Meds Help

[obsessedwithhim]

From 2002 to 2007 I had been treated for depression. I was on celexa without side effects and mostly liked how it worked but then in 2005, I felt maybe I needed a change.  Doctors put me on Effexor XR 150 mg.  This was a nightmare for me. It put me into a 1 1/2 year manic episode and I started an affair, abused drugs and then the affair ended and I ended up with a restraining order on me and then arrested (really long story) - After the affair ended, I put myself in a psych ward on a 5150.  They then diagnosed me as being bipolar and put me on Seroquel.  Seroquel made me feel better but I put on a lot of weight.  So I went off of the seroquel and am now on NOTHING.  I am aware of my moods and I am back to feeling obsessed with the guy I had the affair with.  I can't contact him but its all I think about.  I am not abusing drugs and I don't want the affair so I wouldn't say I am manic again - but I feel I need something for this anxiety/obsession.  I don't even know if I truly am Bipolar or just have anxiety.  I am afraid of meds because of what happened with the Effexor - It just about ruined my life - and I don't want to be a 400 pound woman either.  I am thinking of going back on the Celexa.  Will that help this obsession feeling?

[obsessedwithhim]

I am going to see my primary care doctor tomorrow.  I am going to ask him to put me back on Celexa or refer me to a new psychiatrist.  I have seen my psychiatrist 1/2 a dozen times since she put me on seroquel and I have told her over and over again that I am gaining weight and that I don't like gaining weight....she just hands me a phamplet about exercise and eating right.  I am frustrated with her because i don't feel she is getting my point.  She isn't american and maybe perhaps she isn't understanding and my frustration is causing me to want to go elsewhere.  I realize that 1/2 or more of you are as sick as I am (no pun intended) and I didn't think I would get THE answer here - but felt that I would get ideas for me to ponder. Thank you

[bipolarwoman]

Being obsessed with someone is part of the manic symptoms of bipolar.  You need to tell your doctor what is going on and change meds.  Also, try to join a local CODA or codependents anonymous group.  This helps with this type of issues.

[JSGeare]

Let's step back and take a look:

You're still obsessed with a guy. Obsessions are mental conditions that get in the way of normal functioning because your mind is "fixed" on one thing. That alone might be a signal for therapy.

You place as high a value on your weight as you do on feeling well, and that valuation may perhaps be driven by the obsession -or at least, connected to it.

You don't trust the medical professionals, so you come here seeking advice which you CAN trust -and we are not professionals.

Whether any particular doctor is right or wrong and whether or not someone here by mere chance had the magic bullet, your priorities appear to be working against you. So the first order of business is to set the priorities, and some professional psychiatric help may be just what the "doctor" ordered. Therefore, I suggest a consult and psychiatric evaluation. Priority ONE: get your life back.

[Marketjunkie07]

Taking into account all you've been through, I would suggest a Long-Acting benzodiazepine such as Clonazepam, or Diazepam (Klonopin, Valium) and a new generation of SSRI such as Lexapro, I've on it for a couple of months no and down extensive research on it and many ssri's as well. From what i'm found Lexapro is more effective and has less side effects than most of the commonly prescribed ssri's. Then there is Trazodone (Desyrel), it can be used alone or in conjunction (as an aid) to ssri therapy. It has less prominent anticholinergic (dry mouth, constipation, tachycardia) and adrenolytic (hypotension, male sexual problems) side effects than most tricyclic antidepressants. Trazodone is chemically and pharmacologically distinct from tricyclic antidepressants and tetracyclic antidepressants. Lacking the fused ring structures typical of these compounds, trazodone is a triazolopyridine derivative. Trazodone is not a serotonin reuptake inhibitor; in contrast to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (trade name Prozac), trazodone's antidepressant effects may be due to its antagonistic effect at the presynaptic 5-HT2 autoreceptor site. You can do further research on your own or talk to your doctor about these medications for more information, If you need anything or any information just ask.

marketjunkie07

[kcdem]

yes the meds.....Seroquel is known for weight gain as well. The real question to be determined by a good Psychiatrist IS; do I need to be on an antipsychotic? That is the question since they cause weight gain. You need to know if you are truly bipolar...if not, no need for the antipsychotic. I think that sounds like a plan. Only a good doc can tell you. I do know they throw the bipolar word around alot.

kcdem

[suzi-q]

So it does seem like it is the meds.....how about the celexa again?  I totally understand the weight thing...I really do, but you "mind" is more important...maybe there is another med like the seroquel without the weight side effect?  Or a med to take in conjunction with it????  However, you need to talk to your doctor that you stopped the meds, and then find a new one.  Please do not make these decisions without a doctor monitoring you!

[obsessedwithhim]

I got up to 245 pounds.  I joined a gym and started going 2 to 3 times a week and didn't lose a pound.  I am not a "bad" eater - I eat fast, but I am not a snacker.  I don't eat healthy (salads, tofu) - I don't over eat either, I just have a really low metabolism.  Before when I was on the celexa - I hovered around 200 - still over weight but i hid it well and didn't look majorly obese.

I just need something - being obsessed about a bad situation is not good for me or anyone around me.  I can't stop my mind from thinking....

Since I went off the meds 2 weeks ago - I have lost 10 pounds (still going to gym 2 to 3 times a week).

[kcdem]

uh.... how bout the celexa?


kcdem

[suzi-q]

When you say that gained weight, how much?  I am asking because I feel your mental health is more important than weight.  However, if it is an unhealthy gain then you have to see what can be done by a DOCTOR.  Is it that the seroquel makes you more hungry or is weight gain a side effect?  Is there any way you can eat a healthier lower cal diet and add exercise?  I am just trying to see if there is another way around it.

[obsessedwithhim]

Doctor wants to keep me on seroquel and doesn't get that I don't like being fat.  I am frustrated and feel that I would do better getting imput elsewhere.  I am not happy with my doctors

[JSGeare]

Given the extensive medical care you've received, I'm surprised you haven't asked your doctir or a medical professional that question. Hard to say, here, if any particular chnage will have any particular result. Please tell us what your mental health professionals tell you about this, and thanks for the post.