NUMBER4940

Open Alcoholism

First had a drink in 2002. Did not drink heavily until 2007 when I quit using street drugs.

Treatments

12 Step Program Not Working

Hated it.

AA Meetings Not Working

I absolutely hate *alCULTholics Anonymous*. It IS a religious program because prayer is conducted before and after meetings. The BB is the equivalent of their Bible. It's even managed to infest medical treatment facilities. I hate, hate, hate AA/NA/12-step programs.

Ativan Not Working

Are you kidding me???? Ativan for treatment? Any alcoholic knows if you drink with sedating medications, you're in for big, big trouble. Expect a blackout for sure.

Campral Not Working

Felt less compelled but drank still.

Cold Turkey Too Soon to Tell

i've managed to cut back to twice a month - pretty good!

Detox Not Working

Detox only means cleansing your system of a toxin. It is not a treatment.

Outpatient Treatment Program Not Working

A joke.

Trazodone Not Working

This is an anti-depressant often used as a sleep aid. Does not help an alcoholic.

Willpower Working / Worked

we all have willpower or else we'd always give in.

Open Paranoia

panic attacks proceeded my paranoia. i prefer to stay inside away from people to keep calm.

Treatments

Invega Somewhat Helpful

horrible side effect RLS keeps me from taking it like i should but it does help when i do take it.

Thorazine Somewhat Helpful

this helps somewhat. the side effect RLS isnt that bad so i can take it regularly.

Open Agoraphobia & Social Anxiety

I've had agoraphobia since about 2007. even though the panic attacks have pretty much stopped, i'm still scared to have one..and i'm paranoid around people.

Open Heart Failure

tachycardia & cardiomyopathy

Treatments

Coreg Too Soon to Tell

Open Bipolar Disorder

i've been around the block plenty of times

Treatments

Abilify Not Working

didn't feel any different

Ativan Working / Worked

helps with anxiety and panic attacks. this is not intended for bipolar disorder

Celexa Not Working

i took this for depression (did not work). it is an anti-depressant and not intended to treat bipolar disorder in the sense of regulating one's mood

Depakote Somewhat Helpful

sedated me (unacceptable unless for sleep). diarrhea (yuck). requires routine blood work

Equetro Somewhat Helpful

noticed a difference (also for anger), but i was not completely satisfied with it

Geodon Not Working

not for bipolar disorder. this is an anti-psychotic most effective for schizophrenia

Group Therapy Not Working

mostly group therapy refers to retarded "group time!" in inpatient or outpatient facilities. it is often elementary (bingo, leisure activities) but a small percent of groups are helpful. be prepared to tolerate and be understanding of others on "different levels" i've been to so much group therapy that it's very "been there, done that." i hate it.

Haldol Working / Worked

this is not intended to treat any aspect of bipolar disorder, but it works great for anxiety and paranoia, but side effects are UNTOLERABLE (RLS - restless leg syndrom [(legs bouncing up and down], can't stop moving). Invega (the newest anti-psychotic) is better in terms of side effects, but i still prefer not to take it due to the side effects unless my paranoia is debilitating

Invega Working / Worked

works very well to ease paranoia. dr says it helps other areas too but i cant take it very often without it causes muscle twitching which is very bothersome.

Lamictal Working / Worked

*the best i've ever had* this medication is both an anti-depressant and a mood stabilizer. but it causes muscle twitching if i take it every day

Lithium Somewhat Helpful

it's ok. worked very effectively to pull me out of my first and only manic episode. i was very disappointed to come down from the high unfortunately. :( note that this medication requires routine blood work

Physical Exercise Working / Worked

awesome

Risperdal Working / Worked

Risperdal is Invega but not time-released. it's much cheaper than Invega. if you Dr suggests Invega but you pay out-of-pocket for yours Rxs, then ask for risperdal.

Seroquel Working / Worked

i only occasionally take this medication if i have not slept much or well in a few days. it leaves me feeling apathetic and depressed the next morning and thus makes me want to stay in bed 'til noon. it also causes muscle twitching if i take it every day

Tegretol Working / Worked

worked ok for me, but i don't take it anymore because i take something that works better

Topamax Not Working

took it once. did not do enough.

Trileptal Somewhat Helpful

taken it before. didn't work. i don't remember any side effects

Wellbutrin Somewhat Helpful

i took this for depression (did not work). it is an anti-depressant and not intended to treat bipolar disorder in the sense of regulating one's mood

Yoga Working / Worked

GREAT for stress! This is a MUST for anyone! stress is known to be the cause of most illnesses. stress leads to anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. the side effects can be yawning as there is a great release of tension. i do it mainly on an as-needed basis every day for the most part.

Zyprexa Not Working

this is an anti-psychotic mostly intended to treat schizophrenia. can also be used to control fits of anger. HORRIBLE side effect of weight gain. I gained 30 pounds in 30 days. the company actually offers information on how to manage weight if you must take it.

Open Eating Disorders
Type: Obligatory Exercise

not sure

Open HIV