dreams in neon
05-13-2009, 02:03 PM
Hi everyone,
Today is a good day for me. I feel great, but at the same time, I feel irritable because I can't seem to express myself in writing the way I want to. Writing comes easy to me, but today it's a frustrating challenge.
I'm wondering if I may be hypomanic right now because this always happens to me during a hypomanic episode and I feel as if my moods are slightly elevated. My tdoc also told me yesterday that I seemed "hyper."
In addition, I took a Klonopin this morning, but it didn't calm me down.
On the flip side, when I'm level or full blown manic, I'm able to write without any difficulty.
Do any of you feel the same way when you are hypomanic or manic?
On a completely different note, I may give serious consideration to tweaking my meds or taking a different mood stabilizer. I can't continue to rapid cycle between manic, hypomanic and mixed episodes.
Depakote is supposed to be the best mood stabilizer for rapid cyclers, but since I've been taking it for 3 years, perhaps it is no longer working. I really don't know and need to discuss this further with my pdoc.
Today is a good day for me. I feel great, but at the same time, I feel irritable because I can't seem to express myself in writing the way I want to. Writing comes easy to me, but today it's a frustrating challenge.
I'm wondering if I may be hypomanic right now because this always happens to me during a hypomanic episode and I feel as if my moods are slightly elevated. My tdoc also told me yesterday that I seemed "hyper."
In addition, I took a Klonopin this morning, but it didn't calm me down.
On the flip side, when I'm level or full blown manic, I'm able to write without any difficulty.
Do any of you feel the same way when you are hypomanic or manic?
On a completely different note, I may give serious consideration to tweaking my meds or taking a different mood stabilizer. I can't continue to rapid cycle between manic, hypomanic and mixed episodes.
Depakote is supposed to be the best mood stabilizer for rapid cyclers, but since I've been taking it for 3 years, perhaps it is no longer working. I really don't know and need to discuss this further with my pdoc.
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BipolarPrincess
05-13-2009, 03:04 PM
Hi everyone,
Today is a good day for me. I feel great, but at the same time, I feel irritable because I can't seem to express myself in writing the way I want to. Writing comes easy to me, but today it's a frustrating challenge.
I'm wondering if I may be hypomanic right now because this always happens to me during a hypomanic episode and I feel as if my moods are slightly elevated. My tdoc also told me yesterday that I seemed "hyper."
In addition, I took a Klonopin this morning, but it didn't calm me down.
On the flip side, when I'm level or full blown manic, I'm able to write without any difficulty.
Do any of you feel the same way when you are hypomanic or manic?
On a completely different note, I may give serious consideration to tweaking my meds or taking a different mood stabilizer. I can't continue to rapid cycle between manic, hypomanic and mixed episodes.
Depakote is supposed to be the best mood stabilizer for rapid cyclers, but since I've been taking it for 3 years, perhaps it is no longer working. I really don't know and need to discuss this further with my pdoc.
Hmm. Well I don't write, so I don't know. And I don't get hypomanic or manic so I can't relate. But I'm getting a bit worried now. It seems a lot of you always need a med change because it 'stops working'... that just doesn't seem right. How does it stop working? Maybe a different anti-psychotic would work.. I don't know.. Sorry you are having troubles. You are probably having a hard time writing because you are hypomanic and irritable and can't get the words out the way you want to..:confused:
Today is a good day for me. I feel great, but at the same time, I feel irritable because I can't seem to express myself in writing the way I want to. Writing comes easy to me, but today it's a frustrating challenge.
I'm wondering if I may be hypomanic right now because this always happens to me during a hypomanic episode and I feel as if my moods are slightly elevated. My tdoc also told me yesterday that I seemed "hyper."
In addition, I took a Klonopin this morning, but it didn't calm me down.
On the flip side, when I'm level or full blown manic, I'm able to write without any difficulty.
Do any of you feel the same way when you are hypomanic or manic?
On a completely different note, I may give serious consideration to tweaking my meds or taking a different mood stabilizer. I can't continue to rapid cycle between manic, hypomanic and mixed episodes.
Depakote is supposed to be the best mood stabilizer for rapid cyclers, but since I've been taking it for 3 years, perhaps it is no longer working. I really don't know and need to discuss this further with my pdoc.
Hmm. Well I don't write, so I don't know. And I don't get hypomanic or manic so I can't relate. But I'm getting a bit worried now. It seems a lot of you always need a med change because it 'stops working'... that just doesn't seem right. How does it stop working? Maybe a different anti-psychotic would work.. I don't know.. Sorry you are having troubles. You are probably having a hard time writing because you are hypomanic and irritable and can't get the words out the way you want to..:confused:
dreams in neon
05-13-2009, 03:28 PM
Hmm. Well I don't write, so I don't know. And I don't get hypomanic or manic so I can't relate. But I'm getting a bit worried now. It seems a lot of you always need a med change because it 'stops working'... that just doesn't seem right. How does it stop working? Maybe a different anti-psychotic would work.. I don't know.. Sorry you are having troubles. You are probably having a hard time writing because you are hypomanic and irritable and can't get the words out the way you want to..:confused:
It isn't uncommon for meds to stop working especially if you've been taking them for a long time like I have.
Rapid cycling is also very difficult to treat (although not impossible) and can result in people having refractive symptoms. (i.e. constant rapid cycling or episodes that do not respond to meds)
Keep in mind that I've been unstable for the past 1.5 years due to an inattentive pdoc who never treated my rapid cycling or mania. Thanks to the pdoc I have now, I'm just starting to enjoy some stability.
The reason I've been running into problems as of late is because of my health. If it were not for the issues I faced over the past 2 weeks, my moods would have remained level.
As for why I'm hypomanic right now, I have absolutely no idea except that it may be due to the weather. Yesterday was a beautiful day. Today it's overcast, but I still feel happier than usual.
I always become manic and hypomanic during the spring and summer, so my pdoc may need to raise my Depakote temporarily until October when my depression sets in.
It isn't uncommon for meds to stop working especially if you've been taking them for a long time like I have.
Rapid cycling is also very difficult to treat (although not impossible) and can result in people having refractive symptoms. (i.e. constant rapid cycling or episodes that do not respond to meds)
Keep in mind that I've been unstable for the past 1.5 years due to an inattentive pdoc who never treated my rapid cycling or mania. Thanks to the pdoc I have now, I'm just starting to enjoy some stability.
The reason I've been running into problems as of late is because of my health. If it were not for the issues I faced over the past 2 weeks, my moods would have remained level.
As for why I'm hypomanic right now, I have absolutely no idea except that it may be due to the weather. Yesterday was a beautiful day. Today it's overcast, but I still feel happier than usual.
I always become manic and hypomanic during the spring and summer, so my pdoc may need to raise my Depakote temporarily until October when my depression sets in.
dreams in neon
05-13-2009, 03:31 PM
I also wanted to mention that taking a different antipsychotic won't have any impact on my rapid cycling.
However, it could reduce the number of manic episodes I have.
I've already been on Geodon which worked well the first time I took it when I was IP in 2006, but stopped working a few months ago after I was on it for several weeks.
If truth be told, I really don't want to change antipsychotics because Risperdal is doing a great job of controlling my voices, delusions and paranoia now that I'm taking it with Klonopin and Fluoxetine.
However, it could reduce the number of manic episodes I have.
I've already been on Geodon which worked well the first time I took it when I was IP in 2006, but stopped working a few months ago after I was on it for several weeks.
If truth be told, I really don't want to change antipsychotics because Risperdal is doing a great job of controlling my voices, delusions and paranoia now that I'm taking it with Klonopin and Fluoxetine.
Llama
05-13-2009, 11:15 PM
Dreams, what mood stabilizers would you be open to try? Have you ever been on lithium?
dreams in neon
05-13-2009, 11:34 PM
Dreams, what mood stabilizers would you be open to try? Have you ever been on lithium?
I used to take Lithium in 1991, but it didn't do anything to stabilize my mood back then. At the time, I had severe depression (I was depressed far more than I was manic although today it's the reverse).
However, I'd be willing to give it a try. In another post I said I wouldn't try Lithium because I didn't want to continually monitor my salt and water intake or have blood tests every 6 months. I've changed my mind because if it helps me feel better, I'm willing to do whatever is necessary to remain stable.
I'm open to Lithium as well because in 1991 I was also on Prozac which did not help my depression. As you'll notice in my signature, I'm taking it once again and it has been working great ever since it was added to my regimen in January. It took 8 weeks to start working, but once it did, I felt so much better and haven't been severely depressed since December.
I'm willing to try any mood stabilizer that will address my rapid cycling and reduce the number of manic episodes I have.
I may be limited in some respects due to the Risperdal I take (for example, I may be unable to try Abilify since it's an antipsychotic as well as a mood stabilizer), but I'll talk to my pdoc and ask him what my alternatives are.
Before I change mood stabilizers though (provided my pdoc agrees), I would like to raise my Depakote to 2000mg to see if that makes a difference. If not, I'll try 2500mg and if that also does not work, then I'll definitely think about being put on a different mood stabilizer.
If my pdoc would like me to try another mood stabilizer without raising my Depakote, I'm open to that idea as well.
I'll be interested in finding out what he has to say about this.
I used to take Lithium in 1991, but it didn't do anything to stabilize my mood back then. At the time, I had severe depression (I was depressed far more than I was manic although today it's the reverse).
However, I'd be willing to give it a try. In another post I said I wouldn't try Lithium because I didn't want to continually monitor my salt and water intake or have blood tests every 6 months. I've changed my mind because if it helps me feel better, I'm willing to do whatever is necessary to remain stable.
I'm open to Lithium as well because in 1991 I was also on Prozac which did not help my depression. As you'll notice in my signature, I'm taking it once again and it has been working great ever since it was added to my regimen in January. It took 8 weeks to start working, but once it did, I felt so much better and haven't been severely depressed since December.
I'm willing to try any mood stabilizer that will address my rapid cycling and reduce the number of manic episodes I have.
I may be limited in some respects due to the Risperdal I take (for example, I may be unable to try Abilify since it's an antipsychotic as well as a mood stabilizer), but I'll talk to my pdoc and ask him what my alternatives are.
Before I change mood stabilizers though (provided my pdoc agrees), I would like to raise my Depakote to 2000mg to see if that makes a difference. If not, I'll try 2500mg and if that also does not work, then I'll definitely think about being put on a different mood stabilizer.
If my pdoc would like me to try another mood stabilizer without raising my Depakote, I'm open to that idea as well.
I'll be interested in finding out what he has to say about this.
dreams in neon
05-13-2009, 11:40 PM
By the way, I wanted to mention that I took 2 Klonopin at noon and another 2 at 9pm. I'm feeling much calmer now. I think I'm going to continue taking 2 Klonopin 3x/day tomorrow just until my moods start to level out. The last thing I want is for my hypomania to turn into full blown mania.
dreams in neon
05-13-2009, 11:42 PM
Llama,
How are you feeling tonight? Any better? Have you been able to sleep lately? I hope so. Hugs!
How are you feeling tonight? Any better? Have you been able to sleep lately? I hope so. Hugs!
Llama
05-13-2009, 11:50 PM
Thanks for asking dreams. I am not doing that great tonight. I'm just so anxious and sort of down. I just lack all motivation. I was supposed to do something fun this summer with friends but now I'm backing out because I just don't want to do anything at all. I just want to lie in bed.
I do have a pdoc appointment tomorrow and I hope it goes well. I always seem to clam up though, so we'll see how it goes I guess.
I do have a pdoc appointment tomorrow and I hope it goes well. I always seem to clam up though, so we'll see how it goes I guess.
seaturtle
05-14-2009, 12:06 AM
Dreams,
I'm glad to hear you are doing all right.
I didn't realize the trouble with rapid cycling started with a pdoc. Shame on him - I hope he was reported.
I do hope your health problems are taken care of. I know how much more difficult the bp can get when there are physical problems, too. A major stressor.
Writing: yes. I can't even spell right sometimes in that state. And spelling and writing are things that for me, are easy, too.
Llama - (((( )))) I am so glad to see yuo!
I'm glad to hear you are doing all right.
I didn't realize the trouble with rapid cycling started with a pdoc. Shame on him - I hope he was reported.
I do hope your health problems are taken care of. I know how much more difficult the bp can get when there are physical problems, too. A major stressor.
Writing: yes. I can't even spell right sometimes in that state. And spelling and writing are things that for me, are easy, too.
Llama - (((( )))) I am so glad to see yuo!
BipolarPrincess
05-14-2009, 12:28 AM
I also wanted to mention that taking a different antipsychotic won't have any impact on my rapid cycling.
However, it could reduce the number of manic episodes I have.
I've already been on Geodon which worked well the first time I took it when I was IP in 2006, but stopped working a few months ago after I was on it for several weeks.
If truth be told, I really don't want to change antipsychotics because Risperdal is doing a great job of controlling my voices, delusions and paranoia now that I'm taking it with Klonopin and Fluoxetine.
Oh okay, well then don't change it if it works well for ya. I just heard you mention antipsychotics can be used as moodstabilizers too, but I guess thats just to make sure you're level and dont go too far manic.
However, it could reduce the number of manic episodes I have.
I've already been on Geodon which worked well the first time I took it when I was IP in 2006, but stopped working a few months ago after I was on it for several weeks.
If truth be told, I really don't want to change antipsychotics because Risperdal is doing a great job of controlling my voices, delusions and paranoia now that I'm taking it with Klonopin and Fluoxetine.
Oh okay, well then don't change it if it works well for ya. I just heard you mention antipsychotics can be used as moodstabilizers too, but I guess thats just to make sure you're level and dont go too far manic.
BipolarPrincess
05-14-2009, 12:30 AM
Thanks for asking dreams. I am not doing that great tonight. I'm just so anxious and sort of down. I just lack all motivation. I was supposed to do something fun this summer with friends but now I'm backing out because I just don't want to do anything at all. I just want to lie in bed.
I do have a pdoc appointment tomorrow and I hope it goes well. I always seem to clam up though, so we'll see how it goes I guess.
Aw Llama, I feel like you. :( What meds are you currently taking if you don't mind me asking? :angel:
I do have a pdoc appointment tomorrow and I hope it goes well. I always seem to clam up though, so we'll see how it goes I guess.
Aw Llama, I feel like you. :( What meds are you currently taking if you don't mind me asking? :angel:
Llama
05-14-2009, 01:14 AM
I'm so glad to see you guys too!
I'm taking: abilify 30mg, trazodoone 150mg when needed, 1mg of ativan three times a day, lamictal 200mg, wellbutrin xl 300mg
I'm taking: abilify 30mg, trazodoone 150mg when needed, 1mg of ativan three times a day, lamictal 200mg, wellbutrin xl 300mg
dreams in neon
05-14-2009, 01:19 AM
I'm so glad to see you guys too!
I'm taking: abilify 30mg, trazodoone 150mg when needed, 1mg of ativan three times a day, lamictal 200mg, wellbutrin xl 300mg
Is Trazadone helping you sleep at all? If not, you may want to ask your pdoc for an increase to 200mg or consider trying a different sleep med.
I'm taking: abilify 30mg, trazodoone 150mg when needed, 1mg of ativan three times a day, lamictal 200mg, wellbutrin xl 300mg
Is Trazadone helping you sleep at all? If not, you may want to ask your pdoc for an increase to 200mg or consider trying a different sleep med.
BipolarPrincess
05-14-2009, 01:20 AM
I'm so glad to see you guys too!
I'm taking: abilify 30mg, trazodoone 150mg when needed, 1mg of ativan three times a day, lamictal 200mg, wellbutrin xl 300mg
I know wellbutrin isn't good at treating anxiety if you have that real bad. I heard abilify is good when added to other antidepressants, as well as the lamictal. I'm sorry you're having a rough time. Perhaps you could talk about changing your anti depressant?:angel:
I'm taking: abilify 30mg, trazodoone 150mg when needed, 1mg of ativan three times a day, lamictal 200mg, wellbutrin xl 300mg
I know wellbutrin isn't good at treating anxiety if you have that real bad. I heard abilify is good when added to other antidepressants, as well as the lamictal. I'm sorry you're having a rough time. Perhaps you could talk about changing your anti depressant?:angel:
dreams in neon
05-14-2009, 01:22 AM
Dreams,
I'm glad to hear you are doing all right.
I didn't realize the trouble with rapid cycling started with a pdoc. Shame on him - I hope he was reported.
I do hope your health problems are taken care of. I know how much more difficult the bp can get when there are physical problems, too. A major stressor.
Writing: yes. I can't even spell right sometimes in that state. And spelling and writing are things that for me, are easy, too.
Llama - (((( )))) I am so glad to see yuo!
Seaturtle,
Actually, my rapid cycling wasn't caused by a pdoc. I started having problems with rapid cycling 12 months after I was diagnosed with schizoaffective bipolar type.
The pdoc I worked with last year refused to treat my rapid cycling. I reported him to my state's medical board as well as my insurers.
As for my health issues, I'm happy to report that my allergies are now under control, I haven't had a migraine since the one I had that lasted 3 days and my tinnitus has improved.
I'm glad to hear you are doing all right.
I didn't realize the trouble with rapid cycling started with a pdoc. Shame on him - I hope he was reported.
I do hope your health problems are taken care of. I know how much more difficult the bp can get when there are physical problems, too. A major stressor.
Writing: yes. I can't even spell right sometimes in that state. And spelling and writing are things that for me, are easy, too.
Llama - (((( )))) I am so glad to see yuo!
Seaturtle,
Actually, my rapid cycling wasn't caused by a pdoc. I started having problems with rapid cycling 12 months after I was diagnosed with schizoaffective bipolar type.
The pdoc I worked with last year refused to treat my rapid cycling. I reported him to my state's medical board as well as my insurers.
As for my health issues, I'm happy to report that my allergies are now under control, I haven't had a migraine since the one I had that lasted 3 days and my tinnitus has improved.
dreams in neon
05-14-2009, 01:25 AM
Llama,
I'm sorry to hear that you aren't doing well. I wonder if it would help if you wrote down the things you wanted to mention to your pdoc tomorrow? That always helps me so that I don't forget to mention anything. Good luck tomorrow! Let us know what he has to say if you feel like it.
I'm sorry to hear that you aren't doing well. I wonder if it would help if you wrote down the things you wanted to mention to your pdoc tomorrow? That always helps me so that I don't forget to mention anything. Good luck tomorrow! Let us know what he has to say if you feel like it.
Llama
05-14-2009, 01:53 AM
Thanks guys for all of the suggestions. I really appreciate it. Dreams, I am thinking that I will write down what I want to say like you have suggested. My mom told me to do that, but I told her that would make me feel stupid. But if you do it then I know it doesn't look stupid like I feared. I don't know why I thought that.
dreams in neon
05-14-2009, 01:57 AM
Thanks guys for all of the suggestions. I really appreciate it. Dreams, I am thinking that I will write down what I want to say like you have suggested. My mom told me to do that, but I told her that would make me feel stupid. But if you do it then I know it doesn't look stupid like I feared. I don't know why I thought that.
Alot of people write down their feelings and/or questions when they see a doctor whether it be a GP or a pdoc. By writing things down on paper, I think you'll help your pdoc out as well since being able to take a look at what you've written will allow him to better understand what you are going through right now. (((Llama)))
Alot of people write down their feelings and/or questions when they see a doctor whether it be a GP or a pdoc. By writing things down on paper, I think you'll help your pdoc out as well since being able to take a look at what you've written will allow him to better understand what you are going through right now. (((Llama)))
katlin09
05-14-2009, 04:38 PM
I know wellbutrin isn't good at treating anxiety if you have that real bad. I heard abilify is good when added to other antidepressants, as well as the lamictal. I'm sorry you're having a rough time. Perhaps you could talk about changing your anti depressant?:angel:
Abilify can actually work as it's own anti'd along with being a mood stabilizer. My pdoc next week is taking me off Wellbutrin because it's contributing to my anxiety and upping my abilify.
kat
Abilify can actually work as it's own anti'd along with being a mood stabilizer. My pdoc next week is taking me off Wellbutrin because it's contributing to my anxiety and upping my abilify.
kat
dreams in neon
05-14-2009, 04:56 PM
Hi everyone,
Good news!
I took 2 Klonopin this morning, another 2 at noon and am no longer hypomanic. My pdoc prescribing Klonopin 4x/day for mania has been working great for me.
I hope all of you are doing well.
Good news!
I took 2 Klonopin this morning, another 2 at noon and am no longer hypomanic. My pdoc prescribing Klonopin 4x/day for mania has been working great for me.
I hope all of you are doing well.
dreams in neon
05-14-2009, 04:58 PM
Abilify hasn't been approved by the FDA as a stand-alone treatment for depression -- only as an adjunct to other anti-depressants like Effexor, Wellbutrin, Cymbalta, etc.
katlin09
05-14-2009, 06:41 PM
Abilify hasn't been approved by the FDA as a stand-alone treatment for depression -- only as an adjunct to other anti-depressants like Effexor, Wellbutrin, Cymbalta, etc.
Well my pdoc says it works well as a stand alone for depression, better than adding a regular anti-d with it. And in my case it's proven to be true. Just like Klonopin hasn't been proven to be a mood stabilizer but you now count it as another one added to your list.
So I guess it's what our pdoc's have to say and what work's for us that counts.
Well my pdoc says it works well as a stand alone for depression, better than adding a regular anti-d with it. And in my case it's proven to be true. Just like Klonopin hasn't been proven to be a mood stabilizer but you now count it as another one added to your list.
So I guess it's what our pdoc's have to say and what work's for us that counts.
dreams in neon
05-14-2009, 06:50 PM
Well my pdoc says it works well as a stand alone for depression, better than adding a regular anti-d with it. And in my case it's proven to be true. Just like Klonopin hasn't been proven to be a mood stabilizer but you now count it as another one added to your list.
So I guess it's what our pdoc's have to say and what work's for us that counts.
I didn't say pdocs never prescribe Abilify as a stand-alone for treating depression. (Many meds are used off-label to treat various medical conditions as you stated in a different thread.) My point was that it hasn't been approved by the FDA for treating such.
So I guess it's what our pdoc's have to say and what work's for us that counts.
I didn't say pdocs never prescribe Abilify as a stand-alone for treating depression. (Many meds are used off-label to treat various medical conditions as you stated in a different thread.) My point was that it hasn't been approved by the FDA for treating such.
BipolarPrincess
05-14-2009, 10:55 PM
Abilify can actually work as it's own anti'd along with being a mood stabilizer. My pdoc next week is taking me off Wellbutrin because it's contributing to my anxiety and upping my abilify.
kat
Yeah, Wellbutrin will do that to ya. And it's true that the FDA didn't approve Abilify as a stand alone anti depressant, but I guess all pdcos have their own views. That's great if it's working for you. I do know that Klonopin is used to treat irritability and anxiety, which is why it would work good in dreams case as part of a mood-stabilizing pill.
kat
Yeah, Wellbutrin will do that to ya. And it's true that the FDA didn't approve Abilify as a stand alone anti depressant, but I guess all pdcos have their own views. That's great if it's working for you. I do know that Klonopin is used to treat irritability and anxiety, which is why it would work good in dreams case as part of a mood-stabilizing pill.
dreams in neon
05-15-2009, 12:59 AM
I do know that Klonopin is used to treat irritability and anxiety, which is why it would work good in dreams case as part of a mood-stabilizing pill.
Exactly. Just as some pdocs prescribe Abilify off-label to treat depression, pdocs also prescribe Klonopin as a mood stabilizer. As far as Klonopin is concerned, it works wonderfully well for me in helping to control my rapid cycling and mania. When my pdoc prescribed it 4x/day to reduce mania during my mixed episode last week, I couldn't believe how quickly it worked. I immediately noticed results the first day I started taking it.
Exactly. Just as some pdocs prescribe Abilify off-label to treat depression, pdocs also prescribe Klonopin as a mood stabilizer. As far as Klonopin is concerned, it works wonderfully well for me in helping to control my rapid cycling and mania. When my pdoc prescribed it 4x/day to reduce mania during my mixed episode last week, I couldn't believe how quickly it worked. I immediately noticed results the first day I started taking it.