If you just started the meds, it is them.
After a while yo will feel more normal (as
if bi-polar ppl know what that is). I am
bipolar.... I was diagnosed about a year
ago. Since my diagnosis, I have seen
myself get better, but worse...The
laziness has kicked back in, and once
again, I am feeling sorry for myself.
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Treetattoo
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 12 Sep 2003 Posts: 2 Location: NJ
Blahs Posted: 09-12-03 21:17pm
Hi.
There was no list as to what you are
taking. Or how long and how much. I'm
bipolar, I was diagnosed 11 years ago and
I think I have tried every drug in the
drs. Drawer.
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dolphins_203
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 21 Sep 2003 Posts: 1 Location: Orlando
Does It Ever Get Better? Posted: 09-21-03 19:53pm
I was diagnosed w/ bp about 4 years ago.
I can't seem to stop getting depressed and
it totally screws up my life. It seems
the depression gets worse every time. It
seems like it will never end and life will
never get better. I have taken many
medications. Does it ever get better?
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SERENITYNSC
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 2 Location: SOUTH CAROLINA
Sluggishness With Bipolar Disorder Posted: 10-02-03 13:22pm
Hi, I am jen and I have been diagnosed
bipolar for 3 years . I also am a
recovering alcoholic and addict with a few
24 hours of sobriety. I am walking,
living proof that you can manage your
bipolar and the meds side effects and be
up without being manic and down without
being depressed. I got into a 12-step
program for my sustance abuse problems,
and lo and behold the principals and
people in those 12-step meetings have
taught me how to deal with my bipolar and
my anxiety and depression. I also suffer
from panic attacks and generalized anxiety
disorder, but all of those things seem to
be under control and have been since I
started attending those meetings and
started talking to people who are exactly
like me in the respect that they deal with
sustance issues and bipolar disorder all
with the same 12 set of principals. If
you haven't given this a try, ask your Dr.
About it. I am sure he/she will give you
good advice. Good luck to you.Jen
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dragonlady
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Posts: 7 Location: Montreal
Lack of Energy And Meds Posted: 11-07-03 01:47am
Hi.
Although I don't suffer from bipolar, I
was on depakote for 8 months for migraine
prevention.
I was very sluggish and had no energy. It
was a mind numbing drug. It also made me
gain weight. Not a welcome side effect.
My neurologist has changed my migraine
prevention meds, but now I have to get
used to the new meds and their associated
side effects! If they can cut down the
number of migraines per month or per week,
i'm a happy camper.
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livingatlarge
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 08 Nov 2003 Posts: 2
the Way I Feel On My Bipolar Meds Posted: 11-08-03 10:24am
Hi yes I do suffer from bipolar disorder
but I was wonder do all meds work mine
work for a period of time then stop
working and I get more depressed and more
angry then I did when I was not on them !
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mia
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 25 Jan 2004 Posts: 147 Location: dallas
Meds And No Energy Posted: 02-04-04 06:32am
It can take a long time to get your
medication and you symptoms under control.
I took lithium for 6-8 months and was a
slug. It did control my mania, which was
my biggest problem, but I felt like doing
nothing. Luckily, I had a very good
doctor who listened to my needs and wants
and was willing to try new things. You
definitely need close monitoring while
trying new meds to make sure they work
and/or don't make things worse.
I found that an anti-seizure drug called
lamictal, really worked for me without the
sluggishness. I hated the black and
white feeling that lithium gave me, no
joy, no sorrow, no nothing! They had a
doctor on "the view" about a month age
talking about the best new medical
breakthroughs in prescription drugs, and
lamictal was one of the top ten new best
things. You have to start slow and work
your way up, or you'll have side effects
like a bad rash. Again, it is all about
doctor monitoring.
Mia
mia
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purplesunangel
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 25 Jan 2004 Posts: 3 Location: Eastern PA
Sleeping Alot With Bipolar Posted: 02-05-04 19:58pm
I was diagnosed with bipolar a yr and a
half ago. I still haven't found the right
mix of meds and am sleepy or sluggish all
the time. It really take a big toll on my
life especially with my relationship. If
anyone has any new info on how to better
this please let me know!
Tabby
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mia
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 25 Jan 2004 Posts: 147 Location: dallas
Migrains And Depression Posted: 02-08-04 13:46pm
I too have suffered from migrains my
entire life. With the help of my
psychiatrist who also specializes in pain
management, I was able to control the
bi-polar and migraines with the
anti-seizure drug lamictal. I posted on
another topic about it, but i'll repeat.
A month ago on "the view" they had a
doctor talking about the newest
breakthroughs in medicine. Lamictal was
one of the top 10 best new treatments!
It was offering hope to people to have not
done well on other meds or who did not
like the way they felt on drugs like
lithium.
I for one can attest to the miracle of
this drug. You don't feel like a zombie
like so many of the other medications can
make you feel.
I wish everyone the best of luck finding
what works for them. It is important to
remember that how you live your everyday
life has a big influence on your bi-polar
disorder. You must always get enough
sleep, in a consistant manner like going
to bed around the same time everyday.
Eating at regular intervals during the day
so that your blood sugar is kept at a
normal level. Not doing recreational
drugs, they really make depression and
mania much worse. Alcohol can also make
things worse. I'm not saying deprive
yourself of the occasional beer or wine,
but drinking too much makes
manic-depression worse, much worse.
And if you feel yourself starting to get
really depressed or super manic it is
really important that you talk to someone
like your family doctor , a counselor,
someone at a health clinic or your church
or synagoge. Most of these people can
either help you or direct you to someone
that can.
Mia
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Suzanne34
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Posts: 6 Location: ,
Bi/polar/med Reactions Posted: 03-12-04 20:56pm
Hi, my name is suzanne. I was diagnosed
bipolar several years ago. I have been on
new meds for over a year now. Depakote,
neurontin, and prozac.
I can relate to the people that talk
about being sluggish, and tired all of the
time. I am one of them. I am also, still
very very depressed. I think of dying
every day. But, something keeps me going.
I guess I keep hoping that a miracle will
occur, and one day I will wake up feeling
refreshed and raring to go. Oh.....What I
would give to feel that way for just one
day. If not for me, for my childrens
sake.
I dont know who is suffering worse, me,
or my children.
I have begged my Dr. To change my meds.
And each time, he says, well, we have to
take a depakote level first, and then we
will see. And, each month comes around,
and no changes.
Its not like I can just go see a new Dr.
I am on ssi for my bipolar, and I have to
go to this particular one....
I do not mean to ramble, its just that
its very nice to be able to talk to other
women about this, and to be able to
relate. It makes you feel not so alone.
I wanted to mention too, that since I
started these certain meds, 1 1/2 years
ago, I have daily nightmares. I cannot
remember the last time that I had a fairly
good dream. I always remember my
nightmares, and they are always very
realistic, scary....And I am to the point
now, that I will stay up for several days
at a time, to avoid going to sleep. When
I do sleep these days....Its out of pure
exaustion.
Anyone else have this problem?
Thanks,
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2bluechic
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Oct 2003 Posts: 13 Location: st cloud, minnesota
to Suzanne34 Posted: 03-13-04 01:11am
Hello,
you sound a bit like me. Except I have
major depression. I am on 150mg of
effoxor over 3 months and have added 400mg
sam-e for about 1-1/2 weeks. The effexor
does more than the other meds ive tried,
but not enough. My pharmasist said sam-e
is ok with effexor. For over a year now
-i am tired alot. About 3 times a week I
get 12- 15 hours of sleep a day. I get
7-8 hours the rest of the week. Which is
more than enough sleep. Although I feel
like I could sleep forever most of the
time. I cant blame the meds either. Ive
had my blood tested and im ok that way to.
I used to have alot of energy, I couldn't
sit still. I dont know what happened.
Lots of coffee doesnt help either.
I know someone like you, she was on
depokote, was sedated all the time from it
and she gained alot of weight real fast.
And could not function. The prescribing
doctor, would not help her with these
problems. Since she quit the med and the
doctor and is doing good for the last
4-5months. She doesnt think her mental
problems were ever bi-polor, if they were
they say it gets worse over the years, not
better. Hopefully she is cured of
whatever she did have. But she is still
stuck with the 40 + pounds she gained.
I dont mean to ramble either, but I think
thats what a forum is all about, so ramble
away, right ? It is nice to talk to
others. I am very lonely and isolated (by
my own choice I guess).
I also get very realistic, frustrating
dreams to, since I started effexor,
although this is a side effect of this
med. I dream alot to. Normally I used to
either not dream much at all or could
never remember my dreams. Now its like
they are really happening and they are
clear and make more sense than normal
dreams where you can fly and stuff. Its
like you dont sleep very well because your
busy all night with your dreaming.
Anyway, this is my old post to the
depression forum. As you can see im in a
real bad way in my life. I almost feel I
shouldnt post anything because I certainly
aint gona help anyone with this kind of
talk, right ?
Thanks for letting me ramble.
__________________________________________
_________________
i have tried suicide about 6-12 times. I
have been begging god to let me die, and
asking him to let me know he's there, and
that he is real . I always come to the
same conclusion = if there is a god, how
can he let anyone suffer, and beg for help
(any kind of help ), for so long (over 1/3
of a century) ???????? God has never
replied. The last time I tried suicide,
in august 2003- I took 20 some sleeping
pills with lots of alchohol, and went and
layed out on a grassy hillside in the
summer sun to die. Well = god didn't show
and I am still alive, being torchered. I
cant take it no more. Been on 6 different
antidepressants in the past 2 years. I
quit the job I loved. I have no hope. I
have no goals, no desires. What can I
possibly do, besides the obvious ?????
Any suggestions anyone ?????????
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Suzanne34
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Posts: 6 Location: ,
2blue/bipolar Posted: 03-13-04 04:33am
I read your words and it's if I am reading
my own......How sad.
Your right, this does help to not feel so
alone...Accept, I as well as you, have
chosen to remain this way. I keep to
myself. I only go to the grocery store at
night.
And, I barely see my children, or any of
my family for that matter. I have no
friends.
But, yet I am the one choosing to live my
life this way.....Or am i?
Want to know the real reason that I dont
commit suicide? It's because I am afraid
of going to hell.
I keep begging god to help me, to show me
that he exists, and yet I am still
suffering. And yet everyone that comes
around me suffers.
If there is no god, then why should I
"not" kill myself.....
Do not worry this is not a suicide help
letter. I am only talking about what I
feel most of the time.
Anyway, I tried to stop taking my meds
almost a year ago. Because of the way
that they make me feel. I had a seizure.
I do not remember it, but I do remember
waking up in the hospital, and not being
able to talk, or move. I guess that
lasted about a half hour or so. They said
it was from the seizure. It scared me
alot. The Dr. Thought it was because I
went cold turkey on my meds. So I will
never do that again.
Thanks for responding, its great to talk
to someone about this.
Dont you find it easier than talking face
to face with someone? Or on the phone? I
hate doing both.
Talk soon,
suzanne
|
mia
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 25 Jan 2004 Posts: 147 Location: dallas
Suzanne & 2bluechic Posted: 03-13-04 14:19pm
I am so sorry that you both feel so bad!
Just so you know, I am bi-polar and live a
fairly normal life. Of course, what is
normal? But I am married, have friends,
and go to work full time. I'm not saying
I haven't had my share of problems in the
past, but my life seems to be on "track"
now.
The first thing you both need to do, is
look yourself in the mirror and tell
yourself that you are worth the effort.
If you don't believe it, say it again and
again and again until you start to believe
it. Now act on it! Do something
pro-active to improve your current
situation. If you don't like your
medicine, tell your doctor, if he doesn't
listen, tell a doctor that will. Someone
said something about not being able to see
another doctor because they are on ssi,
b.S! Find out who you need to talk to to
be able to switch doctors. Make some
noise, the squeeky wheel gets the grease!
Stand up for yourself, because there
might not be someone else to stand up for
you. If you know someone that can or
will help you, ask for help! People
don't always know you are in trouble if
you don't tell them. They are not mind
readers.
The problems with being bi-polar is
paranoia (sp?), self doubt, the isolation
it instills in us, and self loathing.
Love yourself, even in your unperfect
state. Don't wait for god to answer your
prayers, answer your own. God is with
you, but it is your job to live your life.
Find a way to elevated your love of
self. Repeat to yourself "i am worth
loving and I am worth living." it takes
21 days to form a habit, repeat this for
21 days and see if you don't start
believing in yourself.
Then take a walk. Take a walk often.
It doesn't have to be a long walk. It
doesn't have to be a fast walk. It just
has to be a walk to clear your heart and
your head and get your body energized.
On these walks, take a look around you.
There are many things to be thankful for,
a blade of grass, a flower, a bird, the
sun. Take pleasure in something small
and eventually, you can take pleasure in
your life again. You just have to
beleive that it is possible.
I hope that you can find something to
improve your situation in life. I check
in here every few days if you need someone
to correspond with.
Best of luck
mia
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purple333
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 1420 Location: Sydney
Posted: 03-13-04 17:19pm
Yes, I agree with much of mia's advice:
take some walks & appreciate what we
have - grass, flowers, sky, freedoms, love
etc; also reteach yourself how to love
& appreciate yourself; also make alot
of noise & really insist with everyone
from politicians to receptionists that you
will not stay on this med the nightmares
alone are too much to put up with, much
less the fact that you're not having the
quality of life you should!!
Further, every chance you get smile :d ,
a smile really does release chemicals in
us that make us feel better :d so put
some smilies up around the house & :d
then every time (yes everytime) you look
in the mirroe smile :d it's like the
telling yourself you are worth the effort,
it takes some work some repetition &
just abit of patience but both it &
you are worth it!! :d
as to meds in general, check out the net,
search engines are there for just this
purpose, & see what the side effects
are, what the alternative meds are &
whether there are any natural alternatives
that might be better for you or which
might improve your situation in
conjunction with meds. I recommend sam-e,
5htp (tryptophan), vitamin b's & for
some dhea, there are tonnes of others out
there plus herbalists, naturopaths &
homeopaths. Search the web & also
research your symptoms & see if you
feel that your diagnosis is correct.
Cbt & support groups as well as things
like 12 step programmes all have uses, but
as we are all unique we have to find what
we feel is right for us, although
sometimes that means trying alot of things
befroe finding the right thing or right
combination of things.
As to saying you're rambling & not
helping people, garbage, we all ramble
& need to, we also need to see others
ramble that's one way we know we're not
alone in how we feel & if rambling
helps then isn't help what we're here
for??!! :d :d :d :d :d :d :d :d
:d :d :d :d :d :d
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Suzanne34
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Posts: 6 Location: ,
Mia/2blue/bipolar Posted: 03-13-04 17:27pm
Trust me mia, I know exactly what you are
saying. In fact, you arent telling me
anything different then what I tell women
just like "us" every single day.
Sad thing is, easier said than done. I
wish to god that I could live by the
advice I give. It's so much easier when
you are on the outside looking in.
If I wasnt so afraid of the outside
world, I just might take that walk
mia...
Tell me...What is it like to be able to
appreciate a blade of grass? Tell me
what it is like to be able to appreciate
being alive.
I am in no way being sarcastic, I am here
for answers. I am sick and tired of
suffering, and I am scared that I wont
hold on anymore....
Every single day of my life, I help
people. (geocities.Com/survivorswall)
I just cannot seem to help myself.
Im tired. Ya know?
Thankyou for the advice mia, its nice to
know that there is someone that cares, and
tries to understand...
Suzanne
Last edited by Suzanne34 on 03-15-04 16:41pm; edited 1 time in total
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purple333
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 1420 Location: Sydney
Posted: 03-13-04 23:09pm
Suzanne,
if you really can not get outside to
appreciate things then look out the window
or watch it on tv - look at small children
(even on tv) & how can anyone not look
at a small child or baby & not see a
miracle & not smile??
I know exactly what you mean about it
being easier to give than to act on advice
but you have to try, just take baby steps;
like :d yep, now just do it smile :d
then think about how you felt when you did
it, you felt better didn't you (maybe not
great but better than you did just before
you smiled).
That is a baby step. Do that as often as
possible everyday & put smilies up
around your home, smile at ourself in the
mirror as often as possible & say
that you are worthwhile. These are baby
steps & you can gradually build up to
the rest.
