Hi I've been dx with bipolar disorder since around 1998. I've been on a emotional roller coaster for along time before being dx and after. I've visited the hospital more than I care to remember. It seemed that the medications were never going to help me for any length of tme. My family sure got frustrated with me, but never gave up. I lost my first husband because of my crazy moods and his abusiveness. Then I found my second husband and we've been married for 20 yrs this february the 13th. I've been on cymbalta and lamictal for a year now and doing alot better. I call cymbalta my miracle drug. Oh! I have two wonderful boys. One 19 and the other 17. Life isn't always easy, but better. I'm still moody and have anxiety. Looking forward to meeting all of you. Sassy:)

welcome Sassy, you will find information and much caring here......

I have Bipolar. 1

Caren

Hello, and welcome,

This board is great. I'm sure you will find help and support here.

You wrote about Cymbalta being a wonder drug for you. May I ask if you've tried other antidepressants in the past, and how the Cymbalta is helping you? I've been through all of the SSRI's and still suffer from a great deal of depression.

Hope to see you posting regularly.

Seaturtle

Welcome Sassy - I too have been diagnosed with BiPolar 1, it is still not under control but I refuse to give up... Can't seem to get the right med combo....

Glad to have you here, Jenn

Hi Sassy and welcome :-)

I also am new here to this site. Looks great so far with a lot of information on it.

Lamictal is a new medication for me, started it about 6 weeks ago. My dosage in now 100mg and am due for an increase up to 200mg a day on Friday. I have done well on it so far, so it feels like it will work for me.

I was dx bipolar back in '97, but was alergic to Lithium, Depracote, and Tergratol, so have been treated with combinations on SSRI's. Last summer I spotted some manic behavior, but dr took a wait and see approach. Opppps. wrong move. By end of Nov, I was full blown manic. Slowly working my way back into a much more balanced emotional state now.

Looking forward to meeting folks here, and sharing with everyone

~~ Ripka

Hi Sassy,

Welcome to the boards! I'm sure you will find this a wonderful place to get support and advice.

I am 17 and have Bipolar NOS and it is most certainly not under control, but I am working on it.

Happy early anniversary and I'm exicited to get to know you more,
--steamroll:cool:

Hi Sassy,

Welcome to the board. Glad you found us!

F&D

Hello! I haven't been here all that long, but I've found everyone here to be so helpful and supportive. I hope you find the same.:)

Hello there. Welcome! This is a great place to visit. It really helps to be able to talk to people who are going through what Iwe are all going through.

Keep in touch!!!

Jeane

Hi Sassy and welcome! I think you will like it here. There are many great people on this board. It's a great place for support and information too!

I'm 24 with bipolar type 1. I've been struggling but now things are a lot better. I'm on lamictal and abilify. I like to think this combo will be a miracle for me! It has been great so far! I just had an increase and I feel better already.

Nice to meet you,

~Llama

:)seaturtle I have tried many other medications for my depressions. Most just made me very sleepy and out of it. I couldn't function and I wanted to withdraw from the world entirely. I couldn't go out of the house for 3 years. Then my phyc put me on cymbalta and I started feeling so much better over time. You see everybody's system is different and reacts to different combinations of medications. Cymbalta' and lamictal is mine. I'm still not perfect, but alot better. I need support. I thank all of you for your support and responses. Sometimes I feel so alone with this parasite of a illness. I also have ms I am blessed because I have a supportive family