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.

8,884 Members
129,554 Posts
0 Online
Mental Health
/ Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Meds, Meds, Meds...

suprherogrl02
suprherogrl02
I guess this is really a "venting" post but whatever. So I started Parnate 20mg in March 2015, bad side effects at first (insomnia, stomach issues, etc.) but finally now they are starting to fade. Unfortunately, the Parnate on it's own caused me to have extreme manic episodes like EVERY DAY (rapid cycling??). Finally, my psychiatrist put me on Thorazine for a few days about 2 weeks ago and then after a lot of research I asked her to switch me to Trileptal instead (fewer side effects and interactions), Trileptal 300mg morning and night seemed to combat the mania from the Parnate but THEN she upped my dosage to 300mg in the morning and 600mg at night (started yesterday). NOT a good idea, had a major breakdown at around 11am this morning. Decided to go back to 300mg morning and night, that seems to be the right combo for me, I'd much rather be a little manic than severely depressed. Hopefully this change back helps me with the depression ASAP because I was definitely feeling suicidal earlier, like I would never find the right combo of meds, I would always be struggling to keep it together...of course, Bipolar Disorder is a constant struggle but I'm trying to stay positive because it's either that or well ya know...
beckyp
beckyp
Sorry you are having med problems. Sounds like you are handling the change in a way that's best for you. Sometimes it can take a long time to find the right med cocktail.

Just remember that this is just temporary and the depression will go away. Best of luck to you.
spacekat
spacekat
I HATE side-effects! I wouldn't be on meds if I didn't know that side-effects dissipate and don't last forever. I agree -- being a little hypomanic is better than being depressed! I'm pretty content now after dealing with side effects for awhile with my meds: Abilify, Luvox, Buproprion, Prazosin, Gabapentin, & diazepam. (Along with bladder meds).
spacepony
spacepony
One way to look at it would be rather than being manic, you're reacting to the parnate, which is stimulating, every day. So maybe you're not exactly cycling...and the trileptil puts you in the comfort zone and smooths things out. I'm glad you're responding to the parnate...that's great.
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • Community LeaderSunCloudJD

    Have a terrific Tuesday

    Posted by: SunCloudJD
    Last Reply: MayB
    8
    One day runs into the next I can't seem to keep them straightBut i do know it's Tuesday and I start to clean my landord's place again so it'll keep me going although I take breaks more often nowHe doesn't mind and I gwt it doneI hope that you have a good day and can get done what you need toBig hugz sent..Xo
  • Community LeaderSunCloudJD

    Wat Up Wednesday?

    Posted by: SunCloudJD
    Last Reply: MelT2020
    9
    Good day to everyone...Well sort of day...I'm still waiting to sleepI think I will soonI got a few things done yesterday...Pushing through and I hope to do the same todayI've been low so everything at this point is one big effortHopefully that will change before longSending hugs...Have a good day!...xo