antidepressants and bipolar

[sheessary]

are you  suppose to get off antidepressents if you find out you are bipolar

[shortcircuited]

You don't necessarily go off them.  Often doctors prescribe them with a mood stabilizer.  Most people with bipolar are not on an antidepressant alone.  

[LeftCoastChick]

Actually my pdoc took me off my anti depressant, the kind I was on was making me worse rather then bette(Cymbalta), it was making me seriously hypomanic.  I'm on Serequal and Lamactil now,  very new.. so I haven't stabilized yet, but noticing a different on the Serequal.  My pdoc said that afterwards, if I am still having issues battling the depression, they might add Wellbutrin because it's supposed to be well tolerated with the mood stabilizers. The mood stabilizers like Lamcital and Serequal have anti depressant qualities as well - so don't worry too much if you aren't on one. It also may take, from what my pdoc tells me - time to tweak doses.  I wish it could be done faster!

I'm a little nervous about going on another SSRI, because my hypomania, (now I know what it is) was worse.  I have tried every other SSRI/SNRI out there.. and the withdrawals from these meds are simply awful..and just finished withdrawing off the Cymbalta.. pure hell.   I was on Ativan during this period because of my break through hypomania which made it hard to almost see straight.  

I personally find days when I need the caffeine right now as I am starting on the mood stabilizers and have a hard time gettiing going - there are times when the depression is worse that I wish I was more hypomanic so I could get something done - oy!

I'm so thankful for this forum - and I have a hard time connecting with others and have self isloated for over 10 yrs. I have a new friend where I live who is BP2 rapid cycling like me, so it's helpful, even then.. sometimes I just want to run. *sighs*

[Venora Moonwind]

Hi there and welcome to bi polar.
Actually my experience has been that you need to be on anti depressant and a mood stabilizer. One wihtout the other will tip you to the opposite side.
Managing bi polar takes a combo of a healthy diet,Exercise at least 30 mins a day, NO caffiene or sugar as these aggravate bi polar. Regular sleep pattern. therapy and meds.
You have to help your body help itself by taking the best care of it possible.
Message me if you have any more question.
This is a great forum where bi polars can come together and help each other out with their experiences.
Love Venora