Don't know if this is a true bipolar symptom - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

hopetofeelwell1 · 04-27-2008, 08:04 PM

Hi all! I've had more meds in me than Walgreen's through the years and right now I take Effexor XR--150mg. and have Risperdal on hand if I need it. I can never say that I feel great every day of my life but I have felt more functional in the past. I quit smoking 7 weeks ago and I know that's a huge change in your life. My doctor upped me to 150 mg. of Effexor and I feel worse! I almost feel more depressed and I feel like my mood took a big dip over the past 24-36 hours. Would someone think that's a bipolar mood swing or something like hypomania? I feel agitated at the same time. This really stinks because the more I try to improve my health, the worse I feel! If anyone has had a similar experience, I would love to hear from you. Thanks so much--Hopeto--

Llama · 04-28-2008, 10:35 AM

If your mood took a big dip it wouldn't be a hypomanic episode...just a depressive one. Agitation can also be a huge part of depression. I think that is even a separate sub-category of depression (agitated depression) as opposed to a more lethargic depression.

Also something to consider is that meds often make us feel a little worse before they start to make us feel better. I hope this is the case with your effexor. Take care and let us know how you are doing.

sickofpain2 · 04-28-2008, 03:49 PM

I think it is normal for your body to feel crappy even after several weeks of not smoking. Maybe that is it or the psych.affect of quitting.

seaturtle · 04-28-2008, 07:50 PM

Hi,

Nicotine cessation can cause great agitation, depression, mood swings, just about anything. My doc said it can take a month to 6 to get over this, so just hang in there, and maybe get some meds to calm you down for a bit.

And congratulations on the smoking! I am off them for several months now, and I still fight every day.

Best to you,

Seaturtle

hopetofeelwell1 · 04-29-2008, 03:59 PM

Hi Llama, Sickof-, and Seaturtle! Thank you all so much for the encouraging words. This Saturday it will be 8 weeks without a relapse and I quit because I was feeling crummy to begin with. I know I have some form of seasonal affective depression and my relapses back into smoking happen during either September or October, which is what happened this past year. I told my psychiatrist about it and he said he would help me with this come this fall. Right now it's depressing to have acid reflux and hives, but I almost thought I feel more agitated taking the Effexor alone without the Risperdal. My doctor told me to cut back to 75 mg. for now and hopefully we can figure something out at the next visit. Once again, thanks so much for being so supportive. God bless all of you and this board! Hopeto--