... Limictal, Symbiax all different doses. symbiax being the most recent which I have asked to come off of... gaining weight like crazy but now going to he put on Geodon. I feel like I am never going to get to live a "normal" life... I have read reviews on it but would like to get your imput. I am married an have 2 kids but have a slim to none support system so any imput from someone here would h
e appreciated
Bipolar Disorder - I was diagnosed with Bipolar II over a yr an a half ago, I have been on Lithium,?
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Responses (5)
cetteferge18 Jul 2011
I,too, was first diagnosed with Bipolar II, then after taking Effexor and having a manic break, diagnosis was changed to Biploar I. I went through a 2 year process, trying over 13 meds. & never thinking I would find the right meds. or the right answer. I was encouraged to be patient because finding the right meds.for your unique biochemistry is crucial! I have a fantastic Psychiatrist, who never gave up. We finally found the right combo, and it was like a light switch went on! I'm not kidding. I have not had any serious depressions or mania in over 10 years! Its very worth it to hang in there, despite some of the side effects because, after a few weeks of the side effects, the therapeutic effects kick in and the negative side effects go away completely. At least, that was my experience and several other people I've spoken with. I know its difficult, but hang in there. I was a single mother, and doing it alone. Be sure you have a great chemistry and you trust your Dr.
LaurieShay18 Jul 2011
Hey ahsile,
I am bipolar type 2 also. I have never taken Symbyax or Geodon. I take Abilify and two antidepressants to help with my disorder. I just want to encourage you. With the right combination of medicines, you will have your life back. I know how difficult it is finding the correct medicines, but hang in there, I promise it will get better.
I must share that I also have been in therapy for many years. Learning coping strategies to deal with the bipolar disorder was very important to my overall well being. I can honestly say that I now have the best combination of meds and all the many hours of therapy were well worth the effort.
We are here for you,
Laurie
jillmb19 Jul 2011
Godod evening, ahsile,
I too, take Geodon, which is a miracle drug for me; I am bi-polar & borderline personality. Geodon will, at least it did me, cause blurred vision & weight gain (15 lbs), since it elevates the prolactin levels. Hang in there since my side effects went away; it also made me VERY drowsy. Hope this helps you & I promise Geodon will help you so much, just give it time. Thinking of you & wishing warm thoughts your way.
-Jill
12 Aug 2011
I tried for many many years all kinds of antidepressents but they had too many side effects and they did not help much. I am on Lithium caps 600 mgs now and have been on them for about 5 years. I am 68 years old and have been very depressed since I was in my 20's. This has some side effects but it is better than other meds I took all those years. One thing you have to watch your weight gain some . My finger nails seem to be affected . They get paper thin. I guess I can do without long nails
sleek12
17 Dec 2011
Pls tell me that lithium works for you when you started it at 63 years old,
i read an article where it says it is less robust as you age.
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Thank you so much. My husband who I have been with since I was 15 ( I'm turning 29 on July 24th) an even back then I had all signs of bipolar.. is now saying my doctor is a quack. I had a major manic depression break ... Wanted nothing to do with my kids wanted to die basicly... So now really having faith in my Dr is important... but ne ways my Dr believes I was misdiagnosed at the age of 8 with ADHD because when I first was diagnosed all of my symptoms I always thought were just who I was due to the fact I had been this way my whole life. So I struggle with the thought that I don't know who the "real " me is. Disissions I made... was it truely me or the bipolar me.. if u get what I'm saying.since I have been in an out of th I have been contiplating on going back to therapy..
I'm not a medical Dr., but a Psychotherapist. So, I can only tell you my experience. Don't give up. Your bipolar IS a part of you, and its not a bad part. Your brain is just firing differently, chemically and electrically. So, the right meds. will help you function within a more "normal" range. I really know how you feel. I felt this way from a very young age... was rebellious, fearless, made decisions based totally on emotions, not logic. Always testing people to see if they REALLY liked me, driving people away, etc. Its so nice to be evened out, to think rationally, to respond logically... still very sensitive, but am a recovered alcoholic/addict, in program nearly 23 years. That's what we do... self-medicate cuz we can't understand what's happening in our great minds! Hang in there, and yes, go talk to someone who is objective on a regular basis, if you can. My Dr. has great belief in me, and always points out the positive progress, which I tend not to see, as a perfectionist and procrastinator (they go together!). Hope this helps.
BTW, I'm also Adult ADHD, so there are similarities, and what is called "shadow symptoms" of other DO's. One is a mood disorder, the other tends to be more of a developmental DO, having to do with impulse control and inattentiveness. Our minds can't process the racing thoughts fast enough, and we get easily overwhelmed... the two can actually co-exist, so its important to get a very good diagnostician. Sometimes, we have dual, or poly disorders. But, I think that's what makes us special, as there are theories about these disorders being linked to creativity, intelligence (IQ), possible addictive tendencies. Its all very fascinating. But, I think its important to get to know ourselves and how the physical, mental, spiritual all combine to make us all unique!
Thank you for that..you definately hit the nail on the head with who I was/am..I wish my husband understood or at least took the time to learn about bipolar ... he gets angry an vocializes his frustrations when I am being... bitchy... psycho... moody... angry..having emotional break downs ... And it just makes me more angry, agitated etc. I have been doing ok the last month or so but it never last ( hopefully new less will help) so it has put a huge strain on our marriage and I am afraid of messing my kids up by them seeing me lash out or all the other negitive stuff that they have to see..I try my hardest to not let them see any of it but sometimes its almost impossible. It's nice to put some of my feelings out there an actually get a response... not just talking to a brick wall. Lol! Thank you! Anyone in the Kansas city, MO area?