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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New to the fully treated BP life, need advise!!!!

deleted_user
deleted_user
My name is James and I've recently started taking a full regiment of meds for my BP disorder/diagnosis. 10 yrs ago, I was diagnosed but the dr that was treating me only prescribed Zoloft. Now I'm being treated by a different Dr. and she has me on Zoloft & Lithium, but transitioning to Lamictal to replace the Zoloft. Every day is a different experience, and it really has me on edge, not knowing how I'm going to feel. All of these drugs have horrow stories, and don't know how to take the stories that are being told.

I have alot going on in my life right now, and the added stress of the meds and changes that the dr is making, has got me scared somewhat. Anybody out there have any ideas for coping, or advice that I could use to help this transition along.
deleted_user
deleted_user
welcome I am new as well On my 3rd week of Lamactial and so far I am ok.
But this is the place to ask the questions. Tons will answer. Hang in there. Just wanted to welcome you Ill leave more of the advice to the ones who know better than I
Angie
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was recently placed on Geodon and Lexapro and the Geodon is the one that makes me worry. Some mornings I wake up ina complete fog and others I feel fine. I'm seeing my pdoc tomorrow to talk about adjusting my meds. What makes me feel good is knowing that it's only one day in a long chapter so I try my best to roll with the punches. Hang in there and have faith in your doc.
starfish
starfish
ARe you still taking the litium with the lamictal? Lamictal is a mood stabilizer, like lithium, that also has antidepressant side effects.

Lamictal may be able to replace both the lithium and zoloft, but you'd have to talk with your Dr. and see.
DarkSign
DarkSign
I've been on Lamictal for several months with no horror stories. Its been very good to me.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm weaning off Seroquel right now because my physician said it caused too much weight gain and could be contributing to my new case of diabetes. I was real scared at first too. But I found that if I just took it one day at a time, well, I'm doing okay. I'm on my third and final week of weaning and I must say overall so far it's all right. No big changes in mood and I feel more secure knowing I'm getting off the stuff. It's been many years since I've been on Lithium, so I don't know what to say about that. I just know I had to get a monthly blood test when I was on it. And I'm not familiar with the other drug. I hope all goes well. Just ask your doc all the questions you want and here too.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was on Lamictal for a while. It was supposed to be good for the mood changes with an extra added help for depression. It didn't work for me; but none of the many things have. I'm switching from Tileptal to Seroquel now; and I am really scared about possible weight gain. Wish me luck; and the same to you.
computerbob1
computerbob1
advice for coping ...

For me it helps to know that a lot of the side effects will subside or go away during treatment.
Read the paperwork that comes with your meds and keep them handy
The startup is hard but I've learned from experience the long term is usually worth it.
Keep a med diary, it can be a valuable tool now and many years from now.
Ask your pharmacist for advice and make sure he has a record of all the meds you routinely take or are thinking about taking.
Know that things like caffeine, alcohol and drugs can have a negative interaction with your meds
Consider making a personal treatment plan to outline the things that contribute support for you in addtition to the meds. Don't rely on meds to do it all.
Good luck :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
Ive been on Lamictal for 4yrs now. Its been a life saver for me. Kept me out of the hospital. Just keep and eye out for that rash.
Tizzy
Tizzy
I've been on Lamictal since May 2007 started at 50mg which didn't help me at all. I was transitioned off of trileptal which I thought really helped. But Lamictal was the first drug that really brought the most stability. I am now on 200mg and I love it. I agree it is a life saver!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Lamictal has worked very well for me, it was slow ramping up to the therapeutic dose (takes a little patience), but worth it. I used to take Zoloft years ago and it drove me to Manic city big time! Med changes are hard to go through, they're like little "hiccups" in your life really. I know it's easier said than done, but just having an attitude of patience & knowing that this too shall pass seemed to get me through it. Best of luck to you!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm a Veteran. Dx age 45 in 1995. Lithium to start, w/Paxil & xanax (and cog. therapy). Paxil didn't help so on to Depakote. That kicked in after 6 weeks. When my pdoc retired, my MD sent me to a Medications Specialist. He got me onto seroquel which has helped the most (for sleep & balance). Every medication has side effects. My father has to take heart meds & they have side effects. Whatever condition you have, there will be horror stories. Listen to inside you & talk to your MD about how you are feeling. Hang out with upbeat people or do things that you enjoy. You will feel scared, shakey, not trusting for a while but it truly does get lots better!
2Fast2KeepUP
2Fast2KeepUP
You must constantly be in touch with your feeling and aware of how your meds are effecting you. Hopefully, you are on the right cocktail and it will help alleviate your symptoms. However, even if they are working you must remain vigilant and not take for granted that they will always work and at some point will need to tweaked.
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