Newly DX BP - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

LoudWhispers · 09-17-2007, 06:02 PM

I'm taking Geodon and Lexapro. The Geodon was originally prescribed because of a psychotic episode that I had four months ago. I was being treated primarily for Depression at the time, but my PDoc now believes that I am likely BPII after having had observed my mood for the past nine months. So, he says that's why I'm continuing to take the Geodon -- for BP.

Do any BPers take a RX mix similar to this?

Thanks!

LW

P.S. I just bought my first motorcycle at age 40!

tsohl · 09-17-2007, 09:35 PM

Hello LW,

Welcome to the board.

You will find that there are dozens of meds that are used to treat bipolar disorder and that many more when prescribed in various combinations. Each person is unique in how s/he responds to a particular medication and, unfortunately, most of it is determined through trial and error.

The negatives of the two drugs you mention is that each of them can cause mania, so you will want to watch out for that. If you find yourself buying more things in the motorcycle category you might want to check with your pdoc!! learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of manic behavior and hypomanic as well.

Otherwise, read and learn as much as you can about your disorder. Education is the best thing you can do for yourself. Learn all about the various treatments and medications. That way you can work as a partner with your pdoc rather than having to blindly follow his/her suggestions.

Post with your comments and questions. There is lots of great collective experience on this board!

xxTsohl

Jenn4508 · 09-17-2007, 09:43 PM

Hello and Welcome LW - I think you will find out everyone has different mixes. I take Depakote, Seroquel, Xanax and Ritalin and that is just for the BP. Please take the advise from TSOHL about educating yourself about the BP. It will make the trial and error road a road much less traveled. Congrats on the Bike if it is something you have been thinking about doing for a long time. However, if you did it on a whim, you may want to talk it over with your doc, it could be a manic episode. You really have to watch that or you could get into a lot of trouble.

Again, welcome to the boards and keep posting. You will find many friends and lots of support and information.
Cheryl

sissy40 · 09-19-2007, 07:12 AM

Hi!

My son takes a low dose of depakote and geodon and it seems to work very well for him. He was on ritalin also for his add but it started making him agitated and he is doing fine without it.

LoudWhispers · 09-19-2007, 12:20 PM

Thanks for the warm welcome!

I did take diazepam for a number of years but had a problem with dependence. One of my wilder episodes arrived about three months after I quit taking it. 30 mg of Lexapro daily contributed to that wild ride.

It's when my PDoc saw the motorcycle helmet that he finally spilled the beans about BP. That said, I love the motorcycle. The hypomanic phases seem to include a desire for the sensation of rapid movement, although I am very careful, if that makes any sense.

I have a couple of BP books and am in the state of mind to read them quickly.

Anyway, after being locked away on the dark side for awhile I'm happy to be on the high side of things. The depression is really bad.

My wife and PDoc are monitoring things to keep me in line.

LW