Q:  Zoloft & Meds Changed to Lithium

Dr. Phelps,
I have been considered to have depression for the last year now.  I started off by taking 50 mg of Zoloft.  My parents still thought that something was not right with me because I was having very bad mood swings, therefore, I went to go to a physicatrist.  She had put me on a 100 mg of Zoloft and at the same time 15 mg of Topomax.  That did not seem to work, therefore, she then put me on 100 mg of Zoloft and  100 mg of Neurotin.  That didnt work so I just stopped going there all together, because I had heard that that large amount of dosage was not to be put together.  I am now going to a different doctor and he has told me that Zoloft could have did more harm then good, therefore, I am now off of the Zoloft and started taking LITHIUM.  Please let me know your side asap!!
thank you

COURTNEY


Dear Courtney -- 
I have plenty of opinions about this, most of which will be evident if you have a look at my website about bipolar II.  If you were to conclude that the bipolar approach is more appropriate for you, you would merely be joining many others who've been down the route you took to get there; in fact, most people arrive via your route.  And, you might conclude that no, bipolar disorder is not so on target for you, and thus find yourself in less agreement with your current doc'.  In either case, knowing more about this diagnosis I hope will be helpful to you in the longer run.  

Dr. Phelps
 

Published November, 2002