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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lost in a cloud of meds

linds7
linds7
I went to see the psychiatrist two days ago hoping to find answers about my depression only to have the fingers pointed back at me! I am taking 900 of lithium and apparently my blood levels are half of what they should be. He asked about water intake and I do drink 2-3 liters day depending on activity he's worried about water toxicity but pretty sure that's not an issue. The push is on to up the dose and go on antidepressants or another mood stabilizer. I am scared of antidepressants because it's partly how ended up with this diagnosis and another mood stabilizer sounds dis-concerning too. I want things to change but I don't want them to turn to shit either! I hate this uncertainty anyways decided to play it safe with more blood levels but going crazy waiting for the results. I am told not to worry but how can I not when a few pills hold my world in their chemical mind altering capsules this sucks!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi linds,

Do you follow your doctor's orders strictly?

MooMel
linds7
linds7
yeah I try too even if I disagree strongly lol
chilvr
chilvr
lithium levels can vary considerably among people taking the same dose. it is not at all unusual to have to up the dose, and maybe later, lower it. when i was on lithium i took 1200 mg, and i am 5'4'' and about 145 pounds, but that was the dose that was considered to be "beneficial". you should drink a lot of water while taking lithium so don't worry about that.

since lithium is a mood stabilizer, it is fairly common to add an anti-depressant. lithium has more effect upon mania than depression, so sometimes the depression bleeds through and then they add an ad.
hugs and puppy kisses
linds7
linds7
Thanks for the advice I guess its just hard to hear that things aren't going well even though know there not. I always want to try and fix it myself before being given more meds. Keep on thinking if I was stronger I could beat this. I hate the risks and I hate this illness
deleted_user
deleted_user
I can so relate to you about feeling over medicated..I at one point in time was taking 4 different mood stabilizers and antidepressants, it was like about the time they would start to wear off and I would start to feel normal again, it was time to take more..I finally found a dr that has me on just one med (zyprexa) and I still have episodes sometimes but atleast I don't feel like a zombie going through life..she tried me on litheum and I gained like 20 pounds in one month so I stopped that pretty quickly..I wish you the best of luck
deleted_user
deleted_user
Have you tried just taking Lamictal? It does not have bad side effects like lithium does...it is a newer antidepressant. i dont have to get my blood levels checked. once a mood stabilizer kicks in, then u get on an antidepressant, you will not get the same effect as you did just taking an antidepressant. So don't be scared to take an antidepressant with a mood stabilizer.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I know the whole drug fear issue. I'm currently on six meds. Anti depressants, anti anxietals, mood stabilizers and anti psychotics. I love my proton energy pills NOT. I'm a rapid cycler with mixed states.

I HATE taking pills but know that without them I'd probably be in the hospital. When I was on lithium I was at 1200mg. Trust me, I've lived with bp since I was seven. I'd rather be 'normal' on pills than the wrock I was before my dx.

Work with your pdoc to get yourself smoothed out. the important thing is to get you to a point where you're stable then work back until you're at a minimal med cocktail. My pdoc said if I could stay stable for 6 months we could start easing me off some of my meds. Well the last few days have fucked that out the window.

I know it's hard and if you ever need an ear let me know. I've been working on gettign better for 5 years. I won't give up.