[Yogasmer]

OK after years of struggling with my bi-polar disorder because of such an aversion to being on medications for prolonged periods I have a steady psychiatrist and I am trying a long term regimen. (in all honesty I am not that thrilled with the psychiatrist - does anyone else feel like they just write scrips and don't really know what could happen?)

But here is the struggle -

Prozac & Lithium made me feel dead
Seroquel helped me sleep, but the weight gain and sluggishness were unbearable
And now I am on Effexor XR which in all honesty has made me feel great. I seem to live a fairly normal existence, with some minor sleep disturbances and occasional mild mania...All in all liveable. So what's the issue? After 6 months of steady use my heart rate and cholesterol just keep going up and up, blood pressure was 145/101 yesterday!!!

Some background on my health may be in order to help get a full perspective, prior to starting on the meds my cholesterol was low and my bp was avg. 125/75. I am a yoga instructor so I regularly exercise, after losing the 15 lbs from the seroquel I am a healthy weight and in "good" shape. I am only 40, I quit smoking 8 years ago and eat an incredibly healthy diet. I am very, very concerned and frustrated by these side effects.

Anyone else have similar problems? Anyone taking something that doesn't cause bp issues or weight gain? I know it is different for everyone but any direction would be great. I would hate to die of a heart attack after finally getting my s*** together