LonleyMind
08-28-2003, 04:47 PM
Have been reading posts on this and the depression board for a few months now. I've had some serious bouts of depression since 1993, but last week things were very different. It is not easy for me to talk about this, but many of you out there sound like you can relate, so here goes:
Was having a usual pattern of not being able to sleep at night. I have been taking trazadone for the past year to help go to sleep. Sometimes, I add ambien if under stress or traveling. This time, trazadone/ambien had no effect. This went on for several days. Hardly any sleep, but not tired during the day. One night I had unusual energy. My mind was racing. My body didn't have the usual pain of depression. My senses were very keen, and my sex drive was through the roof! Now, I have a healthy sex drive, but I have never experienced something like this before. The sex drive thing lasted for a week, with the first four days almost unbearable. My wife tried to help in that direction, but I wanted much more. I felt if a women had come on to me, I would have jumped at the chance. This is not my normal pattern, I knew that, and tried to use my rational mind to control the urge. I had to "take care of myself" several times per day, or I would have gone really crazy. One night I wanted to go somewhere and dance all night, with anyone. Again, not my normal pattern. Also, I was able to keep very busy all day. Yard work for hours did not tire me out, or give the stress related aches and pains. I was also more irritable with my family and people at large. If they mis-spoke in any way, I could feel anger inside and I would lash out at them. I have had times in the past when I would have unusual energy and/or hightend irritability, but nothing like this.
This finally subsided and I had about 4 days of normal feelings. Two days ago I woke up with a bad bout of depression. Very cloudy thinking, pain all over, sense of dread and sadness, etc. Plus the sex drive is completely gone. Today is better, but not by much. To me, this sounded a lot like a form of Bi-Polar. I enjoyed the high I had a LOT! The depressive side is dreadful though. I'm taking 300 mg of Wellbutrin for my depression. There is a history of Bi-Polar in some blood relatives.
That's it. Thanks to all who reply.
Was having a usual pattern of not being able to sleep at night. I have been taking trazadone for the past year to help go to sleep. Sometimes, I add ambien if under stress or traveling. This time, trazadone/ambien had no effect. This went on for several days. Hardly any sleep, but not tired during the day. One night I had unusual energy. My mind was racing. My body didn't have the usual pain of depression. My senses were very keen, and my sex drive was through the roof! Now, I have a healthy sex drive, but I have never experienced something like this before. The sex drive thing lasted for a week, with the first four days almost unbearable. My wife tried to help in that direction, but I wanted much more. I felt if a women had come on to me, I would have jumped at the chance. This is not my normal pattern, I knew that, and tried to use my rational mind to control the urge. I had to "take care of myself" several times per day, or I would have gone really crazy. One night I wanted to go somewhere and dance all night, with anyone. Again, not my normal pattern. Also, I was able to keep very busy all day. Yard work for hours did not tire me out, or give the stress related aches and pains. I was also more irritable with my family and people at large. If they mis-spoke in any way, I could feel anger inside and I would lash out at them. I have had times in the past when I would have unusual energy and/or hightend irritability, but nothing like this.
This finally subsided and I had about 4 days of normal feelings. Two days ago I woke up with a bad bout of depression. Very cloudy thinking, pain all over, sense of dread and sadness, etc. Plus the sex drive is completely gone. Today is better, but not by much. To me, this sounded a lot like a form of Bi-Polar. I enjoyed the high I had a LOT! The depressive side is dreadful though. I'm taking 300 mg of Wellbutrin for my depression. There is a history of Bi-Polar in some blood relatives.
That's it. Thanks to all who reply.
Sponsor
littlebernier
08-28-2003, 05:38 PM
LonelyMind,
Welcome! Yes, what you do describe does sound like it could be bipolar, however, I can not determine for sure. There are many wonderful websites out there that have information that is quite helpful. Here is some information I got off one of those websites. It is quite long, but very informative, please read.
Bipolar Disorder
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a serious brain disorder that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. It affects 2.3 million adult Americans, which is about1.2 percent of the population, and can run in families. The disorder affects men and women equally. Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mania and depression that can last from days to months. Bipolar disorder is a chronic and generally life-long condition with recurring episodes that often begin in adolescence or early adulthood, and occasionally even in children. It generally requires lifelong treatment, and recovery between episodes is often poor. Generally, those who suffer from bipolar disorder have symptoms of both mania and depression (sometimes at the same time).
What are the symptoms of mania?
Mania is the word that describes the activated phase of bipolar disorder. The symptoms of mania may include:
either an elated, happy mood or an irritable, angry, unpleasant mood
increased activity or energy
more thoughts and faster thinking than normal
increased talking, more rapid speech than normal
ambitious, often grandiose, plans
poor judgement
increased sexual interest and activity
decreased sleep and decreased need for sleep
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression is the other phase of bipolar disorder. The symptoms of depression may include:
depressed or apathetic mood
decreased activity and energy
restlessness and irritability
fewer thoughts than usual and slowed thinking
less talking and slowed speech
less interest or participation in, and less enjoyment of activities normally enjoyed
decreased sexual interest and activity
hopeless and helpless feelings
feelings of guilt and worthlessness
pessimistic outlook
thoughts of suicide
change in appetite (either eating more or eating less)
change in sleep patterns (either sleeping more or sleeping less)
What is a "mixed" state?
A mixed state is when symptoms of mania and depression occur at the same time. During a mixed state depressed mood accompanies manic activation.
What is rapid cycling?
Sometimes individuals may experience an increased frequency of episodes. When four or more episodes of illness occur within a 12-month period, the individual is said to have bipolar disorder with rapid cycling. Rapid cycling is more common in women.
What are the causes of bipolar disorder?
While the exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known, most researchers believe it is the result of a chemical imbalance in the certain parts of the brain. Other evidence suggests that the disorder results from impairments of the function of intracellular signaling pathways (the "machinery" inside nerve cells) within specific areas of the brain. Scientists have found evidence of a genetic predisposition to the illness. An active area of research involves trying to understand what those genes are that lend susceptibility to developing the disorder. Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, and close relatives of someone with bipolar disorder are more likely to be affected by the disorder. Sometimes serious life events such as a serious loss, chronic illness, illicit or prescription drug use or financial problems, can trigger an episode in some individuals with a predisposition to the disorder. There are other possible "triggers" of bipolar episodes: the treatment of depression with an antidepressant medication may trigger a switch into mania, sleep deprivation may trigger mania, or hypothyroidism may produce depression or mood instability. It is important to note that bipolar episodes can and often do occur without any obvious trigger.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it is a treatable and manageable illness. After an accurate diagnosis, most people can be successfully treated. Medication is an essential part of successful treatment for people with bipolar disorder. Maintenance treatment with a mood stabilizer substantially reduces the number and severity of episodes for most people, although episodes of mania or depression may occur and require a specific additional treatment. In addition, psychosocial therapies including, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, family therapy, and psychoeducation are important to help people understand the illness and to develop skills to cope with the stresses that can trigger episodes. Changes in medications or doses may be necessary, as well as changes in treatment plans during different stages of the illness.
Medications used to treat mania. Medications commonly used to treat manic episodes of bipolar disorder are called mood stabilizers, and they include lithium (Eskalith or Lithobid) and divalproex sodium (Depakote).
Lithium has long been used as a first line treatment for acute mania in people with bipolar disorder. Lithium is effective for preventing episodes of mania from occurring and for treating an episode after it has begun. However, for some individuals, lithium is ineffective and for others, lithium has a variety of side effects that may make it an undesirable treatment option.
Depakote is an anticonvulsant that has been used to treat epilepsy since 1983, but it was approved as a treatment for manic episodes of bipolar disorder in 1995. Depakote seems to be as effective as lithium for treating mania and it has fewer side effects, although it may not be appropriate for people with a history of liver problems.
Other anticonvulsant medications have also been used to treat mania. These include carbamazepine (Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), and topiramate (Topamax). However, these three medications have not been officially approved by the FDA for the treatment of bipolar disorder and have their own side effects.
Mania may also be treated acutely with antipsychotic medications. This class of medications includes Olanzapine (Zyprexa), which is FDA approved for the treatment of acute mania.
Medications used to treat depression. During depressive episodes, people with bipolar disorder may need additional treatment with an antidepressant medication. Because of the risk of triggering mania, doctors often prescribe an antidepressant only after the individual is already receiving a therapeutic dose of lithium or an anticonvulsant mood stabilizer. Research suggests that mood stabilizers can protect against antidepressant-induced switches into mania. Antidepressant medications relieve depression, elevate mood, and activate behavior, but it often takes three to four weeks to respond. Sometimes a variety of different antidepressants and doses will be tried before finding the medication that works best for a particular individual.
There are several different types of antidepressants used to treat depression including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or newer antidepressants that function in different ways. Recent data suggests that the anticonvulsant lamotrigine (Lamictal) may possess antidepressant effects in bipolar disorder. Once again, it is important to emphasize that treatment of depression in bipolar disorder without a mood stabilizing medication may result in "cycling" into a manic episode.
Consumers and their families must be cautious during the early stages of treatment when energy levels and the ability to take action return before mood improves. At this time - when decisions are easier to make, but depression is still severe - the risk of suicide may temporarily increase.
What are the side effects of the medications used to treat bipolar disorder?
All medications have side effects. Different medications produce different side effects, and people differ in the amount and severity of side effects they experience. Side effects can often be treated by changing the dose of the medication, switching to a different medication, or treating the side effect directly with an additional medication.
Side effects of medications used to treat mania.
Side effects of lithium include hand tremors, excessive thirst, excessive urination, and memory problems. Side effects often become less troublesome after a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. Particularly bothersome tremors can be treated with additional medication. Low thyroid function can be treated with thyroid supplements. In very few people, long-term lithium treatment can interfere with kidney function.
Common side effects of anticonvulsant mood stabilizers include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and tremors. Some people taking anticonvulsant mood stabilizers may develop liver problems or problems with white blood cell count and blood platelets, which can be severe. Therefore, blood tests to monitor liver function and blood cells may be an important part of treatment with some of these medications.
Side effects of medications used to treat depression. About half of the people taking antidepressant medications have mild side effects during the first few weeks of treatment.
Common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) include dry mouth, constipation, bladder problems, sexual problems, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, skin rash, or weight gain or loss.
Individuals taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may have to be careful about eating certain smoked, fermented, or pickled foods, drinking certain beverages, or taking some medications because they can cause severe high blood pressure in combination with the medication. MAOIs have other, less severe side effects as well.
The SSRIs and newer antidepressants tend to have fewer and different side effects, such as nausea, nervousness, insomnia, diarrhea, rash, agitation, or sexual problems, or weight gain or loss.
Please come back here with any other questions or just to let us know how things are going. You will find that this board is a wonderful source of information and is full of kind and informative members.
LB
------------------
When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.
Welcome! Yes, what you do describe does sound like it could be bipolar, however, I can not determine for sure. There are many wonderful websites out there that have information that is quite helpful. Here is some information I got off one of those websites. It is quite long, but very informative, please read.
Bipolar Disorder
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a serious brain disorder that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. It affects 2.3 million adult Americans, which is about1.2 percent of the population, and can run in families. The disorder affects men and women equally. Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mania and depression that can last from days to months. Bipolar disorder is a chronic and generally life-long condition with recurring episodes that often begin in adolescence or early adulthood, and occasionally even in children. It generally requires lifelong treatment, and recovery between episodes is often poor. Generally, those who suffer from bipolar disorder have symptoms of both mania and depression (sometimes at the same time).
What are the symptoms of mania?
Mania is the word that describes the activated phase of bipolar disorder. The symptoms of mania may include:
either an elated, happy mood or an irritable, angry, unpleasant mood
increased activity or energy
more thoughts and faster thinking than normal
increased talking, more rapid speech than normal
ambitious, often grandiose, plans
poor judgement
increased sexual interest and activity
decreased sleep and decreased need for sleep
What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression is the other phase of bipolar disorder. The symptoms of depression may include:
depressed or apathetic mood
decreased activity and energy
restlessness and irritability
fewer thoughts than usual and slowed thinking
less talking and slowed speech
less interest or participation in, and less enjoyment of activities normally enjoyed
decreased sexual interest and activity
hopeless and helpless feelings
feelings of guilt and worthlessness
pessimistic outlook
thoughts of suicide
change in appetite (either eating more or eating less)
change in sleep patterns (either sleeping more or sleeping less)
What is a "mixed" state?
A mixed state is when symptoms of mania and depression occur at the same time. During a mixed state depressed mood accompanies manic activation.
What is rapid cycling?
Sometimes individuals may experience an increased frequency of episodes. When four or more episodes of illness occur within a 12-month period, the individual is said to have bipolar disorder with rapid cycling. Rapid cycling is more common in women.
What are the causes of bipolar disorder?
While the exact cause of bipolar disorder is not known, most researchers believe it is the result of a chemical imbalance in the certain parts of the brain. Other evidence suggests that the disorder results from impairments of the function of intracellular signaling pathways (the "machinery" inside nerve cells) within specific areas of the brain. Scientists have found evidence of a genetic predisposition to the illness. An active area of research involves trying to understand what those genes are that lend susceptibility to developing the disorder. Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, and close relatives of someone with bipolar disorder are more likely to be affected by the disorder. Sometimes serious life events such as a serious loss, chronic illness, illicit or prescription drug use or financial problems, can trigger an episode in some individuals with a predisposition to the disorder. There are other possible "triggers" of bipolar episodes: the treatment of depression with an antidepressant medication may trigger a switch into mania, sleep deprivation may trigger mania, or hypothyroidism may produce depression or mood instability. It is important to note that bipolar episodes can and often do occur without any obvious trigger.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
While there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it is a treatable and manageable illness. After an accurate diagnosis, most people can be successfully treated. Medication is an essential part of successful treatment for people with bipolar disorder. Maintenance treatment with a mood stabilizer substantially reduces the number and severity of episodes for most people, although episodes of mania or depression may occur and require a specific additional treatment. In addition, psychosocial therapies including, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, family therapy, and psychoeducation are important to help people understand the illness and to develop skills to cope with the stresses that can trigger episodes. Changes in medications or doses may be necessary, as well as changes in treatment plans during different stages of the illness.
Medications used to treat mania. Medications commonly used to treat manic episodes of bipolar disorder are called mood stabilizers, and they include lithium (Eskalith or Lithobid) and divalproex sodium (Depakote).
Lithium has long been used as a first line treatment for acute mania in people with bipolar disorder. Lithium is effective for preventing episodes of mania from occurring and for treating an episode after it has begun. However, for some individuals, lithium is ineffective and for others, lithium has a variety of side effects that may make it an undesirable treatment option.
Depakote is an anticonvulsant that has been used to treat epilepsy since 1983, but it was approved as a treatment for manic episodes of bipolar disorder in 1995. Depakote seems to be as effective as lithium for treating mania and it has fewer side effects, although it may not be appropriate for people with a history of liver problems.
Other anticonvulsant medications have also been used to treat mania. These include carbamazepine (Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), and topiramate (Topamax). However, these three medications have not been officially approved by the FDA for the treatment of bipolar disorder and have their own side effects.
Mania may also be treated acutely with antipsychotic medications. This class of medications includes Olanzapine (Zyprexa), which is FDA approved for the treatment of acute mania.
Medications used to treat depression. During depressive episodes, people with bipolar disorder may need additional treatment with an antidepressant medication. Because of the risk of triggering mania, doctors often prescribe an antidepressant only after the individual is already receiving a therapeutic dose of lithium or an anticonvulsant mood stabilizer. Research suggests that mood stabilizers can protect against antidepressant-induced switches into mania. Antidepressant medications relieve depression, elevate mood, and activate behavior, but it often takes three to four weeks to respond. Sometimes a variety of different antidepressants and doses will be tried before finding the medication that works best for a particular individual.
There are several different types of antidepressants used to treat depression including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or newer antidepressants that function in different ways. Recent data suggests that the anticonvulsant lamotrigine (Lamictal) may possess antidepressant effects in bipolar disorder. Once again, it is important to emphasize that treatment of depression in bipolar disorder without a mood stabilizing medication may result in "cycling" into a manic episode.
Consumers and their families must be cautious during the early stages of treatment when energy levels and the ability to take action return before mood improves. At this time - when decisions are easier to make, but depression is still severe - the risk of suicide may temporarily increase.
What are the side effects of the medications used to treat bipolar disorder?
All medications have side effects. Different medications produce different side effects, and people differ in the amount and severity of side effects they experience. Side effects can often be treated by changing the dose of the medication, switching to a different medication, or treating the side effect directly with an additional medication.
Side effects of medications used to treat mania.
Side effects of lithium include hand tremors, excessive thirst, excessive urination, and memory problems. Side effects often become less troublesome after a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. Particularly bothersome tremors can be treated with additional medication. Low thyroid function can be treated with thyroid supplements. In very few people, long-term lithium treatment can interfere with kidney function.
Common side effects of anticonvulsant mood stabilizers include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and tremors. Some people taking anticonvulsant mood stabilizers may develop liver problems or problems with white blood cell count and blood platelets, which can be severe. Therefore, blood tests to monitor liver function and blood cells may be an important part of treatment with some of these medications.
Side effects of medications used to treat depression. About half of the people taking antidepressant medications have mild side effects during the first few weeks of treatment.
Common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) include dry mouth, constipation, bladder problems, sexual problems, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, skin rash, or weight gain or loss.
Individuals taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may have to be careful about eating certain smoked, fermented, or pickled foods, drinking certain beverages, or taking some medications because they can cause severe high blood pressure in combination with the medication. MAOIs have other, less severe side effects as well.
The SSRIs and newer antidepressants tend to have fewer and different side effects, such as nausea, nervousness, insomnia, diarrhea, rash, agitation, or sexual problems, or weight gain or loss.
Please come back here with any other questions or just to let us know how things are going. You will find that this board is a wonderful source of information and is full of kind and informative members.
LB
------------------
When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.
LonleyMind
08-29-2003, 02:27 AM
Thanks for the reply littlebernier. Very good list of info on Bi-Polar. I have done research online about this, which got me to thinking I may have a lesser form of Bi-Polar. I did not go into full mania it seems, but sure came close. At the peak, I was afraid that I may hear voices, but thankfully that did not happen. Just wanted to hear what others on this board had to say about this. Forgot to mention that I'm 52 years old and in good physical health. For my age, the burning sex drive I had during this ordeal had me concerned to say the least.
Pendy
08-29-2003, 03:50 PM
That definitely sounds like a manic episode. I've never experienced one of those. It seems most of those that have want to to back there if it weren't for depression side of it. It could very well be bipolar.
If that's the case, seek help for it. Even though the manic side may seem worth it I am sure your family isn't thinking so! Besides, if you are able to get the manic episodes under control you will get the depressive episodes under control as well. Just my two cents. Maybe it's only worth a penny <grin>
If that's the case, seek help for it. Even though the manic side may seem worth it I am sure your family isn't thinking so! Besides, if you are able to get the manic episodes under control you will get the depressive episodes under control as well. Just my two cents. Maybe it's only worth a penny <grin>