bipolar? + graves disease + PANIC

I am a 21 year old female..I was diagnosed with panic disorder in high school and took all sorts of anti-anxiety meds and anti-depressants with no relief. About a year ago I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism caused by graves disease(which causes metabolic problems, mood, anxiousness, insomnia, fast heart rate), in the last few months my thyroid is in remission so I was taken off anti-thyroid medications. Within the last month or so my depression has become unbearable but im still having maniac episodes, which can range from panic attacks to irrational behavior. Two weeks ago my family doctor said I am bipolar. Since he has started me on 1000mg of depakote, propranolol (beta-blocker to control heartrate)nd I am back on Xanax. My doctor had put me on Zoloft about a month ago which made me even more anxious, so thats why he's thinking I am bipolar. Has anyone else experienced panic attacks/anxiety along with being bipolar? And if so what do you take? I have no health insurance so I go to a community clinic which I know isn't the right treatment for me but I am out of options.

[Hoopingwithjpy]

Unfortunatly you are being treated for far more disorders than nessacary.  BiPolar disorder takes a long time to DX.  Deparkote will undoubtably put 30 lbs. on your body.  Propranalol will make you drowsy, un ambitious. and Xanax is a fast acting anxiety answer.  BiPolar is a very serious disorder.  Unfortunatly with much stigma.  Once you are medicated for BiPolar your life will change drastically.  I have been BiPolar all my life.  Have been mistreated to over medicated to a toxic level.  I have tried to commit suicide multiple of times.  Please get good physcilogal help and reconsider before going on all the meds.  Feel free to ask any quiestions.
Hoopingwithjpy

[Amberlc]

I was put on Zoloft years ago and all it did was make me so sick all the time.

I now am on 900mg Lithium (for bipolar, its amazing...its just special salt)
50mg Lamictal (for anxiety)
25mg (+) of Seroquel (for insomnia)

everyday.

Hope you get better. It takes a while to find what works best for you but once you do you will feel a lot better. :)

[Alisonj29]

Wow I am so sorry you are going through so much. They recently checked your thyroid and its ok? If you are having manic episodes and irrational behaviour that is likely their basis for diagnose as with panic attacks and anxiety you dont experience that.

[lindahand]

I am sorry you don't have access to quality care. I've been diagnosed with GAD in addition to Bipolar 2. I am on lamotrigine, trazodone to help me sleep (although it isn't working right now), and Zeldox (Geodone in the US). The Geodone isn't recommended for anxiety. It increases it, but I can't take the other antipsychotics so I cope.

You may have been put on the depakote because it is a lot cheaper than lamotrigine and lithium needs regular blood tests.

Good luck. This medication thing is a tough one.

[Amberlc]

Lamotrigine is the generic for Lamictal.... I am also on Lamotrigine but because it its better known as its non-generic form i referred to it as Lamictal. :]

[freddie8605]

hey wow sounds like you are going through alot, yeah i would be carefull of taking a lot of medication as a DX does indeed take a while, but if it helps then go with it. Yes anxiety runs along side my bipolar to i hate social interaction when depressed and have had panic attack promblems since i was 11 or 12yrs. but it is possible to have anxiety on its own and there are heaps of types of anxitey disorders. listen to you own gut feeling i would say too and read up on things so you know the side effects and smyptoms. what are your smyptoms of mania if you dont mind me asking?

[jessica0206]

i am having issues w/ my meds for the bipolar disorder blocking my thyroid hormones due to graves disease is there a med that will work w/ xanax and not mess up my thyroid?

[ILADVOCATE]

Your psychiatrist would have a physician's only database where they could see what might be appropriate options. It would be worthwhile to discuss this with them.