Bipolar Depression

After reading the recent posts, I realize that I am not the only one  who suffers from severe bipolar depression. My question is this: Why does it seem like the pdocs are not addressing the severe bipolar depression with meds that target depression? Why are we given only mood stabilizers. Depression is a killer, it takes your life away cause your are in bed for days and nights without the energy to get up, and then when you finally do get out of bed you know that it is only for a short time and you dread it cause you know without a doubt you will be back in the same boat once again. Over and over and over. My mood has stabilized. I am stable in the lowest lows. Isn't there some kind of meds to help pull you up and out of this deep dark place? Something to help with our energy level so that we have enough energy to even start to feel human or even care? All I am taking is 15mg Abilify and it isn't helping the low spot I am in and can't get out of. HELP ME

[ILADVOCATE]

Abilify is an antipsychotic used as a mood stabilizer. You could ask your psychiatrist if you need another mood stabilizer in addition. Mood stabilizers are supposed to treat both mania and depression. Anti-depressents can be used but there is the concern that they will worsen mania. For myself sometimes two mood stabilizers were needed.

[hell1971]

I am learning it takes time to stabalise, maybe you need additional medication to be added to help lift you. Be your own advocate and get yourself the help you need, I havent got there either yet but i do have a team looking after me and i have the confidence in them that i will get there i just have to stick with the program. hugs,x you are not alone.

[adel_ezz]

As ILADVOCATE said, antidepressants worsen mania so pdocs prefer not to give them unless there is an urgent need but the pt must be covered by a strong mood stabilizer 1st. Abilify is an atypical AP which helps in depression so your pdoc is a good pdoc who didn't want to give you many pills. But again IL is right if he adds up another MS like lamictal then it would then be safe to give antidepressants now. Your question can only be asked to your pdoc.

Yes depression as you said is the main issue or how things started with BP. You may be BP2 where depression is the main issue. Your question has been asked by million pts unfortunately had there been a simple answer no one whould have suffered. Giving AD is controversial. Most BP pts take them but under a strong MS so that they don't cycle or getting episodes. However if your depression is mild then some omega3 or plenty of exercises will help. But with severe deepression i assume you need an AD. I 've seen pts taking abilify+lamictal both help in depression. seroquel can help a little but will make you lethargic too.

unfortunately only a pdoc can answer you
good luck

[opus88]

Hi, by reading your post and the comments I have found some answers also.
the BP2 gets STABILIZED than one lives with the hell of severe depression....unless yet another medication is added....does this cycle ever have a happy outcome? or just an overmedicated desensitized state of life?
Does happiness forever elude BP people?
There has to be more than just existing does there not?

[AshleyBaker]

Hi. I dont know much about the medications because I am so new at this, but if you are not feeling good, you really need to call your doctor back. I was diagnosed with ADHD in the 80's and finally went on medication in the 90's, but when I became more manic on the medications, I was diagnosed with bipolar II. I found that I have to literally badger my doctor when I am not "right." I feel bad doing it, but when he is able to help me and call something in for me....or schedule an appt, I always feel better. I have reached out for help to the team of docs I have and they answer. Don't worry at how you are perceived. You should not suffer. Please know that you are not alone. ;)

Ashley

[micketen]

im so down i really dont no wot to do i was told about 7 year ago i was bp i have been sufferin from depression since i was 17 im now 44 and i seem to be gettin worse all my doc gives me is prosac they are not helpin in any way i so scared of wot is goin on in my head please help.   ***@**** .

[Xila31]

I'm sorry you are feeling so bad. My only advice is that if your doctor is not helping you then perhaps you need a new doctor. Obviously if something isn't working for you then you need to try something else, and if your doctor isn't working for you then you need a doctor who will. If you feel you are in danger please go right away to get help. You can get through this, I know it is hard.

I wish I could be more help. Please ask for help from your family, friends, or hospital if you need it.