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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Bipolar and eating disorders?

VioletOctober
VioletOctober
So I recently lost my insurance and have to wait for my new one from my job to kick in. This unfortunately meant, for the month, I couldn't afford my scripts. I'm on 900mg of neurontin and I cut it down to 600 so I'd have pills left over. I also have OCD, am on Prozac for it and it helps. I've always obsessed over my weight and fluctuated but for some reason since I lowered the dose (I'm going to assume a correlation ) I've been starving myself intentionally. Then when I binge, I feel guilty and won't eat for a while after. I've lost 10lbs in about a week and a half. I've considered throwing up my food but I have trouble making myself do that. I still think about it all the time. Its an addiction. I don't want to see or smell food near me. My friends, fiance, and mom are super worried. I decided to come out and tell them but they had already already noticed. I'm hoping when I up the dose again I'll feel better. I starter today and I'm already like a zombie with everything I took. Between that and not being able to eat is killing me. Is this the beginning of an eating disorder? Can that have to do with the bipolar? I feel like no matter what I can't stand myself and I just am never good enough. Some days its just more tolerable. The best way to describe it is really that I just can't figure out if what I'm feeling is real, if that makes sense. Is it really me or is it my disorder? I want to be healthy. I work out. try to eat healthy..but just the passed two weeks I've been self destructive.
angiebettin
angiebettin
Eating disorders can obscure your thoughts. They can make you think differnt thoughts especially if your not getting enough protien. Protien helps you think, oxygen also, drink water. Sip on it all day. I take neurontin 300mgs 2xs a day. I used to take it 3xs aday but cut myself down. I had eating disorders growing up. I know how it feels. Try to at least have a teaspoon of peanut butter with a crackrr for breakfast. Write out a meal plan. Ur stomach probably isnt used to having food in it. Yes meal plans are good. I had anorexia an bulimia, I understand. U said prozac. That can make you feel not like eating, it did that to me, everyone is different. You can talk to me anytime. Ask yourdoc for samles till your insurance kicks in, let them know what ur going through. Pharmacutical company's. Can also help, call them, or look on line. You do need ur meds
ladybugluvs
ladybugluvs
I have anorexia and bulimia which started when I was 13. I'm on 800 mg seroquel and it inspired me to stay anorexic. For me anorexia is about control. I love being skinny and hungry. But I never allow myself to go overboard. I think that antipsychotics that make one fat and before the med that person had body issues. That induces a relapse. If it bothers you eat salad, chicken, nuts, yogurt and go gluten free
theatrediva
theatrediva
Hi Violet, I started throwing up my food when I was 12 or 13. I learned about how to do it on an after school special which is ironic since those are designed to detur young people away from those bad habits. For me throwing up my food was a way to cope with my anxiety and my ups and downs which also started around that age. I have been bulimic from then until only a couple years ago and I am 34 now. I know what you mean about not being able to stand yourself. I always hated myself despite having many people who loved me and saw the good about me. IT was only when I started seeing a therapist that I discovered I am not as bad as I thought and that helped me stop the throwing up and start eating healthy. Easier said than done I know but it helped me. I do not believe however, that my disorder was due to my BP as many women have eating disorders who arent BP. Just my opinion. I hope you can find a way to love who you are one day. Hugs.
dizzynini
dizzynini
I was told eating disorders, cutting and other addictions goes hand in hand with bipolar. Some have different vices it depends on the person. I don't understand why mine started when I was around 35 instead of when I was a teenager. I was never concerned with weight when I was young but I guess I was afraid to gain weight like most people do as they age. Yours sounds like the beginning of an eating disorder and I would get help before it really becomes an addiction that you can't stop.

I'm struggling to stop mine as I do not want to sit in an eating disorder program from 3:00 till 8:00 three days a week. ugh.

Get help early...now.
Halterbroke
Halterbroke
I suffered from anorexia and bulimia for years, and I'm not sure it was part of the BP. Although my first anorexic episode happened during my first major depressive episode so maybe it was. If you were stable and not doing the behavior when you were on your regular medication, maybe try not to worry about it too much. You aren't going to be off them for that long. Can you ask your doctor for samples or maybe see if your meds has generics? I know Prozac is only 4$ at Walmart for the generic. I think Neurontin has a generic too.

The eating disorders board on DS is very good, and since you don't have insurance right now and can't go see a nutritionist, I'd recommend hanging out over there some. You don't want to get sick, physically or mentally. I totally understand not being able to stand yourself, I've been there.
mermaid123
mermaid123
I've had a eating disorder since I was 14, I know that every time I've been manic it kicks in really bad. I have finally started to see a doctor who specializes in eating disorders and am looking forward hopefully stop this endless cycle.

By the way neurontin the generic is called GabaPentin, I take 900 mg at night and it really helps with a multiple of problems I have.

Good luck and stay strong
VioletOctober
VioletOctober
I want to thank all of you for your very helpful and kind replies. I was able to get a 10day supply till my insurance kicks in and I already see improvement. I guess I need the 90mgs. I also notice that when I'm manic it is always self destructive behavior like that that kills me so not shocked of it is related. You all are wonderful.and if you ever need advice from me feel free to PM me :)