For the first time in forever, I am happy. Something in my drug combination has kicked in (Lithium, Clomipramine and olanzepine) and I’m happy. I have energy, I have concentration, although it’s still a bit below normal, and I have motivation.
So things are currently rosy in the Jo camp at the moment. Lets all pray it stays that way.
I am currently taking 1g Lithium, 25mg clomipramine and 2.5mg olanzepine. Olanzepine is an atypical anti-psychotic, which has antidepressant properties at low doses. So far, it’s given me a very dry mouth. The clomipramine has been increased from 20mg, and the headrushes are worse, and it’s making me more tired (the olanzepine can also do this). The aim is to get to 30mg, and then see what happens.
One a happier note I passed all the exams I took this year. Just one to take in September, which I defered from earlier in the year.
Flupenthixol has been discontinued, as any intial effect has not continued. I am starting 10mg daily of Clomipramine in addition to the Lithium and Edronax I currently take. 10mg is a very low dose, which is necessary due to drug interactions. Also, I reacted badly to Imipramine, which made me feel terrible for the few weeks I took it (they have a very similar chemical structure). It could take 4 weeks to have an effect, which I’m dreading, but at least we’re doing something.
I’ve been on the lower dose (0.5mg) of flupenthixol for about a week now, and thankfully the blurred vision has all but cleared up. I would certainly be able to drive, which is nice. We’re not sure how much good it’s doing me though – I’ve had a hellish few days. It’ll be partly to do with PMT, but could be related to the reduced dose, as the times correspond. The other option is that it wasn’t doing anything at either dose, and I’m just nose diving on my own.
On the plus side, only 3 weeks of lectures left, and only 5 weeks until I’ve finished for the year.
Blurred vision seems to be the major side effect for flupenthixol, at least for me. My consultant assures me that it’s normal, and is caused by the drug affecting the muscles which control the lens. Hopefully it will improve as I get used to the drug. If not, we’re going to try a reduced dose, as it should be possible to achieve full action with few side effects.
On the plus side, it’s actually working. I’d lost all hope of ever feeling better, but it’s kicked in quickly like it claims, and I’m feeling ok, even if not “normal” yet. Not sure if that’ll ever happen, but flupenthixol is my friend, at least for the moment.
From tomorrow, I will be taking 3 medications aimed at my depression. 1000mg Lithium, 4mg Edronax and 1mg Flupenthixol each day. The pharmacy I use didn’t give me a patient information leaflet with the flupenthixol, so I’m not that sure what to expect, except that it can definately make you very tired. 1mg is a very low dose though (can be up to 60mg) so I’m hoping it won’t cause much of a problem.
On the plus side, it usually kicks in within 2-3 days if it’s going to help, which is very nice. Also, it’s a pretty bright red pill, which makes a change from the dull white and beige ones of late.
I honestly don’t know what the next option would be. Probably an MAOI or a Tricyclic type antidepressant, both of which I should be at home to go onto, not here in London. We’ll give the flupenthixol a chance, and see what happens.
I like to think that via my blog I am pretty open about my life, and events that occur within it. I do so in the hope that some of it may help others in similar situations, and so that people can keep up with events without having to be in touch with me.
That’s why I feel I need to write about this. Six weeks ago, my boyfriend split with me. I feel no need to go into details, save to say that my depression was a major part of it, and that I don’t blame him.
So how does a depressed person cope with the loss of her boyfriend, her best friend and her strongest support in one go? She doesn’t.
I’m not coping, but I am surviving, due mainly to my parents. But term starts in a week, with two exams followed by a pretty hectic timetable. My consultant should be contacting me in the next couple of days, and I guess we’ll go from there.
I just don’t see things getting better any time soon.