Question:

I have a history of becoming hypomanic in response to SSRIs – even at quite low dosage levels.  I tried both Luvox and Celexa and both created severe irritability within a few weeks. I am now taking Lacmictal and this works pretty well for me. I also have Fibromyalgia and have recently had a very bad flare-up which is pretty bad.   My doctor suggested I try SAMe for the fibromyalgia and I have heard that it sometimes really does help.  However, I am terrified of becoming hypomanic again. Does anyone know whether SAMe tends to produce hypomania in people who react that way to SSRIs? TIA Louise

Response:

Hi I have a history of becoming hypomanic in response to SSRIs – even at quite low dosage levels.  I tried both Luvox and Celexa and both created severe irritability within a few weeks. I am now taking Lacmictal and this works pretty well for me. I also have Fibromyalgia and have recently had a very bad flare-up which is pretty bad.   My doctor suggested I try SAMe for the fibromyalgia and I have heard that it sometimes really does help.  However, I am terrified of becoming hypomanic again. Does anyone know whether SAMe tends to produce hypomania in people who react that way to SSRIs? TIA Louise

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> SAMe does have mild antidepressant properties. And anything that has > antidepressant properties has potential to induce mania or hypomania in > susceptible individuals (bipolar people). So the probable answer to your > question is yes, SAMe probably does have some potential to induce hypomania. > However keep in mind that SAMe is a rather weak OTC supplement and packs > nowhere near the punch of the SSRIs. So its unlikely any hypomania you got > would be of any lasting significance. > You could take your docs advice and try SAMe. Its probably a good idea to try > it. Another thing I know they use for fibromyalgia is thyroid hormone > supplements, even in people who are not hypothyroid. I believe they use T3 > supplements (Cytomel) in some patients with Fibromyalgia. > Lamictal is a good drug, its an anticonvulsant that has a good side effect > profile and is very safe to take. It has some antidepressant properties in > itself. > Eric > Steroids caused my depression…prednisone should be used conservatively > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FactsAndFallaciesOfDepression > MIBS (Minimally Invasive Brain Stimulation) > http://www.musc.edu/psychiatry/fnrd/tms.htm

Thanks for the info.  I’m also going to ask my Rheumatologist about the Cytomel Louise

Response:

Good answer, Eric.

Response:

louise, there have been alot of positive results with a LOW CARB DIET for folks with fibromyalgia!       ALT.SUPPORT.DIET.LOW-CARB       http://people.we.mediaone.net/agross/asdlc/index.htm — read and post daily! rosie http://www.geocities.com/barrettetc/rosie.html

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have a history of becoming hypomanic in response to SSRIs – even at > quite low dosage levels.  I tried both Luvox and Celexa and both created > severe irritability within a few weeks. > I am now taking Lacmictal and this works pretty well for me. > I also have Fibromyalgia and have recently had a very bad flare-up which > is pretty bad. > My doctor suggested I try SAMe for the fibromyalgia and I have heard that > it sometimes really does help.  However, I am terrified of becoming > hypomanic again. > Does anyone know whether SAMe tends to produce hypomania in people who > react that way to SSRIs? > TIA > Louise

Response: