sarahleigh80
11-14-2008, 06:57 PM
I can't believe my eyes right now, reading all these posts... Suddenly I don't feel alone anymore. I was diagnosed bipolar 1 with rapid cycling three years ago and am finally now getting help for it. I've been on Lamictal for almost six weeks now and seven days ago I experienced the scariest, most manic episode I've ever had in my life. It was like an out of body experience (and not a good one.) I was rapid cycling on the minute... sad, angry, optimistic, enraged and glad. I have never been through anything this severe it really scared me and all those around me. I saw my doc. yesterday and left with another Rx for Depicoat. ( by the way, I really hate this doc. I cant seem to find another one who can help me with the meds in my area.) I feel like this might not help. To have the worse episode ever after starting meds? Is that normal? The other thing is that I have epilepsy so I cant take just any medication as most will induce seizures. I feel hopeful yet discouraged. I want to get better
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seaturtle
11-15-2008, 03:55 AM
Hi,
Welcome to this board. I'm glad you found us.
That sounds frightening - I hope the Depakote helps. You asked about having this worst episode after starting Lamictal - by any chance did you increase it recently?
You know, if you really don't like/trust your doctor, find someone else. IMHO, it's just not possible to work well with a doctor I don't get along with and competely respect.
Hope to hear from you again, tell us how the Depakote is doing,
Seaturtle
Welcome to this board. I'm glad you found us.
That sounds frightening - I hope the Depakote helps. You asked about having this worst episode after starting Lamictal - by any chance did you increase it recently?
You know, if you really don't like/trust your doctor, find someone else. IMHO, it's just not possible to work well with a doctor I don't get along with and competely respect.
Hope to hear from you again, tell us how the Depakote is doing,
Seaturtle
dreams in neon
11-15-2008, 08:43 AM
Hi,
I'm also BPI rapid cycling (ultradian).
To answer your question, yes, it's possible for people to experience severe manic episodes on an antidepressant especially if they are not on a mood stabilizer or the mood stabilizer isn't raised to a sufficient level in order to address symptoms.
It sounds as though the Depakote isn't working for you which may be a reason why you had a severe manic episode. Normally mood stabilizers used in conjunction with an antidepressant prevent manic episodes from occurring.
In the meantime, you might want to ask your pdoc if he/she can raise your Depakote to see if that helps. I know when I started taking Depakote I eventually needed it increased to address my mania and rapid cycling.
As for locating another pdoc, is there a college or university in your area? If so, perhaps you could contact their psychology department for a referral to a pdoc and/or appointment if they have one on campus.
I'm sorry you're going through such a rough time right now. I've been there (in fact, I've been rapid cycling for over a week) and it's not fun.
Good luck.
dreams in neon
Bipolar I - Rapid Cycling
I'm also BPI rapid cycling (ultradian).
To answer your question, yes, it's possible for people to experience severe manic episodes on an antidepressant especially if they are not on a mood stabilizer or the mood stabilizer isn't raised to a sufficient level in order to address symptoms.
It sounds as though the Depakote isn't working for you which may be a reason why you had a severe manic episode. Normally mood stabilizers used in conjunction with an antidepressant prevent manic episodes from occurring.
In the meantime, you might want to ask your pdoc if he/she can raise your Depakote to see if that helps. I know when I started taking Depakote I eventually needed it increased to address my mania and rapid cycling.
As for locating another pdoc, is there a college or university in your area? If so, perhaps you could contact their psychology department for a referral to a pdoc and/or appointment if they have one on campus.
I'm sorry you're going through such a rough time right now. I've been there (in fact, I've been rapid cycling for over a week) and it's not fun.
Good luck.
dreams in neon
Bipolar I - Rapid Cycling
CarenR
11-15-2008, 10:15 AM
Welcome to the boards........ yes drugs will make the manic episodes stop... I take zyprexa.... and I am Bipolar 1...
hugs, Caren
hugs, Caren
tigger5150
11-16-2008, 10:21 PM
Hi,
You know, if you really don't like/trust your doctor, find someone else. IMHO, it's just not possible to work well with a doctor I don't get along with and competely respect.
I agree with Seaturtle here.... keep searching if you can for a pdoc that you can trust and work with. It is important.:D
You know, if you really don't like/trust your doctor, find someone else. IMHO, it's just not possible to work well with a doctor I don't get along with and competely respect.
I agree with Seaturtle here.... keep searching if you can for a pdoc that you can trust and work with. It is important.:D
seaturtle
11-17-2008, 12:32 AM
Hi,
How are you doing today? I hope you're a little better.
I wanted to suggest you check out your recent episode with your pharmacist. We all react differently, and sometimes meds like Lamictal that are supposed to stabilize us end up having the opposite effect. I take Lamictal, and each time I increase the dosage, I get about 2 weeks of hypomania...but nothing like you described.
Check in and let us know,
Seaturtle
How are you doing today? I hope you're a little better.
I wanted to suggest you check out your recent episode with your pharmacist. We all react differently, and sometimes meds like Lamictal that are supposed to stabilize us end up having the opposite effect. I take Lamictal, and each time I increase the dosage, I get about 2 weeks of hypomania...but nothing like you described.
Check in and let us know,
Seaturtle