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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Hypomanic on meds?

deleted_user
deleted_user
I swear I posted this in the advice forum but I can't seem to find it...

Anyway, Is it possible to become hypomanic whilst on meds... more specifically Lithium? Cuz I feel almost too wonderful and colourful after a 5 month bout of depression... thoughts are racing in my head and I just want to get out there and meet new people and be in the world! I'm certainly not complaining, this is wonderful after depression, but I am wondering..
deleted_user
deleted_user
yes.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I always see it as a tide rising and falling in my bloodstream.
deleted_user
deleted_user
But i don't get it... my pdoc said meds would stop it form happening? The whole reason I'm even on meds is to keep things stable.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think the meds do taper the swings....not so high or low, but I still get hypomanic and depressed,just not as bad.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've heard lots about meds, mainly that they can make more time in between episodes but do not prevent them.
deleted_user
deleted_user
yes - and on lithium - i only have one switch on/off - im either manic/happy/confident or totally inferior, the latters more thoughtful just - when you get out and about again, it reminds you of how much you actually want to live life! its all about cycles...Im so glad u got good feelings...
tommymott
tommymott
The bad thing about docs is that they don't take meds so they really don't know. I take lithium and while I don't have psychotic manias anymore I can go into hypomania, which terrifies me!
Shelly4
Shelly4
Well over the many years I have taken many meds, I have never been completely without cycles. I have gone longer in between and my cycles have been much less severe. If you are feeling grand and it doesnt interfere with your everyday life or relationships, I would just enjoy it. It could be partly a huge relief from being so depressed for so long. Watch and monitor the mood, journal your symptoms and actions, and discuss with your pdoc. Sometimes your meds may need tweeking but it could also be as good as it gets.
deleted_user
deleted_user
See my pdoc made it out that I would never become manic or hypomanic and that my depression should be curbed. I've been on these meds fro 3 weeks now... maybe its just another side-effect?
CarlaBentley
CarlaBentley
Hi, kasuka!!!!
Maybe what you're feeling is 'normal'!!!! Or maybe it's just such a better feeling than the depression, it seems 'too' happy!!!
Or maybe you're a little too 'high' and will need your dosage adjusted. Time will tell!!! You haven't been on it for very long!!!
I've never been on Lithium, but a friend of mine has taken it for years. One time, she went manic on it. It turned out because she had started drinking a LOT of water, and it diluted the amount that was in her!!
They monitor Lithium levels, don't they? That's how they figured out what was going on with her!!
Good luck and take care!!! I hope your happy mood turns out to be not too happy and that your sense of well-being and wanting to take part in the world continues!!!!
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