new here with questions - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

bluelady · 05-31-2004, 12:38 PM

I was diagnosed last week with Bi-Polar type 2 and I have lots of questions. First of all I'd like to know how they reach that conclusion after only one visit. I have been being treated for the last three years for depression/anxiety with Zoloft and Klonipin but have been becoming worse and worse with a myriad of symptoms. My GP tried me on a few other AD's but the results were the same, I felt worse with thoughts of suicide, severe agitation and anxiety. I feel like I'm going crazy and that I'm going to jump out of my own body to try and escape from these awfull feelings. I do have a family history of depression, and one sister who is Bi-Polar 1. I also have Thyroid disease and take medication for that. (I've been posting frequently at that board because of my TD and these symptoms).
When I saw the shrink last week she mentioned something about putting me on Depakote and some other "new" mood stabilizer. I can't recall the name of it but it was long. I can't take Lithium because of my thyroid. I've been weaning off the Zoloft for a week now and today is the first day without it and I don't feel as bad for some reason.
This whole situation with the Depakote and the other drug really frightens me as I've had so many bad experiences with antidepressants that I'm afraid that these drugs may make me feel even worse yet. My other big concern is that I want a proper diagnosis. What happens if you take Depakote or any of the other mood stabilizers and you don't need them? I hope and pray that I've been given a proper diagnosis and that whatever drugas they put me on will help alleviate these most disturbing feelings.
Thanks for reading this,
Bluelady

Ruth6:11 · 05-31-2004, 04:32 PM

If someone has Bipolar Disorder they usually DO feel better after going off an SSRI anti-depressant like Zoloft. Zoloft can often trigger (not cause) mania or hypomania in a person with undiagnosed Bipolar disorder.
There are side effects to many of the drugs we try for Bipolar Disorder. It becomes a trial and error thing rather than a "magic Rx". Someday (in my prayers) there will be a mood stabilizer with no side effects for any of us...
The side effects have ALWAYS been better than catatonic depression or psychotic mania (with embarrassing behavior) in my book. That's why I've always taken my pills and just gritted my teeth with a tremor, thirst, etc.

mollymadison · 05-31-2004, 05:52 PM

I take Depakote and have for almost 8 years. It can harm your liver but, your Dr should monitor that and your blood levels of Depakote to ensure safety. I understand how you feel about going on meds that you think you don't need. Trust me, I think that all the time and try going off my meds and realize very quickly that I DO need them. I agree with Ruth, you and your Dr may tinker with the exact combination to use. I am currently tinkering with mine and I have been dX for 9 years.

I do have a question for one of you out there and I know this sounds stupid considering I have been Dx for so long. I keep reading type 1 and type 2 BP, what does that mean? Is there somewhere I can go read about this? I will obviously ask my Dr about this when I see her next.

Hang in there and trust your Dr. I think that's the most important thing. If you don't feel comfortable, then it's time to change until you find one that fits YOU!

Ruth6:11 · 05-31-2004, 09:37 PM

The main difference is that with Bipolar II you never get a true mania, but have "hypomania" instead.

Hypomania is a state of elevated energy and/or mood that falls short of outright mania. There is heightened energy, elevated or irritable mood, increased talkativeness, decreased need for sleep, increased social or sexual activity, and increased spending or work.
Mania takes all these symptoms and boosts them up a notch. Mania can become psychotic or delusional or require hospitalization. I had all three of those during my last manic episode.

bluelady · 06-01-2004, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruth6:11

The main difference is that with Bipolar II you never get a true mania, but have "hypomania" instead.

Hypomania is a state of elevated energy and/or mood that falls short of outright mania. There is heightened energy, elevated or irritable mood, increased talkativeness, decreased need for sleep, increased social or sexual activity, and increased spending or work.
Mania takes all these symptoms and boosts them up a notch. Mania can become psychotic or delusional or require hospitalization. I had all three of those during my last manic episode.

I'm glad you explained that because I've been trying to figure what mania/hypomania is. My symptoms are severe irritability/ anxiety and racing thoughts. I feel shaky most days and feel like I'm going to jump out of my skin or go crazy. The Zoloft I was on helped my depression but either brought on or intensified the other feelings. When I've been in the racing thoughts/anxious state I've felt very suicidal. Is this mania/hypomania? I don't know much about any of this as I've just been diagnosed. Do you know anything about bi-polar disorder and thyroid disease? Please explain more if you can.
Thank You,
Bluelady