ADD and Bipolar Disorder

[Tinysunshineangel]

I have not been officially diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, I have been reading a lot about it and listening to this "HealthTalk" podcast about bipolar disorder. I have been diagnosed with ADD. My doctor (who I only meet with for five to ten minutes) has prescribed me to three different anti-depressants, overall. The first medication was Lexipro, which did not help with my depression. So then he put me on Effexor XR. That made my depression unbelievably worse and I had major thoughts of suicide and experienced the worst sadness I think I ever have. I made numerous appointments to see my doctor, to get off of this medication, but missed the first few. I finally got myself there and he put me on less effexor (so I could be weened off of it I suppose) and prescribed me to Welbutrin.) So, all of this time I have been prescribed to Adderall XR, as well. Anyway, the welbutrin was alright.. I mean, it helped me not want to smoke cigarettes as much, which was a good side effect. I started to feel much better physically..but that is obviously because the effexor was getting out of my system (the effexor did a real number on me..i felt horrible, had bruises everywhere, got dizzy..) BUT the welbutrin really made me feel not like me. It also did not make me feel even remotely happier..meaning it seemed like it sort of would let me get happy even if i wanted to..but i also didnt feel extremely depressed or anything. Thinking about it now, I guess I didn't take the welbutrin long enough to really know what would have happened (i still have close to half of the bottle left) but almost a month ago I stopped taking it. I've just been taking the adderall now. Which i do not take everyday like i am supossed to, but am trying.


I apologize for making this so long, but I just wanted to give my history. So, I am pretty sure I am bipolar II. The more I learn about it, the more I feel a sense of relief that there is hope and there is a name for everything I've gone through in my life, but I also am sad about this, because apparently it is a chronic condition.

Anyway, I would just like some advice. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[Tinysunshineangel]

thanks for the advice guys. i appreciate it.

[triedeverymed]

Have you spoken to the doc about a mood stabelizer? That's what I'm on and the Adderral. It did help calm things down a lot and I had the same luck on the other meds you mentioned as  you did. Effexor was the worst! Wellbutrin didn't do anything and Lexapro didn't work either. I take Abilify now and that helps quite a bit.

[LLFgirl]

Hello,
Sometimes it takes a while to find the right medicines that work for you. It took me several years and I've tried Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Lithium, Depakote, and Respiradol for Bipolar/depression so I know how you feel. I would encourage you to keep working with your doctor and it may take some time to figure out what works best for your body. Don't give up because when you find the right med for you, you can lead a normal healthy life. It turns out that Lexapro was right for me but it may not be right for you. Keep in touch with your doc often so he/she can keep adjusting your meds to what's right for you. Hope this helps. Hang in there and don't give up!! :-). Praying for you.
LLFGirl

[Crystlas]

I hate it when Psychiatrists only see a client for 10 minutes and immediatly come up with a diagnosis and shoves you on meds.  Did you get tested for bipolar?  I did, over a period of two weeks with several visits a week.  That is how you know for sure.  I "passed"  all of the cognitive tests that indicate bipolar disorder is present have five out or the seven manic symptoms and all of the depressive symptoms.  I have all of mania except sleeping around and compulsive spending.  I do get hypersexual but I am more responsible to take care of it in a healthy manner, like sticking with my boyfriend, versus gaining several partners.  Anyhow, you need a proper evaluation to get diagnosed properly.  If this psychiatrist one you have seen for a long time and has observed you or just some doctor you do not know yet?  I hope you get your meds figured out.  It took me a year and 1/2 to get on the right combo.  Best wishes!