I'm not sure what moderate BP is. But plan on a struggle as far as her accepting the diagnosis, getting used to the meds
and dealing with doubts, fears and ongoing mood changes.
It's important to love her and support (but not enable) her. This will be a test of you as much as her.

If she was diagnosed today, you have probably been living with most of the behaviors associated with it already. Now, you just have to learn how to cope with them in a healthy way and communicate well with one another. Meds will create more issues as she adapts to them and seeks the right meds for her. My best suggestion is that she get into therapy and learn how to cope and research as much as you both can about the disorder and the behaviors associated with it. Patience and communication will be very effective.

This site may help you with understanding it from your perspective.

http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Family-and-Friends-of-Bipolar/support-group

Best wishes

Shelly has some really good advice. I can tell you that lamictal has been a very effective stabilizer for me. They will start her out on a small dose and slowly, over a period of weeks, raise her level to a strength that works for her. I noticed when I first started taking it (for the first week or so) that it made me a bit sleepy so I take it at night before I go to sleep. I wish you all the best.

First of all, welcome to the BP community!!!

Second of all, God bless you immensely for staying by her side, and asking questions and getting info, etc....THAT is the #1 best thing you can do, for both of you.

My moderate BP, I am guessing, your dr. meant, BP II rather than BP I.
People with BP II, aren't as aware of their symptoms as people with BP I. But both forms can be very devastating and difficult to deal with, especially when, abandonded by family and friends, which unfortunately, is common. You have to take one day at a time. that is one of the difficulties with BP; there are generalities, but it can and does, change frequently. That is part of the nature of it. I also use Lamotrigine (also called Lamictal) and it works well for me. The biggest thing you have to watch for with this particular medication, is "the rash"....which is similar to an allergic reaction. But if not treated, it can progress and become fatal. (so can an allergic reaction) So, be aware of what the rash (as well as an allergic reaction) symptoms are, and watch for them. That most often happens, when too much Lamictal is given too soon. There is a "starter kit" available, which has cards of the right doses to gradually get her up to a regular dose. If she is not using that, she should be starting off with a low dose (I started with 25mg) for a week or two, then 50 for a week, 100, etc. up to 200mg. Don't be afraid to ask questions about this stuff with her dr. That's part of what they are there for. Here are a couple of websites I like to go to for drug info:
www.webmd.com (also good for general health info too) and www.drugs.com

Thanks again, for your loving support of your wife. (I'm jealous!! lol!!)

((( hugs to both of you )))

it's another Welcome from me! I'm 35yr old Aussie female who was diagnosed 2yrs ago after 1 (and only MAJOR) manic period that had my hospitalised. I've been stable for 2yrs now. And I work. Life can continue as a lot of it depends on attitudes, acceptance, knowledge, understanding, support, communication, medication of course. I congratulate YOU for becoming a member of Daily Strength. This place and the ppl here have been instumental to my recovery and life journey onwards. Is your wife accepting the diagnosis. That's sometimes difficult, so the discussion boards such as this place is a great way to start for info. Ask questions, seek advice and read!!!
No two bipolar's are going to share the same experiences or have problems with meds. I had no side effects that I'm aware of!
Being in regular touch with the Doc is extremely important, and I'd advise you to take notes or keep a diary, or get your wife to journal. This will give you a picture of any patters, triggers, behaviour, thoughts that emerge and that may hold clues to help you along on your journey.
I wish you all the best.
Lyn

I thank you all for your assisttance. Unfortunately I did not join daily strength for this reason . I have been a memebr for a few months now but over at the infidelity board. Unfortunately my wife having an affair got us here. She has been told she needs to talk to someone for some time now but not until I found out about her affair did she go. Within the first few minutes her shrink began to talk to her about bipolar . Since then she has had tests and seen different dr's and like I said she was told she indeed has bipolar disorder.If nothing else at least the disease can take some of teh responsibility for her affair. My hope is that the meds get this under control so she doesnt stray again . If she does then she is on her own with this I wont stick around. Maybe now my wife will stop spending every penny she ever comes across as well. My wife is such a wonderfull person and these charictor traits that she has are so not her. Hopefully she gets rid of them and can find happiness taht last longer than it take the clerk to swipe her card. If I say anything that is offensive to anyone then let me apologise in advance. I dont generally have a filter to stop me from typing what I know to be wrong

It could also be cyclothemia.

You are best posting in Families & Friends
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Family-and-Friends-of-Bipolar/support-group

As you yourself observe this might be taken by members here as offensive or triggering so I would strongly recommend you take this to that community.

There are a number of bipolar people that frequent that community so you can still get answers that require a bipolar's perspective.

On previous experience and post #6 I'm closing this. I've sent the OP the link to the thread so they can see the replies to date.

closed