Yes I truly understand. I too am a rapid cycler. I take one day at a time. I also pray. It is hard and sometimes all I want to do is sleep and that's what I do. I shift constantly as well.

thanks, i couldn't find any RCs. Are u RC I or RC II or RC Not Otherwise Specified?

i also can relate to this as i am an ultra-rapid cycle and have never really had an extended episode of either mania or depression either, and lots of mixed states...

i find lots of rest when i need it (stay in bed if you have to and who cares!), regular exercise (i personally like walking, good to let the mind wander while the feet do) and diet designed to keep blood-sugar level (like for a diabetic) helps to keep me from swinging too fast, but also able to bounce back quickly from the lows when i need to.

most key is SLEEP, 8 hours every night...my pdoc prescribed imovane to keep my sleep regular when i can't do it on my own, and it makes a HUGE difference

Do you find that Imovane leaves a bad taste in your mouth? I do.

RC II although I think I'm mixed. I am hoping to see a new psychiatrist possibly in March (he has a three month waiting list) who specializes in bipolar only. :)

I was a rapid cycler but then I had a bad accident going down hill in the wrong gear so I stopped that.

Thanks starving, I try to get as much sleep as i need, but sometimes the meds, and of course school, mess things up. Any suggestions on how to handle that without more meds?

Wait a minute, how come nobody cares that Imovane leaves a bad taste in my mouth????

Stephan- did you stop wearing the wrong gear, or stop rapid cycling?

yeah the imovane does have a gross metallic taste...but if you chew on a mint or sage leaf, or drink mint herbal tea i find that can help (the mint tastes better than the sage does)...even parsley can help (has to be fresh)

suzette- did u try taking it with OJ?

Im an ultra-rapid cycler myself. I just stay on a regular routine. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. That helps a lot. My mood will jump from hr to hr.

lucky...that's why i like the imovane...you get the sleep without the dopey tranquilized feeling...it's not a tranq like valium, it's a hypnotic, different category of med....it just makes you feel really sleepy, not tired and dopey and high, and it only takes a small dose....i find i can't really regulate my sleep patterns without some kind of help this time of year...the change of the seasons messes me up too much

I have taken Imovane with everything under the sun and I still wake up with the most gross taste in my mouth....it is disgusting. Maybe it's just my own body chemistry or something, but I have taken it with OJ, tea, honey, milk, pop (cola), and my mouth is still rancid in the morning.

everyone's body chemistry is slightly different, so it probably is just that....only other thing i can suggest is brush your teeth right away and chew lots of gum (which i do)