bi polar?

I take 150mg of effexor and have for years. I still constantly depressed and sometimes suicidal. Could I have bi-polar. I tried taking 300mg of effexor under dr supervision for a few months and no help so I went back to the 150mg. Is weight gain a side effect I am blowing up like a balloon?

I have no enery cant sleep and have no motivation. Sometime I dobnt leave the house or shower for days or weeks.


Thanks,


Lori

[wendy0910]

Have you tried anything besides effexor? Maybe you're just not on the "right" anti-depressant for you?? They don't all work the same for everyone, and from my experience doctors will usually work with you to find the one that works best for you.

I am bi-polar and have been told by doctors that if an antidepressant alone is given to someone who is bi polar it will often times increase the mania part of the disorder, making you the total opposite of that low, low depression. I don't know if it is true with all people or not... but it was for me. I was high as a kite, couldn't sit still, concentrate, ANYTHING when I was on just the anti depressant. I was bouncing off the walls!!

[vapors]

Dear Lori:

Hang in there.  I have had, and still have at times your symptoms, even the staying home part, and the venlafaxine (Effexor).  I have been studying psychiatric textbooks and research articles for the past few weeks for my condition and may be of some help.

Please let me know how long you have been depressed, and how it has been treated in the past (medication and dosage), and I will be more than glad to share anything which I have found to be relevant to your condition.

I fyou have the energy or concentration to read a little, take a look at www.psycheducation.org .  As hard as it may be at times, educating ourselves with first-hand, current, scholarly research articles about our condition goes a long way.

Please let me know if I can help.

Hang in there and good luck.

A.