Bi-polar diorder lots of questions

[Sydney Smyth]

I recently was told by my psychologist that there is a very strong possibility I have bipolar.I exhibit a lot of the signs and symptoms.I have yet to have my date with the psychologist but I also beleave I have this.I am worried about the medications,like what are they,are there a large variety of them to choose from,and which is most commonly used??I am an adult by the way.How will they make me feel and make a difference in my life??I have been on antideppresants and anxiety meds but tend to not take them all the time or even take the anti-deppresant at all.People think you are nuts when you say bi-polar but this is soo untrue!It angers me.I do have severe ups and down,moodswings in an instant,and a lot of other signs,but I am scared of having no knowledge on the disorder.Can anyone please help?Thanks

[BartonPalmerPhD]

I intended for the "thank you" for you in your last post on the cancer forum.

[BartonPalmerPhD]

As you know we do not learn about psychiatric medications at this point, though I thought from what I do know about Lithium it is a carbonate--a salt--It is used to control manic depression. I've heard it is the most commonly used medication to treat bipolar disorder (manic depression) and there are a variety of different brands of lithium  Cabalist-S, Escalate, Lithuania, Litho bid, Litho Nate, and Litho tabs. (sp?)   Why are there so many side effects? Why is it  one of the most effective psychiatric medications ?

Also, thank you for the encouragement in your post ; )

shawn47  I would advise that your partner explain these symptoms to his psychiatrist.....

[BartonPalmerPhD]

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking lithium and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:



an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
blurred vision or eye pain;
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
slurred speech;
extreme drowsiness, weakness, or confusion;
involuntary movements; or
ringing in your ears.

[izzyb1957]

hi my partner has just been pit on lithium and avanza i am a biy worried about lithium  is it that bad does it cause alot of side effects  he has had 6 falls this year and i am so worried about him it is so hard watching him go through this

[tsnowe123]

Yeah, I actually smoked weed, until I started Med school, but I found once I started on meds, I never needed to smoke again. I also was on Seroquel , Zyprexa, wellbutrin, Lithium, Geodon, and more, I am now on Lamictal, geodon and Xanex ER. Seroquel gave me a severe rash and I blew up like a balloon,Zyprexa made me a walking zombie and my toung swell up, Lithium made me tired, and so on and so on. I am very glad to see your meds have worked for you for so long. Also, if you have not read it on the other post, I would like to respectfully take back what i said before ;)

[shawn47]

Lithium, lamictal, seroquel, wellbutrin.  Pretty much standard issue Rx for BP for the last three years.  I've stuck with the same fab four, with varying doses.  I've tried other drugs, though, that didn't work well for me that other people thrive quite well on.  My BP was untreated for decades and became tons worse because of it.  By the time i received treatment, three years ago, i was relieved that anything worked, outside of drinking - which of course, doesn't work.

[tsnowe123]

I have had biopolar my whole life as well, for a long time I went with out the diagnosis.   (this time)  I  have to agree with Shawn , but I have to say with the research I have done and discussions with my well known and highly reputable psychiatrist, you actually should not experience side efects that interupt your life. You shouldn't even feel like you are on a medication, besides having less symptoms, that's if you find the right ones. As Shawn mentioned, "It may take several tries to get the drug and dose correct.  BP is  complex "

P.S. SHAWN, If you don't mind my asking, what are you taking? I was very suprised when you said you have been taking the same thing for yeas, I actualy do not commmly hear that.  I would like to mention it to my psychiatrist.  thanx :)

[shawn47]

Sydney - I've been bipolar all my life and i was very concerned about taking the drugs.  It took a few months of changing out meds and balancing doses, but things are going pretty much okay.  However, i still have side effects which are not even worth mentioning because the drugs' bennies outweigh the side effects.  I'm not saying you should put up with side effects.  I'm saying that everyone is different in how their body will accept a new drug.  What works GREAT for some people works like **** on others.  It may take several tries to get the drug and dose correct.  BP is so complex it's not even funny.

I've always gone to a psychiatrist - a MD - for a diagnosis and Rx.  Perhaps, stupidly, i thought psychologists could not prescribe...?  But i know some do.

[Camilla*]

Hey- I just had a thought: do you think that while an initial diagnosis may be correct, throughout time the disorder may change into something different?  I started out being diagnosed bipolar 2 a/b 5 years ago, but now I realize it's bipolar 1 rapid cycling (but it wasn't always).  Hmmmm
Yet if that was true, I would have to change my meds to fit the correct disorder... It's been really tough for me finding a balance of meds that work w/out dibilitating side effects.  I'm still trying stuff & weaning off stuff, trying to find the best mix for me at the lowest possible dose.  It took a year to find a good concoction that helped me live a stable, successful life for 3 years. Yet recently I've needed to readjust my meds and am trying new things...
The best advice I can give is that you need to do a lot of research yourself- and don't ever give up no matter how awful it may get.  Take an active role in what medicines your doctor recommends-- if you have doubts a/b them, don't be afraid to speak up! It's your body, not his/hers.  
I think this is a great site, and wish I knew about it 5 years ago when I was struggling so badly.  
God bless-
Camilla

[Mark TX]

I'd be very, very cautious about accepting any diagnosis without consulting several different experts.  And listen to a variety of sources, including your GP.   I was diagnosed bipolar type II over a decade ago.  Now my doctor and I are questioning that original diagnosis.

Several traps to watch out for.  If you begin a new medication and suddenly get new symptoms... do not let anyone convince you that those symptoms are part of some new disorder... they are SIDE-EFFECTS.  I've watched this happen to myself and others.  You start on an anti-depressant.  The next thing you know you're batting anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, insomnia, and/or headaches... and suddenly finding yourself diagnosed with anxiety disorder on top of everything else.  Then you find yourself on new medications to counter those symptoms... which may bring about a whole new set of symptoms.  I've been battling side-effects for a decade and I've seen this in others.  Be very, very cautious.  For every person who has a good experience with meds there's another who hasn't.  Read these boards and evaluate your situation very carefully before you accept any medication.

Good luck,

mark

[Venora Moonwind]

It doesnt matter what other people think I am bipolar and I take celxa/zyprexa. I feel great and I have a great life thanks to these meds.Just dont tell anyone you are bi polar.I have told a few people and they dont care that I am .they still like me and dont think I am nuts. you will be ol .though it may take trying different meds to get the one that is right for you.Let me know how you are .
Love Venora

[ab1876]

I am bipolar and have been for awhile but the only way to get yourself well is by taking your medication as directed by your doctor it doesn't help you to get better if you do not follow his/her direction.  The psychologist will do blood work on a regular basis to make sure your levels of medication is good not to harm your liver or kidneys.  You are nuts you would be surprise how many other people are on anti-depressants and/or bi-polar.  There is so much reading out there about bi-polar, I found the best info on the Mayo clinic web site.