[franz kafka]

Has anyone taken Luvox for bipolar depression? Did it work for you? Manic switch? I'm nervous to start but hopeful because I can't keep living this way. So depressed.

I haven't, but anythings better than being depressed right?

Sounds like all the APs and mood stabilizers you've tried haven't been helpful with depression, so I think an SSRI is worth a shot.

Do you still retain insight when you become manic? If not, can you work something out with your psychiatrist so that he or she can check in with you frequently?

[amicus_curiae]

Originally Posted by franz kafka

Has anyone taken Luvox for bipolar depression? Did it work for you? Manic switch? I'm nervous to start but hopeful because I can't keep living this way. So depressed.

Has it been recommended as a treatment? Like from an MD/shrink?

I’ve never used it but one of my best friends (dead, now; heart attack) was on it and it was a miracle drug for him. He was OCD, as well, so Lumox treated both conditions.

[*Laurie*]

Give the Luvox a try. I've heard good things about it.

[franz kafka]

I'm supposed to check in with pdoc daily by WhatsApp, so she'll know what's going on. Fortunately I have a very attentive doctor. I have moderate hopes for Luvox. My past experiences with SSRIs have all gone awry but maybe with such heavy mood stabilizers on board I'll be okay.

What is your plan if you lose insight? Is someone there to help you?

[franz kafka]

Originally Posted by key tones

What is your plan if you lose insight? Is someone there to help you?

I guess my plan is to stay in touch closely with my doctor. I tend to get hypomanic before manic so if that happens I can let her know and stop the meds.

[Wonderfalls]

Luvox is the only antidepressant that did anything for me. I was taking it with Latuda so I didn't worry about a manic switch. It was dropped when I had a serotonin syndrome scare. That was never officially diagnosed by the hospital and besides I was taking a bunch of other stuff, so that shouldn't worry you. I'd say it's definitely worth a try if you have something to stabilize your moods besides.

Originally Posted by franz kafka

I guess my plan is to stay in touch closely with my doctor. I tend to get hypomanic before manic so if that happens I can let her know and stop the meds.

Does your doctor know who to call if you have an emergency? Will your doctor or your family call or come get you if they don’t hear from you?

I hope you’re considering going home

[Tucson]

Let me be blunt. Please do not consider this my opportunity to hurt you. No way would I intentionally do this to you.

I agree with key tones. For that matter, who are you using for an emergency telephone number? Everyone you know is probably a two digit hour by plane from you. Also it would be a very expensive flight ticket for them. So no matter what happens, you would be effectively stuck there when needing a good support system. Not good for a person in your shape. It also does not look like you are meeting your goals to be productive in class. I know that is an assumption on my part, but that would be my goal after all the trouble and expense it would of taken to get me there. IMO at the very least, I think one IP stay would be a good reason to quit and fly back home, if you are emotionally capable of this after your stay in IP. Remember, you left your entire support system behind. You left all that is familiar to you behind. I also wonder who would pay for an IP stay?

Sorry, but I am a bit concerned about you. I still can emphasize with your situation.

Now I am not trying to poopoo your reasons for having taken this opportunity. Despite the poor judgement involved, I may have very well done the same. Honestly. But who knows? So since you are already there, I would make the best of it. Make it as good of an experience as possible. Do anything you need to do to make this happen. But one stay in IP should tell you something.

[franz kafka]

I don't think that I need IP right now, but I appreciate the concern. I'll talk to my doctor about coming up with a backup plan in case Luvox causes mania. Thank you all for you responses.

[still_crazy]

luvox wasn't for me, but it can be very effective, especially if you have obsessive stuff going on with your depression.

drug-drug interactions can be an issue, but...that's what shrinks are for. hope it helps.