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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Mental Health
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Intro

ivorymuse04
ivorymuse04

Hi my name is Amber I’m 36, live in the southern part of the US, married, and no kids. I was diagnosed in 2006 initially with PTSD abd Major Depressive Disorder abd then in 2008 with Bipolar Disorder. I take Lamictal because my primary problem is depression. I’ve had full blown mania though. In the past couple years it was just hypomania. I also as of right now have partially treated depression. Can’t take Zoloft (makes me hallucinate), can’t take Prozac (severe insomnia), can’t take lexapro (gained 30 pounds in it within 3 months), can’t take Wellbutrin (makes my hand on my right side go numb plus I get delusions on it.) I have tried all the antipsychotics (atypical mostly and one first generation.) The one I started two years ago was Vraylar and it was absolutely wonderful. Well a month ago I was taken off because I started having shaking involuntarily in my head and hands. I’ve been on lithium, depakote, and Zyprexa (gained 115 pounds.) Most of those antipsychotics gave me akathisia and that was a nightmare. I have had some extreme mood shifts since going off Vraylar and since I’ve tried everything they can not put me on another AP. I’ve been doing okay considering. I do a lot of journaling for my mood shifts and use essential oils. Deep breathing, meditation, yoga,etc. has never worked for me. I was supposed to go to the doctor today but didn’t have the $110 to go so I had to cancel my appointment for today on Monday. I know I know long intro but I wanted to see if any of you could relate and give you a feel of what I’ve experienced and where I’m at right now. I haven’t put up an avatar yet or a pic of myself because I can’t figure out on my IPhone how to do it so I’m gonna have to use a desktop computer somewhere. Okay so what about y’all? I want to know you guys too

beckyp
beckyp
Welcome to the group. Sorry you had to stop taking the Vraylar since it was helping you so much. I was taking Abilify for several years and did good on it, but developed a jaw tremor. Now I'm on the antipsychotic Rexulti and doing great on it. I also take Wellbutrin XL,, Buspar, and Klonopin. (I take the generic brands anyway). I went many years unstable, no meds would work until I finally got on the cocktail I take now.

Glad you found us. Thanks for sharing.
Fibber48
Fibber48
Welcome to the group. I take Lamictal for bipolar depression and Topamax (ant-convulsant)for bipolar mania. As of today I am on a Zyprexa Holiday per my pdoc since I have not a full blown manic episode in 2 years. Its kind of scary but I won’t miss the pounds and drowsiness. As far as paying for md appointments I too have to come up with $100 each time I go which is really tough.
angel1980
angel1980
Hi, I have just joined the group myself and sort of struggling with the same story where we have been through a bunch of medications but none of the combinations have been very successful. I eventually had enough and went off everything and then I got severe anxiety and depression. I went to see a new doctor. So now I am back on meds, Epitec. Still in a depression because they can't give me an anti-depressant because the Epitec level is still too low and an anti-depressant would send me manic. So it is a bit of a long road to recovery and I also still suffer from anxiety and take Xanax and Pax. And I have insomnia so I take Zopiclone and Dopaquel. I go the pharmacy with a shopping trolley!

But I have also decided to tackle the problem with psychotherapy in hope that I can reduce my reliance on medication. CBT is supposed to work well for Bipolar. I don't know why but my psychologist calls it DBT now.

Getting the meds right is such a horrible and long trial and error process. I am struggling with depression right now because like I said I can't take anti-depressants. I joined the forum for a little support because I have very little friends and I cry a lot.
Community Leaderacuriousfish
acuriousfish
hi and welcome to the group.
arfie
arfie
Welcome aboard, Amber.
Deckard
Deckard
Welcome to the group. There are lots of helpful and nice people here.
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
Welcome to the board Ivory..... It reads like you do a lot of work to be well and that's great

This is a good board with some great people.... I'm glad that you've found us... Big hug....xo
enaid
enaid
Hi Ivory. I'm new as well. I do not have a lot of experience with psych meds because I have been on Saroquel since I was diagnosed about 10 years ago. So that is my only meds experience. Well actually I am on Citalopram for an anti-depressant and Buspirone for anxiety. But the Seroquel is specifically for the bipolar condition.
ivorymuse04
ivorymuse04
Wow!!! Thank you for all the replies
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