mmgirl75
05-12-2009, 01:31 AM
Has anyone heard of using Abilify to "reset" Lamictal? I have been on Lamicatal for 3 and a half years now and I hit the max does (400mg) about a year ago. My new doc gave me the Abilify to reset the Lamictal since it became apparent to me that it was no longer working. Has anyone else ever done this and if so did it work?
:confused:
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dreams in neon
05-12-2009, 03:07 AM
I've never heard of it described in those terms, but I know that adding one med can increase the efficacy of another.
Such is the case with the Risperdal and Klonopin that I take. I've been on Risperdal for the past 2 years, but it didn't reduce my voices, delusions and paranoia. Ever since my pdoc added Klonopin to help control my rapid cycling, Risperdal is working great. According to what my pdoc told me, Klonopin is helping Risperdal work better than it does without it. I don't know why exactly, but I assume it must have something to do with the ingredients of each med and how they interact with each other.
In your case, adding Abilify to Lamictal may allow the latter to address your depression more effectively.
Abilify has been approved by the FDA as an adjunct treatment for depression when it is used with an anti-depressant. Lamictal isn't an anti-depressant, but it does have anti-depressant qualities which may explain why your pdoc added it to your regimen.
Such is the case with the Risperdal and Klonopin that I take. I've been on Risperdal for the past 2 years, but it didn't reduce my voices, delusions and paranoia. Ever since my pdoc added Klonopin to help control my rapid cycling, Risperdal is working great. According to what my pdoc told me, Klonopin is helping Risperdal work better than it does without it. I don't know why exactly, but I assume it must have something to do with the ingredients of each med and how they interact with each other.
In your case, adding Abilify to Lamictal may allow the latter to address your depression more effectively.
Abilify has been approved by the FDA as an adjunct treatment for depression when it is used with an anti-depressant. Lamictal isn't an anti-depressant, but it does have anti-depressant qualities which may explain why your pdoc added it to your regimen.
Bunnylover
05-12-2009, 10:51 AM
I'm interested in this question. I just upped my lamictal to 200, in response to post-manic depression, its the second time I've raised the dose in two years. I wonder what happens when I can't up it anymore?
Has anyone tried tapering back down to a lower dose once the depression is safely past--say a few months lower? I wonder if that would work and still give me room to go up again next time.
Has anyone tried tapering back down to a lower dose once the depression is safely past--say a few months lower? I wonder if that would work and still give me room to go up again next time.
dreams in neon
05-12-2009, 11:46 AM
I'm interested in this question. I just upped my lamictal to 200, in response to post-manic depression, its the second time I've raised the dose in two years. I wonder what happens when I can't up it anymore?
Has anyone tried tapering back down to a lower dose once the depression is safely past--say a few months lower? I wonder if that would work and still give me room to go up again next time.
Lamictal doses for treating bipolar can go as high as 800mg, so you still have plenty of room as far as that's concerned.
I'm on 1500mg/day of Depakote. The highest dose of Depakote is 2500mg, so if I were to require that dosage and it still did not help address my mania, the next option would be to try a different mood stabilizer.
The same is true for the Risperdal I take. I'm on 6mg/day which is the highest possible dose for those who are not inpatient. If the time comes that Risperdal no longer reduces my voices, delusions and paranoia, I will have to try another antipsychotic like Seroquel, Abilify, Invega or one of the older typical antipsychotics like Haldol, Thorazine or Stelazine.
Long story short, if you reach the maximum dose of a med without positive results, you always have other options to choose from.
Has anyone tried tapering back down to a lower dose once the depression is safely past--say a few months lower? I wonder if that would work and still give me room to go up again next time.
Lamictal doses for treating bipolar can go as high as 800mg, so you still have plenty of room as far as that's concerned.
I'm on 1500mg/day of Depakote. The highest dose of Depakote is 2500mg, so if I were to require that dosage and it still did not help address my mania, the next option would be to try a different mood stabilizer.
The same is true for the Risperdal I take. I'm on 6mg/day which is the highest possible dose for those who are not inpatient. If the time comes that Risperdal no longer reduces my voices, delusions and paranoia, I will have to try another antipsychotic like Seroquel, Abilify, Invega or one of the older typical antipsychotics like Haldol, Thorazine or Stelazine.
Long story short, if you reach the maximum dose of a med without positive results, you always have other options to choose from.
mmgirl75
05-12-2009, 12:00 PM
It's interesting that you indicated the Lamictal can go up to a dose as high as 800mg. My doc said I was already on the highest dose (400mg). As far as the "reset" - he explained that I would not be taking the Abilify for long, maybe a week tops. Supposedly by only taking the Abilify for a week it would reset the Lamictal to working at 400mg. He also gave me prescriptions for other meds as well if the Abilify didn't work. They are Geodon and Seroquel. Now that I have researched the Abilify a little more I am thinking it was the wrong thing since I have not been experiencing any depression. I've just been "spinning my wheels" so to speak. My head is racing but I can't seem to focus on any one task. Along with the fact that things are either making me really happy so much that I want to cry or I am really irritable. Anyhow, long story short I am basically beginning to feel back to the way I was when I was first diagnosed. So, we are trying to "fix" it. I was just curious because I see that so many people are on multiple medications at once but I was told that I could "reset" the Lamictal and possibley not need to add something to the Lamictal permanently.
dreams in neon
05-12-2009, 12:06 PM
It's interesting that you indicated the Lamictal can go up to a dose as high as 800mg. My doc said I was already on the highest dose (400mg). As far as the "reset" - he explained that I would not be taking the Abilify for long, maybe a week tops. Supposedly by only taking the Abilify for a week it would reset the Lamictal to working at 400mg. He also gave me prescriptions for other meds as well if the Abilify didn't work. They are Geodon and Seroquel. Now that I have researched the Abilify a little more I am thinking it was the wrong thing since I have not been experiencing any depression. I've just been "spinning my wheels" so to speak. My head is racing but I can't seem to focus on any one task. Along with the fact that things are either making me really happy so much that I want to cry or I am really irritable. Anyhow, long story short I am basically beginning to feel back to the way I was when I was first diagnosed. So, we are trying to "fix" it. I was just curious because I see that so many people are on multiple medications at once but I was told that I could "reset" the Lamictal and possibley not need to add something to the Lamictal permanently.
400mg is not the highest dose of Lamictal since I know people who are on 600mg and 800mg respectively.
If you do an Internet search for "Lamictal + 800mg + bipolar" you will find cases where people with bipolar are receiving this dose.
Having said that, most doses of Lamictal for treating bipolar fall within the 200mg-600mg range.
Research has indicated that doses of 400mg or more have not been proven to be any more effective than doses of 200mg.
If you're having difficulty concentrating and are manic/irritable, you may want to discuss this with your pdoc further since Lamictal is activating (although not for everyone) and can cause mania as a result.
400mg is not the highest dose of Lamictal since I know people who are on 600mg and 800mg respectively.
If you do an Internet search for "Lamictal + 800mg + bipolar" you will find cases where people with bipolar are receiving this dose.
Having said that, most doses of Lamictal for treating bipolar fall within the 200mg-600mg range.
Research has indicated that doses of 400mg or more have not been proven to be any more effective than doses of 200mg.
If you're having difficulty concentrating and are manic/irritable, you may want to discuss this with your pdoc further since Lamictal is activating (although not for everyone) and can cause mania as a result.
katlin09
05-14-2009, 09:30 PM
It's interesting that you indicated the Lamictal can go up to a dose as high as 800mg. My doc said I was already on the highest dose (400mg). As far as the "reset" - he explained that I would not be taking the Abilify for long, maybe a week tops. Supposedly by only taking the Abilify for a week it would reset the Lamictal to working at 400mg. He also gave me prescriptions for other meds as well if the Abilify didn't work. They are Geodon and Seroquel. Now that I have researched the Abilify a little more I am thinking it was the wrong thing since I have not been experiencing any depression. I've just been "spinning my wheels" so to speak. My head is racing but I can't seem to focus on any one task. Along with the fact that things are either making me really happy so much that I want to cry or I am really irritable. Anyhow, long story short I am basically beginning to feel back to the way I was when I was first diagnosed. So, we are trying to "fix" it. I was just curious because I see that so many people are on multiple medications at once but I was told that I could "reset" the Lamictal and possibley not need to add something to the Lamictal permanently.
My pdoc also says that the max FDA allowed is 400mg, I've never heard of 800. I also take Abilify with Lamictal, Topamax, Buspar, Welbutrim, Klonopin, Trazadone and Seroquel PRN. When I added Abilify it helped my depression alot. Actually next week we're going to stop the wellbutrin and up my Abilify dosage.
Sorry to hear that it didn't work for you.
kat
My pdoc also says that the max FDA allowed is 400mg, I've never heard of 800. I also take Abilify with Lamictal, Topamax, Buspar, Welbutrim, Klonopin, Trazadone and Seroquel PRN. When I added Abilify it helped my depression alot. Actually next week we're going to stop the wellbutrin and up my Abilify dosage.
Sorry to hear that it didn't work for you.
kat
BipolarPrincess
05-14-2009, 11:10 PM
My pdoc also says that the max FDA allowed is 400mg, I've never heard of 800. I also take Abilify with Lamictal, Topamax, Buspar, Welbutrim, Klonopin, Trazadone and Seroquel PRN. When I added Abilify it helped my depression alot. Actually next week we're going to stop the wellbutrin and up my Abilify dosage.
Sorry to hear that it didn't work for you.
kat
Does Buspar work for you Kat? It didn't do anything for me,then again I was on Trillafon and that made me insane with anxiety and not thinking clearly. Topamax, often called "Dopamax" is a crappy drug IMO. I know a girl on Seroquel,Topamax,Cymbalta,Ativan, and some others and she can't even think to carry on a conversation it's awful.
Sorry to hear that it didn't work for you.
kat
Does Buspar work for you Kat? It didn't do anything for me,then again I was on Trillafon and that made me insane with anxiety and not thinking clearly. Topamax, often called "Dopamax" is a crappy drug IMO. I know a girl on Seroquel,Topamax,Cymbalta,Ativan, and some others and she can't even think to carry on a conversation it's awful.
dreams in neon
05-14-2009, 11:17 PM
On the bipolar message boards I participate on, I've seen plenty of people on 600mg and more of Lamictal.
It all comes down to what each pdoc prescribes and thinks is appropriate for their patients.
It all comes down to what each pdoc prescribes and thinks is appropriate for their patients.
katlin09
05-14-2009, 11:18 PM
Does Buspar work for you Kat? It didn't do anything for me,then again I was on Trillafon and that made me insane with anxiety and not thinking clearly. Topamax, often called "Dopamax" is a crappy drug IMO. I know a girl on Seroquel,Topamax,Cymbalta,Ativan, and some others and she can't even think to carry on a conversation it's awful.
Buspar does help my anxiety, I just moved up the FDA max which is 60mg about a week and a half ago. I have to take Topomax for a seizure disorder and cluster migrainse that can last up to 16 days at a time. It does mess with my memory and causes some neurological deficit but I've been on it for 2.5 years and I've just kind of gotten used to it, It's the only thing that's worked as a migraine preventative so I don't have much choice on that one. I used to take Seroquel as one of my main mood stabilizers/anti psychotics but it made my hands tremble so bad I couldn't even hold a cup in my hand, so I had to stop that on an everyday basis. I was on a high dose 525mg. My pdoc is a neurologist also and a specialist in medical management for mental disorders, so I trust him when it comes to my meds. I tend to be med resistant so I have to change around and be tweaked alot.
kat
kat
Buspar does help my anxiety, I just moved up the FDA max which is 60mg about a week and a half ago. I have to take Topomax for a seizure disorder and cluster migrainse that can last up to 16 days at a time. It does mess with my memory and causes some neurological deficit but I've been on it for 2.5 years and I've just kind of gotten used to it, It's the only thing that's worked as a migraine preventative so I don't have much choice on that one. I used to take Seroquel as one of my main mood stabilizers/anti psychotics but it made my hands tremble so bad I couldn't even hold a cup in my hand, so I had to stop that on an everyday basis. I was on a high dose 525mg. My pdoc is a neurologist also and a specialist in medical management for mental disorders, so I trust him when it comes to my meds. I tend to be med resistant so I have to change around and be tweaked alot.
kat
kat
dreams in neon
05-14-2009, 11:22 PM
I know a girl on Seroquel,Topamax,Cymbalta,Ativan, and some others and she can't even think to carry on a conversation it's awful.
Yikes! It sounds like she's over-medicated. I don't know how some people can be on so many meds for bipolar and then wonder why they can't function.
Having said that, I'm on 5 meds for my bipolar, but the only problems I have are severe short term memory loss, tremor and clouded thinking from time to time.
Despite these side effects, I'm willing to put up with them given how well my meds work for me.
Yikes! It sounds like she's over-medicated. I don't know how some people can be on so many meds for bipolar and then wonder why they can't function.
Having said that, I'm on 5 meds for my bipolar, but the only problems I have are severe short term memory loss, tremor and clouded thinking from time to time.
Despite these side effects, I'm willing to put up with them given how well my meds work for me.
BipolarPrincess
05-15-2009, 12:22 AM
Yikes! It sounds like she's over-medicated. I don't know how some people can be on so many meds for bipolar and then wonder why they can't function.
Having said that, I'm on 5 meds for my bipolar, but the only problems I have are severe short term memory loss, tremor and clouded thinking from time to time.
Despite these side effects, I'm willing to put up with them given how well my meds work for me.
Yeah the poor thing is way over medicated, she has only Borderline Personality Disorder though. But she self-harms. And always is depressed constantly fighting everyday. That's why I sometimes don't have the faith that I'll feel better, but I guess it's positive thinking that does a lot for you too.
And I've had memory problems myself. I can remember certain things, but other things I just can't remember. Probably a lot to due with the fact I used marijuana from 16-22. And probably mentally blocked out the painful parts of my life as a kid.
Having said that, I'm on 5 meds for my bipolar, but the only problems I have are severe short term memory loss, tremor and clouded thinking from time to time.
Despite these side effects, I'm willing to put up with them given how well my meds work for me.
Yeah the poor thing is way over medicated, she has only Borderline Personality Disorder though. But she self-harms. And always is depressed constantly fighting everyday. That's why I sometimes don't have the faith that I'll feel better, but I guess it's positive thinking that does a lot for you too.
And I've had memory problems myself. I can remember certain things, but other things I just can't remember. Probably a lot to due with the fact I used marijuana from 16-22. And probably mentally blocked out the painful parts of my life as a kid.
BipolarPrincess
05-15-2009, 12:27 AM
Buspar does help my anxiety, I just moved up the FDA max which is 60mg about a week and a half ago. I have to take Topomax for a seizure disorder and cluster migrainse that can last up to 16 days at a time. It does mess with my memory and causes some neurological deficit but I've been on it for 2.5 years and I've just kind of gotten used to it, It's the only thing that's worked as a migraine preventative so I don't have much choice on that one. I used to take Seroquel as one of my main mood stabilizers/anti psychotics but it made my hands tremble so bad I couldn't even hold a cup in my hand, so I had to stop that on an everyday basis. I was on a high dose 525mg. My pdoc is a neurologist also and a specialist in medical management for mental disorders, so I trust him when it comes to my meds. I tend to be med resistant so I have to change around and be tweaked alot.
kat
kat
Ahh, Okay. Yeah I get migraines here and there. Nothing like you get though. 16 days, WOW. And that's awesome your pdoc is also a neurologist. What makes one 'med resistant' ? I was thinking I was med resistant for awhile, considering it takes me high doses of Benzo's, and depression still remaining on ad's, but I hear thats pretty typical. Not to mention I haven't been on a lot of other medications that are out there (IE Lamictal (just starting-yay) and Abilify if needed).
kat
kat
Ahh, Okay. Yeah I get migraines here and there. Nothing like you get though. 16 days, WOW. And that's awesome your pdoc is also a neurologist. What makes one 'med resistant' ? I was thinking I was med resistant for awhile, considering it takes me high doses of Benzo's, and depression still remaining on ad's, but I hear thats pretty typical. Not to mention I haven't been on a lot of other medications that are out there (IE Lamictal (just starting-yay) and Abilify if needed).
dreams in neon
05-15-2009, 12:49 AM
Ahh, Okay. Yeah I get migraines here and there. Nothing like you get though. 16 days, WOW. And that's awesome your pdoc is also a neurologist. What makes one 'med resistant' ? I was thinking I was med resistant for awhile, considering it takes me high doses of Benzo's, and depression still remaining on ad's, but I hear thats pretty typical. Not to mention I haven't been on a lot of other medications that are out there (IE Lamictal (just starting-yay) and Abilify if needed).
I take Topamax myself for migraines (100mg) and so far, it seems to be working very well for me. I don't have any slowed or dulled thinking on it though which is great. Most of the cognitive issues I have are due to Depakote.
As far as migraines are concerned, I have a 21 year history of them. Before I started taking preventative meds in the early 90s, my migraines would last for months.
I take Topamax myself for migraines (100mg) and so far, it seems to be working very well for me. I don't have any slowed or dulled thinking on it though which is great. Most of the cognitive issues I have are due to Depakote.
As far as migraines are concerned, I have a 21 year history of them. Before I started taking preventative meds in the early 90s, my migraines would last for months.
dreams in neon
05-15-2009, 12:53 AM
Yeah the poor thing is way over medicated, she has only Borderline Personality Disorder though.
Alot of the meds used to treat Borderline are also used to treat bipolar. I know someone who has BPII and Borderline. We've been friends for the past 5 years and she functions quite well despite having both disorders.
Alot of the meds used to treat Borderline are also used to treat bipolar. I know someone who has BPII and Borderline. We've been friends for the past 5 years and she functions quite well despite having both disorders.
BipolarPrincess
05-15-2009, 01:53 AM
Alot of the meds used to treat Borderline are also used to treat bipolar. I know someone who has BPII and Borderline. We've been friends for the past 5 years and she functions quite well despite having both disorders.
Yeah I know. I just think they got her completely overmedicated. But who knows. She's been through the group therapy literally like 5 times and knows dbt skills and cbt skills thorougly, and still can't cope. I hope to GOD that's not me. I'm praying on these skills to help me cope. And the medication. I have a bad problem though, when I go out in public I judge everyone like a highschooler would do. And compare myself to them and think every girl is prettier/better than me. It makes me so down, and I can't stop myself. Even makes me dream of my boyfriend thinking my mom is hot, or my sister,or other girls, and wanting them over me and my brain just goes nuts..It's really bad:( And I only see the "good or bad" sides of things. Which is a borderline trait. Like I think everyone who uses drugs is bad. And think everyone out there is trying to be better than the next girl. I have no friends. Really, none. Just my boyfriend.
Yeah I know. I just think they got her completely overmedicated. But who knows. She's been through the group therapy literally like 5 times and knows dbt skills and cbt skills thorougly, and still can't cope. I hope to GOD that's not me. I'm praying on these skills to help me cope. And the medication. I have a bad problem though, when I go out in public I judge everyone like a highschooler would do. And compare myself to them and think every girl is prettier/better than me. It makes me so down, and I can't stop myself. Even makes me dream of my boyfriend thinking my mom is hot, or my sister,or other girls, and wanting them over me and my brain just goes nuts..It's really bad:( And I only see the "good or bad" sides of things. Which is a borderline trait. Like I think everyone who uses drugs is bad. And think everyone out there is trying to be better than the next girl. I have no friends. Really, none. Just my boyfriend.
dreams in neon
05-15-2009, 02:41 AM
Yeah I know. I just think they got her completely overmedicated. But who knows. She's been through the group therapy literally like 5 times and knows dbt skills and cbt skills thorougly, and still can't cope. I hope to GOD that's not me. I'm praying on these skills to help me cope. And the medication. I have a bad problem though, when I go out in public I judge everyone like a highschooler would do. And compare myself to them and think every girl is prettier/better than me. It makes me so down, and I can't stop myself. Even makes me dream of my boyfriend thinking my mom is hot, or my sister,or other girls, and wanting them over me and my brain just goes nuts..It's really bad:( And I only see the "good or bad" sides of things. Which is a borderline trait. Like I think everyone who uses drugs is bad. And think everyone out there is trying to be better than the next girl. I have no friends. Really, none. Just my boyfriend.
My girlfriend does alot of the same things you do. Her thinking is very black and white. Things are either one way or the other. There is no in-between.
She can also be very judgemental. If she notices a fault, she will prey on that fault and use it against you. If you try to defend yourself or call off the friendship, she becomes very paranoid and apologizes profusely.
I understand how difficult it is for her to have BPII and Borderline, so I try to be forgiving of the things she says or does.
However, if she says something that is clearly inappropriate, I will call her out on it and 9 times out of 10, she'll admit she was wrong.
Since she is BPII, she is also depressed most of the time, so that also affects her moods and the way she treats others.
I always try to keep that in mind because deep down, she really is a sweet person who cares about others.
Just as I have problems controlling my moods due to rapid cycling, so does she because of her BPII and Borderline.
As a result, we both take the good with the bad when it comes to our friendship.
My girlfriend does alot of the same things you do. Her thinking is very black and white. Things are either one way or the other. There is no in-between.
She can also be very judgemental. If she notices a fault, she will prey on that fault and use it against you. If you try to defend yourself or call off the friendship, she becomes very paranoid and apologizes profusely.
I understand how difficult it is for her to have BPII and Borderline, so I try to be forgiving of the things she says or does.
However, if she says something that is clearly inappropriate, I will call her out on it and 9 times out of 10, she'll admit she was wrong.
Since she is BPII, she is also depressed most of the time, so that also affects her moods and the way she treats others.
I always try to keep that in mind because deep down, she really is a sweet person who cares about others.
Just as I have problems controlling my moods due to rapid cycling, so does she because of her BPII and Borderline.
As a result, we both take the good with the bad when it comes to our friendship.
BipolarPrincess
05-15-2009, 03:24 AM
My girlfriend does alot of the same things you do. Her thinking is very black and white. Things are either one way or the other. There is no in-between.
She can also be very judgemental. If she notices a fault, she will prey on that fault and use it against you. If you try to defend yourself or call off the friendship, she becomes very paranoid and apologizes profusely.
I understand how difficult it is for her to have BPII and Borderline, so I try to be forgiving of the things she says or does.
However, if she says something that is clearly inappropriate, I will call her out on it and 9 times out of 10, she'll admit she was wrong.
Since she is BPII, she is also depressed most of the time, so that also affects her moods and the way she treats others.
I always try to keep that in mind because deep down, she really is a sweet person who cares about others.
Just as I have problems controlling my moods due to rapid cycling, so does she because of her BPII and Borderline.
As a result, we both take the good with the bad when it comes to our friendship.
Aw. well thats nice to have good friends. I hope one day to have them too. And stop thinking so negatively and "black and white"... Thats what the therapy is for so I'm looking forward to it.
She can also be very judgemental. If she notices a fault, she will prey on that fault and use it against you. If you try to defend yourself or call off the friendship, she becomes very paranoid and apologizes profusely.
I understand how difficult it is for her to have BPII and Borderline, so I try to be forgiving of the things she says or does.
However, if she says something that is clearly inappropriate, I will call her out on it and 9 times out of 10, she'll admit she was wrong.
Since she is BPII, she is also depressed most of the time, so that also affects her moods and the way she treats others.
I always try to keep that in mind because deep down, she really is a sweet person who cares about others.
Just as I have problems controlling my moods due to rapid cycling, so does she because of her BPII and Borderline.
As a result, we both take the good with the bad when it comes to our friendship.
Aw. well thats nice to have good friends. I hope one day to have them too. And stop thinking so negatively and "black and white"... Thats what the therapy is for so I'm looking forward to it.
dreams in neon
05-15-2009, 03:50 AM
Aw. well thats nice to have good friends. I hope one day to have them too. And stop thinking so negatively and "black and white"... Thats what the therapy is for so I'm looking forward to it.
I'm confident that therapy will help you. I used to be a perfectionist in high school and constantly criticized others. It wasn't until I started working in a self-contained classroom for students with severe learning disabilities that my eyes were opened up to how painful it can be when you are judged for something that is no fault of your own.
I also used to think negatively about everything when I struggled with severe depression. A few incidents in my life made me realize how lucky I am despite the traumas I experienced from age 7-18.
My tdoc has helped me in this regard as well. When I started seeing him 1.5 years ago, he asked me to write a daily list of things I'm thankful for. I took his advice and still have everything I've written since then. Whenever I feel depressed, angry or pessimistic, I look at my lists and it always brings a smile to my face because it reminds me of all the reasons why my life is good.
I'm confident that therapy will help you. I used to be a perfectionist in high school and constantly criticized others. It wasn't until I started working in a self-contained classroom for students with severe learning disabilities that my eyes were opened up to how painful it can be when you are judged for something that is no fault of your own.
I also used to think negatively about everything when I struggled with severe depression. A few incidents in my life made me realize how lucky I am despite the traumas I experienced from age 7-18.
My tdoc has helped me in this regard as well. When I started seeing him 1.5 years ago, he asked me to write a daily list of things I'm thankful for. I took his advice and still have everything I've written since then. Whenever I feel depressed, angry or pessimistic, I look at my lists and it always brings a smile to my face because it reminds me of all the reasons why my life is good.
katlin09
05-15-2009, 07:30 PM
Ahh, Okay. Yeah I get migraines here and there. Nothing like you get though. 16 days, WOW. And that's awesome your pdoc is also a neurologist. What makes one 'med resistant' ? I was thinking I was med resistant for awhile, considering it takes me high doses of Benzo's, and depression still remaining on ad's, but I hear thats pretty typical. Not to mention I haven't been on a lot of other medications that are out there (IE Lamictal (just starting-yay) and Abilify if needed).
I've just been on heavy duty meds for sucha long time including hardcore narcotics for chronic Pain, that my docs say I adjust to them very quickly and then it's hard to find upper mg's to get them to do the right job, or find new meds to do the right job. I'm used to it, I change or tweak meds just about every 2 weeks, so it's nothing new. I still can't believ they had you on a Anti-D this whole time w/out a mood stabilizer. I've been on Lamictal for 14 months and abilify for 3 months. I'm giong to have my abilify increased on Tuesday and I am at 300 mg Lamictal.
kat
I've just been on heavy duty meds for sucha long time including hardcore narcotics for chronic Pain, that my docs say I adjust to them very quickly and then it's hard to find upper mg's to get them to do the right job, or find new meds to do the right job. I'm used to it, I change or tweak meds just about every 2 weeks, so it's nothing new. I still can't believ they had you on a Anti-D this whole time w/out a mood stabilizer. I've been on Lamictal for 14 months and abilify for 3 months. I'm giong to have my abilify increased on Tuesday and I am at 300 mg Lamictal.
kat
dreams in neon
05-15-2009, 07:47 PM
BipolarPrincess,
I just wanted to say that I hope your new med combo works well for you.
It may take 6-8 weeks before you notice a difference in how you feel (especially since you are currently taking a low dose of Lamictal).
In my case, it took 8 weeks for Fluoxetine to start working, but once it did, I felt so much better.
I also wanted to tell you not to feel frustrated if you need additional med tweaks. That's normal when it comes to treating bipolar.
After I was diagnosed, I started taking 1000mg of Depakote and 6mg/day of Risperdal, but neither of them relieved my mania or voices.
Once Fluoxetine, Trazodone and Klonopin were added to my regimen, I noticed a considerable difference in how I felt.
Each of these meds address all of my symptoms (Depakote for mania/rapid cycling, Fluoxetine for depression, Risperdal for voices, delusions and paranoia, Trazodone for sleep and Klonopin for rapid cycling) which makes it a great regimen for me.
I hope you have as much success with your new med combo as I have mine.
I just wanted to say that I hope your new med combo works well for you.
It may take 6-8 weeks before you notice a difference in how you feel (especially since you are currently taking a low dose of Lamictal).
In my case, it took 8 weeks for Fluoxetine to start working, but once it did, I felt so much better.
I also wanted to tell you not to feel frustrated if you need additional med tweaks. That's normal when it comes to treating bipolar.
After I was diagnosed, I started taking 1000mg of Depakote and 6mg/day of Risperdal, but neither of them relieved my mania or voices.
Once Fluoxetine, Trazodone and Klonopin were added to my regimen, I noticed a considerable difference in how I felt.
Each of these meds address all of my symptoms (Depakote for mania/rapid cycling, Fluoxetine for depression, Risperdal for voices, delusions and paranoia, Trazodone for sleep and Klonopin for rapid cycling) which makes it a great regimen for me.
I hope you have as much success with your new med combo as I have mine.
BipolarPrincess
05-16-2009, 12:08 AM
BipolarPrincess,
I just wanted to say that I hope your new med combo works well for you.
It may take 6-8 weeks before you notice a difference in how you feel (especially since you are currently taking a low dose of Lamictal).
In my case, it took 8 weeks for Fluoxetine to start working, but once it did, I felt so much better.
I also wanted to tell you not to feel frustrated if you need additional med tweaks. That's normal when it comes to treating bipolar.
After I was diagnosed, I started taking 1000mg of Depakote and 6mg/day of Risperdal, but neither of them relieved my mania or voices.
Once Fluoxetine, Trazodone and Klonopin were added to my regimen, I noticed a considerable difference in how I felt.
Each of these meds address all of my symptoms (Depakote for mania/rapid cycling, Fluoxetine for depression, Risperdal for voices, delusions and paranoia, Trazodone for sleep and Klonopin for rapid cycling) which makes it a great regimen for me.
I hope you have as much success with your new med combo as I have mine.
Thank you very much. I'm so depressed, and can't stop thinking about the future its driving me crazy. I feel like a loser because everyone is out there working and living on their own and I'm 'mentally ill' and cant work or even really want to leave the house. I am praying I have success. I can't stand feeling so down I just want to cry. I'm going to see my boyfriend tomorrow, I love him so much he's my biggest supporter. I am praying my dad takes me, i get REAL nervous to drive in areas I'm not familiar with, but if I have to I'll do it on my own. It's ashame its so hard for me to get out of bed and get dressed and do makeup and all that. That's stuff I normally love doing. I am so lonely.:(
I just wanted to say that I hope your new med combo works well for you.
It may take 6-8 weeks before you notice a difference in how you feel (especially since you are currently taking a low dose of Lamictal).
In my case, it took 8 weeks for Fluoxetine to start working, but once it did, I felt so much better.
I also wanted to tell you not to feel frustrated if you need additional med tweaks. That's normal when it comes to treating bipolar.
After I was diagnosed, I started taking 1000mg of Depakote and 6mg/day of Risperdal, but neither of them relieved my mania or voices.
Once Fluoxetine, Trazodone and Klonopin were added to my regimen, I noticed a considerable difference in how I felt.
Each of these meds address all of my symptoms (Depakote for mania/rapid cycling, Fluoxetine for depression, Risperdal for voices, delusions and paranoia, Trazodone for sleep and Klonopin for rapid cycling) which makes it a great regimen for me.
I hope you have as much success with your new med combo as I have mine.
Thank you very much. I'm so depressed, and can't stop thinking about the future its driving me crazy. I feel like a loser because everyone is out there working and living on their own and I'm 'mentally ill' and cant work or even really want to leave the house. I am praying I have success. I can't stand feeling so down I just want to cry. I'm going to see my boyfriend tomorrow, I love him so much he's my biggest supporter. I am praying my dad takes me, i get REAL nervous to drive in areas I'm not familiar with, but if I have to I'll do it on my own. It's ashame its so hard for me to get out of bed and get dressed and do makeup and all that. That's stuff I normally love doing. I am so lonely.:(
dreams in neon
05-16-2009, 01:08 AM
Thank you very much. I'm so depressed, and can't stop thinking about the future its driving me crazy. I feel like a loser because everyone is out there working and living on their own and I'm 'mentally ill' and cant work or even really want to leave the house. I am praying I have success. I can't stand feeling so down I just want to cry. I'm going to see my boyfriend tomorrow, I love him so much he's my biggest supporter. I am praying my dad takes me, i get REAL nervous to drive in areas I'm not familiar with, but if I have to I'll do it on my own. It's ashame its so hard for me to get out of bed and get dressed and do makeup and all that. That's stuff I normally love doing. I am so lonely.:(
I understand how you feel. I had many of the same concerns regarding my future after I was diagnosed. Every morning I would wake up and wonder if I'd be manic and hear 20 different voices again.
According to my pdoc and tdoc, my case of bipolar is considered "severe." As a result, I still worry about whether or not being employed will make my symptoms even worse. It will be quite awhile before that happens since I plan to earn my Master's in psychology and an MD in psychiatry. If truth be told, I also question how additional education will affect me as well given the amount of stress involved. I'm considering taking online courses, but there's something I love about going to campus, meeting my friends and being in a classroom setting.
I hope you're able to see your boyfriend tomorrow. You're so lucky to have someone who cares about you.
Try not to feel lonely. We also care about you here on the board as well. (((BipolarPrincess)))
I understand how you feel. I had many of the same concerns regarding my future after I was diagnosed. Every morning I would wake up and wonder if I'd be manic and hear 20 different voices again.
According to my pdoc and tdoc, my case of bipolar is considered "severe." As a result, I still worry about whether or not being employed will make my symptoms even worse. It will be quite awhile before that happens since I plan to earn my Master's in psychology and an MD in psychiatry. If truth be told, I also question how additional education will affect me as well given the amount of stress involved. I'm considering taking online courses, but there's something I love about going to campus, meeting my friends and being in a classroom setting.
I hope you're able to see your boyfriend tomorrow. You're so lucky to have someone who cares about you.
Try not to feel lonely. We also care about you here on the board as well. (((BipolarPrincess)))
BipolarPrincess
05-16-2009, 01:15 AM
I understand how you feel. I had many of the same concerns regarding my future after I was diagnosed. Every morning I would wake up and wonder if I'd be manic and hear 20 different voices again.
According to my pdoc and tdoc, my case of bipolar is considered "severe." As a result, I still worry about whether or not being employed will make my symptoms even worse. It will be quite awhile before that happens since I plan to earn my Master's in psychology and an MD in psychiatry. If truth be told, I also question how additional education will affect me as well given the amount of stress involved. I'm considering taking online courses, but there's something I love about going to campus, meeting my friends and being in a classroom setting.
I hope you're able to see your boyfriend tomorrow. You're so lucky to have someone who cares about you.
Try not to feel lonely. We also care about you here on the board as well. (((BipolarPrincess)))
Thank you so much. I love all of you and thanks for your support. I am kind of crying. I hate this. I read a journal entry when I was 14, and I was praying to god then to help me with my life and feelings, and he never answered it. I threw it out. I don't want to remember memories or people I went to school with or anyone. I want to start clean somewhere else. I hate life right now. I'm going to smoke a cigarette and try to relax. I took 2 Klonopin today and 1mg Valium. I'm tired but my brain wont shut off. I hate that. I guess I'll read and force myself to sleep because I want to be up and get ready to see my boyfriend tomorrow. I wish life was as simple as it is for my family. Why me, why me, why me. :(:mad: or why us i guess you could say.
According to my pdoc and tdoc, my case of bipolar is considered "severe." As a result, I still worry about whether or not being employed will make my symptoms even worse. It will be quite awhile before that happens since I plan to earn my Master's in psychology and an MD in psychiatry. If truth be told, I also question how additional education will affect me as well given the amount of stress involved. I'm considering taking online courses, but there's something I love about going to campus, meeting my friends and being in a classroom setting.
I hope you're able to see your boyfriend tomorrow. You're so lucky to have someone who cares about you.
Try not to feel lonely. We also care about you here on the board as well. (((BipolarPrincess)))
Thank you so much. I love all of you and thanks for your support. I am kind of crying. I hate this. I read a journal entry when I was 14, and I was praying to god then to help me with my life and feelings, and he never answered it. I threw it out. I don't want to remember memories or people I went to school with or anyone. I want to start clean somewhere else. I hate life right now. I'm going to smoke a cigarette and try to relax. I took 2 Klonopin today and 1mg Valium. I'm tired but my brain wont shut off. I hate that. I guess I'll read and force myself to sleep because I want to be up and get ready to see my boyfriend tomorrow. I wish life was as simple as it is for my family. Why me, why me, why me. :(:mad: or why us i guess you could say.
dreams in neon
05-16-2009, 01:18 AM
BipolarPrincess,
I also wanted to add that after I was told by my social work advisor, pdoc and tdoc to withdraw from school this semester, part of me felt like a failure.
I had alot of anger because of the fact that I couldn't be "normal" and attend classes like everyone else. I hated how my rapid cycling, voices, mania and racing thoughts made it impossible for me to focus on a 3 hour lecture or concentrate long enough to study for exams.
I ended up failing all of my classes last semester and my GPA dropped from a 3.7 to a 3.5. While there isn't anything wrong with a 3.5, I want to graduate with Honors and the lowest GPA one can have in order to do that is a 3.5.
I try to remind myself that I have a disorder which robbed me of the person I used to be.
Before I was diagnosed with bipolar, I used to study diligently for hours, I could sit in a lecture and absorb everything that was taught and meet all of my deadlines well in advance. Last semester I didn't even care. It was just too much and I could no longer deal with the frustration of constant mood swings. On many days it was very difficult for me to be in class because the sound of my professor's voice would irritate me so much that I wanted to leave the room.
Once I maintain some degree of stability, I hope to resume my education in September because I refuse to let my bipolar get in the way of my dreams.
I also wanted to add that after I was told by my social work advisor, pdoc and tdoc to withdraw from school this semester, part of me felt like a failure.
I had alot of anger because of the fact that I couldn't be "normal" and attend classes like everyone else. I hated how my rapid cycling, voices, mania and racing thoughts made it impossible for me to focus on a 3 hour lecture or concentrate long enough to study for exams.
I ended up failing all of my classes last semester and my GPA dropped from a 3.7 to a 3.5. While there isn't anything wrong with a 3.5, I want to graduate with Honors and the lowest GPA one can have in order to do that is a 3.5.
I try to remind myself that I have a disorder which robbed me of the person I used to be.
Before I was diagnosed with bipolar, I used to study diligently for hours, I could sit in a lecture and absorb everything that was taught and meet all of my deadlines well in advance. Last semester I didn't even care. It was just too much and I could no longer deal with the frustration of constant mood swings. On many days it was very difficult for me to be in class because the sound of my professor's voice would irritate me so much that I wanted to leave the room.
Once I maintain some degree of stability, I hope to resume my education in September because I refuse to let my bipolar get in the way of my dreams.
katlin09
05-16-2009, 05:00 PM
BiPolar Princess,
I hope that you've met up with your princess by now and that your having a great day. Just a word of advice try not to focus on "tomorrow's" too much and take a breath and just take it a day at a time, or an hour at a time if you need too, 'kay. Sometimes worrying to much about tomorrow is just enough to put us over the edge, trust me this is something I'm an expert at.
I really do hope that your have a great day.
kat
I hope that you've met up with your princess by now and that your having a great day. Just a word of advice try not to focus on "tomorrow's" too much and take a breath and just take it a day at a time, or an hour at a time if you need too, 'kay. Sometimes worrying to much about tomorrow is just enough to put us over the edge, trust me this is something I'm an expert at.
I really do hope that your have a great day.
kat
BipolarPrincess
05-17-2009, 12:21 AM
BiPolar Princess,
I hope that you've met up with your princess by now and that your having a great day. Just a word of advice try not to focus on "tomorrow's" too much and take a breath and just take it a day at a time, or an hour at a time if you need too, 'kay. Sometimes worrying to much about tomorrow is just enough to put us over the edge, trust me this is something I'm an expert at.
I really do hope that your have a great day.
kat
thank you. my day wasn't great. i was depressed as hell, still am. I did go see my boyfriend, just made me more depressed really. I don't know why. I was too busy worrying about me then worrying about him. I'm so selfish. I just wanna cry myself to death. Nothing brings me joy right now besides him, and I'm kind of pushing him away. I don't know why. I am not thinking clearly. It's so hard for me to do anything right now. I feel so ugly inside and out. He tells me I'm going to get better, and so does my family. But i have so many issues I feel I will never get better. I am so negative. I honestly can't live like this. I feel bad for some of the things i was saying to my boyfriend. He loves me and cares about me so much, and mentions nice things we can do when we get out, and I have no enthusiasm towards it since I am enjoying nothing and feel numb inside. I'm so sad:(:(:(
I hope that you've met up with your princess by now and that your having a great day. Just a word of advice try not to focus on "tomorrow's" too much and take a breath and just take it a day at a time, or an hour at a time if you need too, 'kay. Sometimes worrying to much about tomorrow is just enough to put us over the edge, trust me this is something I'm an expert at.
I really do hope that your have a great day.
kat
thank you. my day wasn't great. i was depressed as hell, still am. I did go see my boyfriend, just made me more depressed really. I don't know why. I was too busy worrying about me then worrying about him. I'm so selfish. I just wanna cry myself to death. Nothing brings me joy right now besides him, and I'm kind of pushing him away. I don't know why. I am not thinking clearly. It's so hard for me to do anything right now. I feel so ugly inside and out. He tells me I'm going to get better, and so does my family. But i have so many issues I feel I will never get better. I am so negative. I honestly can't live like this. I feel bad for some of the things i was saying to my boyfriend. He loves me and cares about me so much, and mentions nice things we can do when we get out, and I have no enthusiasm towards it since I am enjoying nothing and feel numb inside. I'm so sad:(:(:(
katlin09
05-17-2009, 06:12 PM
BPPrincess,
are both you and your Boy friend IP at the time? If so I didn't realize that. He does sound like a great guy and very supportive. Please don't be so hard on yourself about yesterday. We can't always be sure that we're going to be capable of pulling off a good day or even a good hour. It's not something that we can actually control all the time, all we can do is our best, which is try our best.
Just try your best and take it hour by hour, and know we're here for you if you need us.
kat
are both you and your Boy friend IP at the time? If so I didn't realize that. He does sound like a great guy and very supportive. Please don't be so hard on yourself about yesterday. We can't always be sure that we're going to be capable of pulling off a good day or even a good hour. It's not something that we can actually control all the time, all we can do is our best, which is try our best.
Just try your best and take it hour by hour, and know we're here for you if you need us.
kat