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.
Hey guys,
So I've been off of my medication for my Cyclothymia (Lamictol) because it was raising my liver enzymes. I definitely feel my moods coming back full force. I didn't like the psychiatrist I was seeing. I felt she just threw my scripts at me and didn't ask enough questions or bother to take her time to diagnose me. I want someone thorough and who will sit with me to diagnose me properly and care about what I have to say. I found a clinic who does intake and then sits you with the doctor. I felt the intake was very thorough and I specified I want a re-diagnosis and to be completely evaluated. I feel I was, but not for long enough. When i finally got to see the doctor, I liked her, but I felt she kind of went off of what I was previously diagnosed with and just prescribed me medication. I'm sure the psychologist who did the intake with me spoke to her thoroughly and I also went over everything with her, but I still can't help but feel like she should have spent a bit more time with me to understand my symptoms a little bit better and maybe get a better idea of my diagnosis. I specified that I wanted to get re-diagnosed and have a more thorough answer. She was nice and listened to me, but she just told me that she has another female patient who is my age with the same symptoms, including my anxiety, and Abilify worked for her. I took an anti psychotic before (seroquel) and I had a bad reaction. I'm afraid of this because its the same type of medicine. I spoke to the doctor I work for and he said its a less severe medication and Ill also be on a low dose and it is definitely used to treat bipolar and has been successful. Both of the doctors also told me there is no weight gain, but Ive read reviews of people who have had some. I'd also be on only 2mg a day along with my prozac. I was wondering if anyone else has taken this and has any feedback for me. Ive been panicking over taking it. Thank you so much!
So I've been off of my medication for my Cyclothymia (Lamictol) because it was raising my liver enzymes. I definitely feel my moods coming back full force. I didn't like the psychiatrist I was seeing. I felt she just threw my scripts at me and didn't ask enough questions or bother to take her time to diagnose me. I want someone thorough and who will sit with me to diagnose me properly and care about what I have to say. I found a clinic who does intake and then sits you with the doctor. I felt the intake was very thorough and I specified I want a re-diagnosis and to be completely evaluated. I feel I was, but not for long enough. When i finally got to see the doctor, I liked her, but I felt she kind of went off of what I was previously diagnosed with and just prescribed me medication. I'm sure the psychologist who did the intake with me spoke to her thoroughly and I also went over everything with her, but I still can't help but feel like she should have spent a bit more time with me to understand my symptoms a little bit better and maybe get a better idea of my diagnosis. I specified that I wanted to get re-diagnosed and have a more thorough answer. She was nice and listened to me, but she just told me that she has another female patient who is my age with the same symptoms, including my anxiety, and Abilify worked for her. I took an anti psychotic before (seroquel) and I had a bad reaction. I'm afraid of this because its the same type of medicine. I spoke to the doctor I work for and he said its a less severe medication and Ill also be on a low dose and it is definitely used to treat bipolar and has been successful. Both of the doctors also told me there is no weight gain, but Ive read reviews of people who have had some. I'd also be on only 2mg a day along with my prozac. I was wondering if anyone else has taken this and has any feedback for me. Ive been panicking over taking it. Thank you so much!
-
Good Tuesday to you!...I hope those that had a long weekend enjoyed itI ordered Chinese food for a friend to celebrate him becoming a Canadian citizenA great guyI hope everyone has a great week to look forward toThis year seems to be flying by!!
-
Happy Tuesday. I only have a few tasks today. I'm currently enjoying my coffee and checking social media and emails. It's gonna be almost 90 degrees today so I have to monitor the dogs outside activities How's Tuesday looking for you?
I hope it works well for you.
Don't worry your not alone. I understand your concerns. It's tough to deal with doctors..I feel like they're so numb to what people are going through and come across insensitive. I've learned you definitely have to be your own health advocate and do your own research (like your doing now:).
I've been on Abilify for about a year and a half and to be honest, yes I gained weight...it's the worst reality I've had to face. Although I recently did some research and learned about Topamax which, on a low dosage, can stop the food cravings. I complained to my doc about the weight gain and was able to give me the Topamax prescription. The feeling is like "ugh another pill" but it's been helping. I've been on other drugs and I like Abilify the most, the weight gain is possible, but don't let it stop you...Everyone reacts differently to meds and I'm learning there's always a solution.