Just recently diagnosed with BP and my doc started me on Tegretol, 200 mg..racing thoughts, no suicidal//homocidal...i just can't slow down..so I was tryin to read and gave up, Doc also asked me about lithium anyway hi all , and new to this diagnosis kj:eek:

If you've been hanging around on this board reading various threads, you probably know that it takes a great deal of patience to find the right medications for your individual body. In the U.S. it is more common to use meds in combination and this process takes even longer as the pdoc usually wants to introduce them one by one.

For example, my 25-year old son takes 3 mood stabilizers: lithium, Lamictal and tegretol. This is the combination that works for him with the fewest side effects. I can remember a time before he was properly medicated, that he could not read or even watch a movie or long TV program. He had difficulty sitting still that long and couldn't concentrate long enough to read. Your body will adjust to some extent. If not, there are other meds you can take to help your mind refocus.

Things will get better. Unfortunately nothing happens fast. Try to be patient. Talk to your pdoc about it, too. He may have some suggestions.

:wave: Tsohl

Hi kj, oh man I so understand how you are feeling! I am supposed to be reading for my class right now but for the life of me cannot. Nor can I sleep. It's like 3:30am. Oh boy!

You might want to talk to your pdoc about seroquel which is supposed to help more with racing thoughts...especially if you are pretty manic at the moment. It also helps with sleep!

Welcome KJ,

sometimes you can only read and not respond. But, it's all treatable and a journey that is as much a part of life as love. Welcome.

Juliet xxxx