7 replies to this topic

[NinefingerJoe]

I was recently discharged from a Behavioral Health Crisis Prevention Center after I had a psychotic/manic episode. I stayed in for five days.
This was my first hospitalization for psychiatric reasons.

I had previously been diagnosed with ADHD and have subsequently been on varying combos of Adderall + (fill in the blank SSRI)
I also was diagnosed with Anxious Depression

The resident psychiatrist gave me my first official diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder; although, I have long suspected I had this disorder because of my wild mood swings.

After discharge, I am now taking five different psych drugs.
What I need now is information on what these drugs may permanently alter in my brain (alone or in combination), specifically the Dopamine and Serotonin systems. I also need to know if it is safe to take nootropics such as noopept and Curcumin.

The medications and doses are as follows:

Abilify (aripiprazole) 5mg
Adderall (amphetamine salts) 10mg 3X daily
Lexapro (escitalopram) 20mg
Trazadone 75mg (at night)
Vistaril (hydroxyzine) 50mg as needed for anxiety

[ILIkeBeer]

So you previously took lexapro and adderall... the abilify, trazadone and vistaril are all new?

[NinefingerJoe]

Yes

[Duchykins]

Abilify - atypical antipsychotic

 

Lexapro - SSRI

 

Trazodone - SARI

 

Vistaril - antihistamine

 

 

I would get off that adderall and get on ritalin instead.  I actually I really did do that a few months ago.  That's the only one on the list that is known high risk for dopaminergic pathways.

 

We really don't know what Abilify does long term since it's so new to the market.

 

 

[Duchykins]

Curcumin should be fine in modest amounts, but I'd lay off the noopept, as well as any racetams for now.  

 

I don't think they're dangerous in combination with your meds but I think they stand a good chance of hindering the efficacy of your treatment, in your case.

[NinefingerJoe]

I'm seeing a psych this week and I'm going to talk to him about getting off the Abilify - I don't like it or what it does to my mind state at all.

I've been on Adderall for a long time, Ritalin just doesn't do enough for me for some reason. I had previously considered Buspirone for dopamine upregulation…

[Wilberforce]

I would have thought Lithium would have played a part here but I'm not a pharmacologist so I don't know if it would be compatible with this mix

[drg]

Abilify (aripiprazole) 5mg could be swapped for lithium or lamotrigine, which are both good choices for bipolar. Lamotrigine is primarily indicated for the depression phases of bipolar so you may need to be on something to manage the manic phases though if they are bad enough to get you in hospital. Lithium is fairly low side effects at lower doses to very severe side effects at higher ones so if you can manage on a lower dose it is a good choice. Lamotrigine is low side effects too especially compared to other options although some people can't take it because they get a rash which could be life threatening.

 

Also yes, I would agree with what Duchykin said... adderall is probably the worst med you are on for long-term brain damage (that we have good proof of). I would get off of stimulants period if you can manage it. They are not good in combination with sleep problems and bipolar. But if they are really that helpful ritalin may be the better choice.