neutrino

Close Bipolar Disorder

I didn't receive a diagnosis for Bipolar I until I was 36 years old, though I had shown symptoms since the age of 12. People just thought I had a 'short' temper and was 'highly sensitive.'

Treatments

Depakote Working / Worked

Although it makes me drowsy and I worry about gaining weight as I did on Zyprexa, it seems to be working well. I have only been taking it for about a month now; 750mg a day.

Lithium Somewhat Helpful

Took for six months; stopped taking it one month ago. Not much change in episodes while taking it.

Risperdal Not Working

Took in conjunction w/ Zyprexa, Topamax, Prozac, and Klonpin. See "Topamax" below...

Seroquel Working / Worked

Although it makes me drowsy and I worry about weight gain as with my past experience with Zyprexa, it seems to be working well; 200 mg a day. I have gone one month without a manic episode.

Topamax Not Working

Took it about 3 years ago in conjunction with Zyprexa, Prozac, and Klonpin. Risperidol added later. That's right, folks...five pills at once. Three anti-psychotics, one anti-depressant, and one tranquilizer. Is it any wonder I refused to take any meds at all for three years while my brain recovered??

Zyprexa Not Working

Past use; stopped taking it 3 yeras ago. Made me gain 100 lbs. and turned me into an emotional flatliner.