- I was rx'd statin, but refuse to take it.

Statins are used for high cholesterol, not blood pressure.

[Wild Coyote]

I agree on the antihistamine. Maybe see how you feel without it for a few days? (I am not a medical professional.)

I hope you find a solution soon.

(((((( flowerbells ))))))


WC