Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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How long?

nickpc20001
nickpc20001
How long should you wait and see if an antidepressant is right for you? I have heard you need to wait at least 3 weeks so it can build up in your blood stream. So far I am on wellbutrin and it's been three weeks and I am having small boughts of anger. Think I should give it more time? The positive effects it has gave me so far by far outweighs the small anger episodes. Do you think with time the anger will go away? I don't know that much about antidepressants.
Thank You
deleted_user
deleted_user
Nick are you BiPolar and are you on a Mood Stabilizer? BP'ers can't take Anti-Depressants without Mood Stabilizer's otherwise they tend to cause more problems than good.

If your new to an anti-D it's not just about getting used to the med it's also about getting the dose right, that can take more than 1 dose adjustment. It's important to keep in touch with your Pdoc regularly, like weekly when doing new meds and be very honest about what's going on so they know which direction to go.

Kat
MayB
MayB
Wellbutrin worked really well for me for a very long time....but it caused a mixed episode for me (for which I seem to have a special thing for...) and then I just got angry all the time about everything! Careful I hope it helps I think 3-6 weeks is the trial period.
nickpc20001
nickpc20001
@Katlyn40 I am on other meds for the bipolar disorder they are working good just needed more motivation and a little more happiness in my life

@MayB when you say a long time, how long exactly did it work for you? years?
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
I think it often takes longer then 3 weeks sweetie.. I would try it for a month anyway unless you start feeling your anger is getting out of control.. AD's will make you a little higher but you don't want to go through agitation..
I was put on an AD a few years ago and the pdoc wanted me to give it a good try...I found after a few weeks I became more used to it and I mellowed out..
Maybe keep a mood chart so you're more aware of your moods daily .. Are you seeing your doc regularly now??...xo
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