Help! - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

KyGal76 · 08-28-2003, 01:44 PM

Well first off, I am 27 years old and have 3 children. My middle son has been diagnosed with bi-polar 2 years ago. We were treating him for ADHD/ADD and that did not work at all!!! We finally treated him for bi-polar and he is doing much better. I just found out yesterday that I have it also. I am 27! The doctor stated that I should have been on medications when I was a child. I know see why life seemed so hard and I was told I had everything under the sun from "borderline split personality to depression" and everything in between. I am not sure how to deal with knowing I have it though. Any suggestions? Does it get better? I am to start my medications today. I am on Depakote and Lexapro. Has anyone been on these that can tell me what I can expect to feel like? Thanks. UkGal76

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KyGal76

littlebernier · 08-28-2003, 02:48 PM

I understand what you mean about why life was so hard before you finally diagnosed. I will tell you of my experience with Depakote. I was the dosage that was prescribed to me in the beginning was too great for my body size. When I took the medication, I felt drunk and slurred in my speech. My hair started falling out and I gained weight. The doctor reduced the dosage and those side effects went away. I didn't lose the weight right away, as he had me on another medication that the side effect was weight gain (what is it about these drugs for bipolar illness and depression that wants to make us all fat???)

Now that I am off of that medication (not Depakote, Zyprexa) and my doctor has changed me to Depakote ER (which is supposed to have less side effects than regular Depakote)I seem to really be losing the weight. Perhaps you might want to see if your doctor would recommend Depakote ER for you. Things do get better. These drugs might not be the right combination of drugs for you. It is hard to say. Just make sure that you keep a journal of any side effects that you may have from the medications and make sure you tell your doctor. If you are not satisfied with the medications you are on, have the doctor change them, that's your right. I would also strongly recommend cognitive behavioral therapy. Therapy and medication has made a tremendous difference in my life in just 1 1/2 years.

Good luck!

LB

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When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.

Pendy · 08-29-2003, 12:43 PM

I know exactly how you feel! I am 39 years old and have just been diagnosed. And I know exactly what you mean about why everything in life seemed to be so hard <grin>. In fact, was initially diagnosed with ADD and tried Strattera which did nothing but put me to sleep. Luckily, it seems, I changed Dr's before they put me on a stimulant.

I have been on Depakote ER for a mood stabilizer for 3 weeks now. I also take Topomax to counteract any weight gain that the Depakote might promote. And then Wellbutrin for depression. It has only been 3 weeks but I think I am seeing a slight improvement. I'm actually planning to do things rather than just wanting to sit around and do nothing. And I may be procrastinating just a bit less. I'm still waiting to see but I am hopeful.

As far as how to take it now that you have been diagnosed? I say, don't worry about it. Find a Dr. that you feel comfortable with, start your medication, change and try different meds if they don't work or have bad side effects. Once you find your set of meds I think you will be thrilled with the results in the end. Don't worry about what others think. In fact you don't have to tell anyone else. It's nothing to be ashamed of. It is a chemical imbalance that we can't control without medication. Hang in there. It should only get better from here.

KyGal76 · 09-03-2003, 07:26 AM

I have been on the medication for almost a week now and at first it was awful. I was tired all the time and no energy. It seems to be getting better each day and I get more energy and see things clearer. Is this normal?

littlebernier · 09-03-2003, 07:33 AM

Yes, this could be normal. Your doctor should do blood work about 4-6 weeks after starting the medication to see what the drug level is in your blood. If the levels are too high, then they might want to decrease the dosage you are taking.

LB

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When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.