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.

rubyblue
I only got my dx of BP2 2 weeks ago. Prior to this I was misdiagnosed with unipolar depression. My pdoc started me on depakote and I am now on 1000mg a day (500mg in the am, 500mg at night) - am I always gonna feel so damn tired on it, or does it wear off after a while?
Also, am I in denial if I doubt this dx, lol....I am just not sure whether to trust him. Yep I have been very hypomanic for the last month, but my sis is terminally ill and I am stressed with this, and the increase in AD's.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated and sorry if this doesn't make sense.
Oh, how annoying am I, does the damn aggitation ever go away either?
Also, am I in denial if I doubt this dx, lol....I am just not sure whether to trust him. Yep I have been very hypomanic for the last month, but my sis is terminally ill and I am stressed with this, and the increase in AD's.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated and sorry if this doesn't make sense.
Oh, how annoying am I, does the damn aggitation ever go away either?
Posts You May Be Interested In
-
theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
-
I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
I took depakote for about 2 weeks. It made me sick and adgitated. It's different for everyone though.
Everyone responds differently to the meds, of course. Really am hoping this one works for you, or that the pdoc finds one that will! :]
BPD (bipolar disease) is a hard diagnosis to deal with. It requires a commitment to be healthy and to follow with the daily medication regimen. The agitation you speak of is part of the manic phase and it will taper off with the Depakote since in most cases Depakote is particularly used to manage mania. Are you also seeing a psychiatrist? It is helpful to have one in order to not only manage the meds (they are experts even more so than primary docs) but also to help you manage your life and relationships. BPD is difficult but not unsurmountable, it is possible that you may have to try different meds, so patience is important. Whatever you do, don't take the diagnosis lightly either, I made the mistake many years ago to just try and manage it on my own because of the medication side effects.. BAD idea! stay on the meds and let your doc know if you cannot manage the side effects, just don't stop taking them. I also find that a circle of caring people in your life is very important, not only your significant other but also friends and if necessary at least one coworker; someone you can trust and can turn to. Exercise and diet also help with maintaining equilibrium with BPD, even if it is taking a walk 3x a week; limit the salt and carbohydrates as well, it helps in moderating your weight, sugar, blood pressure, and fluid levels in your body all of which if off balance can only exhacerbate BPD.
Take care and if you need someone to talk to just add me as one of your friends.
It wasn't until I got my current Pdoc here in Switzerland that I got the right dx and treatment.
So push for a second opinion, research yourself and see what fits your moods and symptoms.
If your not satisfied, keep asking.
Best of luck,
Love Suze x
For 6 months I was on Depakote and the anti-Ds until my hiar fell out and i got pissed and doubted my dx.
I was off my meds for 12 weeks thinkig i could take care of the disease naturally. I could not. Now i am back on Depakote, at a lower level, and from being on this board, learned to take 1 mg of folic acid at night - prescription strength - NOT mcg but mg folic acid - to combat the hair loss. It's too soon to tell if it works, but it worked for a fellow DS-er and I trust her.
Stay on the meds and live a good life. Be grateful you may have found the right med on the first one, and WITHOUT having to go to the hospital for being on the wrong med (Like me - Geodon sent me into the hospital with a palpitating heart, to lay on a hospital bed with no friggin antidote for 12 hours.)
:-)