pterodactyl
12-02-2008, 08:59 PM
Hello everyone,
I'm a twenty year old university student ( or was until I had to go on leave) just diagnosed with bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. I've done my fair share of research, but thought that talking to real people via a message board would be a good thing.
Does anyone else have problems with anxiety in addition to bipolar? I am currently in a mixed state of sorts - mainly depressed, but above all very anxious and agitated. I cannot concentrate on anything, read a book, hold a long conversation, or go out in public places for any length of time without becoming extremely anxious. I've been taking abilify for the past three weeks with no real effects, but I'm still slowly increasing the dose. I was also just proscribed clonazepam in a super low dose for the anxiety. It seems to do some good, but not much, although it is probably too soon to tell.
I'd love some perspective on these medications and people's experiences with anxiety and bipolar.
thanks muchly,
pterodactyl.
I'm a twenty year old university student ( or was until I had to go on leave) just diagnosed with bipolar disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. I've done my fair share of research, but thought that talking to real people via a message board would be a good thing.
Does anyone else have problems with anxiety in addition to bipolar? I am currently in a mixed state of sorts - mainly depressed, but above all very anxious and agitated. I cannot concentrate on anything, read a book, hold a long conversation, or go out in public places for any length of time without becoming extremely anxious. I've been taking abilify for the past three weeks with no real effects, but I'm still slowly increasing the dose. I was also just proscribed clonazepam in a super low dose for the anxiety. It seems to do some good, but not much, although it is probably too soon to tell.
I'd love some perspective on these medications and people's experiences with anxiety and bipolar.
thanks muchly,
pterodactyl.
Sponsor
CarenR
12-03-2008, 10:07 AM
Welcome to the board,
hugs, Caren
Bipolar 1
hugs, Caren
Bipolar 1
Bunnylover
12-03-2008, 06:43 PM
You sound like me, the depression is fairly well in hand, but the anxiety and agitation creeps back at the slightest provocation. Right now, it's not bad and I'm managing it with Seroquel and cymbalta (not that I think the cymbalta is doing much), but it always is just waiting there, behind the drugs. And yes, for me it shoots my concentration as well, which is very frustrating.
Part of what I've learned is how to detect when I start a new spiral, and to interrupt it as quickly as possible, with ativan if necessary, but preferably with a calming activity and a reality check.
Part of what I've learned is how to detect when I start a new spiral, and to interrupt it as quickly as possible, with ativan if necessary, but preferably with a calming activity and a reality check.
cool9
12-03-2008, 07:29 PM
75% of BP patients have an anxiety disorder whether it's separation anxiety, OCD, social anxiety, generalized, phobia, etc.
dreams in neon
12-04-2008, 07:52 AM
I experience anxiety, agitation as well as difficulty concentrating and making decisions when I'm manic.
Since I rapid cycle on an hourly basis, it's not uncommon for me to cycle between anxiety and agitation at the drop of a hat.
I'm currely taking 4mg Risperdal to help with both of these symptoms but unfortunately, I do not know if it is working since I've been sick with an upper respiratory infection for the past week. As a result of my illness, I've been rapid cycling, so it's difficult for me to know whether the Risperdal is working or not.
Once I start to feel better, I'm sure I'll have a better idea of how well it works.
I may also ask my pdoc if he can put me on an anti-anxiety med I can take when I'm manic.
I don't know if my post helps you at all, but I thought I'd share my experiences to let you know that you're not alone.
Since I rapid cycle on an hourly basis, it's not uncommon for me to cycle between anxiety and agitation at the drop of a hat.
I'm currely taking 4mg Risperdal to help with both of these symptoms but unfortunately, I do not know if it is working since I've been sick with an upper respiratory infection for the past week. As a result of my illness, I've been rapid cycling, so it's difficult for me to know whether the Risperdal is working or not.
Once I start to feel better, I'm sure I'll have a better idea of how well it works.
I may also ask my pdoc if he can put me on an anti-anxiety med I can take when I'm manic.
I don't know if my post helps you at all, but I thought I'd share my experiences to let you know that you're not alone.
pterodactyl
12-04-2008, 11:19 AM
thanks for your response.
I tried Seroquel at the tiniest dose possible a while ago and it turned me into a sleeping machine. Glad it works for you though. The clonazepam seems to be helping with the really nasty all-pervasive anxiety, but it still creeps in in even slightly stressful situations. But now that the anxiety is more subdued I can really feel the depression, which is just trading one bad thing for another. Oh well.
I tried Seroquel at the tiniest dose possible a while ago and it turned me into a sleeping machine. Glad it works for you though. The clonazepam seems to be helping with the really nasty all-pervasive anxiety, but it still creeps in in even slightly stressful situations. But now that the anxiety is more subdued I can really feel the depression, which is just trading one bad thing for another. Oh well.
xblondeangel650
12-04-2008, 03:16 PM
I was diagnosed with Bipolar Mania/OCD/Anxiety about 2 years ago,it's definately a struggle everyday.Usually the Pysch calls it mixed Bipolar because it really is mixed heh my mind is pretty scattered all the time,I went on Seroqual for a day and I had a bad adverse reaction to it.I could not go to work the next day,thank god I have my Depokote back! Everyone handles being Bipolar differently,depends how much you research it as well.Don't worry,your not the only one who suffers like this.
FinallyHere
12-12-2008, 10:12 AM
I have GAD and pretty bad. That was my main concern yesterday when visiting my Psych, GAD and depression. He's stuck on the bipolar diagnosis which I figured I'd deal with later. I'm currently on Buspar for the anxiety (and Xanax as needed, which I never take really....and Klonopin at night, mainly for muscle problems I have). My doc thinks that putting me on Lamictal will solve the problems.
I'm just newly diagnosed and scared. I think I've known for a long time that I'm bipolar but having it finalized is just freaking me out. Talk about being thrown into mania....
I'm just newly diagnosed and scared. I think I've known for a long time that I'm bipolar but having it finalized is just freaking me out. Talk about being thrown into mania....