Everyone has their own reaction to meds, so someone else's experience might not match yours. You also have a diagnosis that isn't classic bipolar. Bipolar 2 is a form of depression that manifests in certain ways, but it isn't a psychosis as true bipolar is so taking antipsychotics isn't necessarily going to help any better than an antidepressant. It might, it might not. It's more likely to have certain side effects, but not necessarily for you. I might add, if you tolerate wellbutrin, a highly stimulating antidepressant, and it doesn't drive you into something like manic behavior, you might want to ask your psychiatrist if you do need an antipsychotic for a non-psychotic diagnosis. But only trying it will tell you how you will react to it, unfortunately.
Hi there. Bipolar has gotten complex over the years with bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 and everything in between! My dear friend has been diagnosed with bipolar 2 and to me, she is often more classic in her presentation but I'm no doctor. The important thing is that she receives treatment and medication that really helps. She's on lamictal as well. She has not attempted suicide but her lows are scary. I'm sorry you have been there as well and to the point of trying to take your life. I AM quite glad though that you are in tune with your bipolar/mental health and working diligently with a doctor. When my friend spirals, it happens when she is not being cooperative with those things. paxiled is a lay person here and not a doctor, nor am I. You, as the person with bipolar, are probably much more versed than either of us. :>) Take what you read with a grain of salt here but know everyone just tries to help. I had years of dealing with mental health disease that was not my own to deal with but learned a lot during that time. But, that is going to be different than what you've experienced living it.
Now, my best friend when she is having hypomania, it is apparent very quickly to me and her loved ones. She is often upset when it is pointed out to her but she is probably older than you so is well aware of 'what is next' which is depression that is so awful for her. If we can catch her before she gets there, all the better. But she greatly enjoys the high of mania. Sigh. She feels on top of the world and like nothing can stop her.
What is your fear of taking lithium? From all I've read, it helps at both ends of bipolar and is very well studied. It helps tone down mania and improve depression.
Lithium as with other medications have different side effects with certain people.
It has worked for me to date. It is important to have your blood monitored and to understand what the level indicates. I started on a higher dose when I was in the treatment phase and then over time had the dose reduced to where it is now which is within the maintenance phase.
But I also attend many groups, with one specific to bipolar. I learn through the meetings how to manage the ups and downs that still will occur. The meds are only part of the remedy. Life is still going to have happiness and sadness. These I deal with by connecting with others, so I have a stronger support system and don’t deviate to alcohol to try and manage my emotions. Good luck in the journey and I hope you find a path that will give pleasure and comfort. Bipolar is manageable.
I strongly suggest lithium. My bipolar was beginning to sky rocket very quickly and once I began taking it at a therapeutic level (0.4 being the min recommended dose) my stability has been so much better. I have no negative side effects, and it works better than the other mood stabilizers I’ve tried. One more thing that is sort of unrelated to bipolar, but lithium has cured my dissociation as well. All around it’s been helpful. (Although you can’t drink alcohol while on it)
Yes I tried Lithium about 20 years ago for depression and bipolar disorder.It did not harm me but at the same time it did not help me.I don't know if the correct dosage was never achieved or if my system just wouldn't accept the medication.Anyway,I'm back on lamotrigine-200MG twice a day.Topiramate 100MG twice a day and have been so for the last 20 Years plus.I also take 60Mg of cymbalta once a day which has also been the case for 20 years plus.Do not take my word for it though.In the 1940(S) and 1950(S) Lithium was a main stay for mental disorders.You will have to take regular blood tests to check the amount of lithium in your body so that your dosage can be adjusted accordingly.I can only wish you the very best as this decision can only be made by you.
Yes I've tried lithium.I was on this medication for a while 20 years for depression and bipolar disorder.It did not help or work for me.Why,I do not know.
If your Son is put on this medication make sure he has regular blood tests to check the level of lithium in his system so his dosage can be adjusted to make sure that the level of lithium in his body is not too high as this can be dangerous.I'm not trying to scare you.Lithium was a main stay drug for mental disorders in the 1940(S) and 1950(S). A good doctor will monitor your Son's lithium level to be sure He's in the safe zone.If you decide to let him be put on it I truly hope it helps him.I don't know why it didn't help me but that doesn't mean it won't help him.I've been on Cymbalta,Lamactal,and Topimate for over 20 years now.A word to the wise.Never ever let any doctor put you or anyone you care about on CYMBALTA.You'll never get off of it.It's the most addictive anti-depressant on the face of the earth.People spend years trying to get off of it.Don't believe me.Read up on it.It helps with pain along with other things but it also removes passion from your personality which has not been a problem for me.But it is addictive and within 3 days of trying to get off of it you'll see what I'm trying to tell you.Don't let a Doctor put you on it.You'll regret it.To everyone please try to find happiness in these trying times in 2022.
I was diagnosed bipolar by a psychiatrist based on my hyperactivity, mood swings, spending habits ie impulsive , extravegant spending. I became this way from taking Rx Parnate.
Hi. I am also bipolar II. I have been taking Lithium since about 2004. It has simply stabilized my mood so I didn't experience any more hypomania. I personally did not experience any bad side effects.