I don't know where to go from here - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

tweakbug · 11-13-2008, 01:05 PM

Hi,
I have been diagnosed as rapid cycling bipolar type I for about 7 years. Over that time period I have tried many medications. I am currently taking 400mg of Lamictal at bed time, .5 mg of Klonapin 3 times daily, and 1 mg of Risperdal at night. I have a large problem with mania and mixed states, so I know that the amount of risperdal I am taking is not sufficient (I have taken up to 4 mg daily). I do not want to take Risperdal anymore because it is making me feel very unsettled and agitated (akathisia sense of inner restlessness or need to move). Also, I have unwelcome sexual side effects from it (not great for a newlywed!). I

really feel like I am running out of options. I have taken almost every typical bipolar drug in the past including

epakote, Xyprexa, Lithium, Geodon, Seoquel, Abilify, and several anti depressants before I was diagnosed. I am anxious and manic almost all of the time. My anxiety is to the point where I am having OCD and paranoia problems. I can't concentrate at work. Also, I cry way more than I used to, and I am having hot flashes (I am only 26) Has anyone heard of a drug or treatment that works for hard to treat Bipolar disorder? I am at the end of my rope here. I can not function normally, and it is severely affecting my life and relationships. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

tigger5150 · 11-13-2008, 05:39 PM

Like you I have been through the string of may common drugs and didn't have much success with them in a long run. My best combinations were with Lexapro and Lamictal.. but they didn't hold me for more than about 6 months to a year. I am currently taking Cymbalta which has helped, but I am also going to do a second run of ECT which worked very well in combination a few months back, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed I have the same success. Another drug that seems to work is Topomax. Wishing you good luck with finding something. Everyone is so different, what works for one, doesn't work for another always.

seaturtle · 11-13-2008, 05:56 PM

Hello,

Welcome here. There are great people here for support and listening who understand.
I'm sorry your bp is so med-resistant. Are you in therapy, too?
I wish I could offer you some advice, but I don't have experience with anything except Wellbutrin, Xanax, Ativan and Lamictal. Do you trust your pdoc, have you been for consultations with other docs? (I would imagine you've already done everything in the book, given your history).

What I can do is to be here for support, as I am sure others will be.

Seaturtle

dreams in neon · 11-13-2008, 11:29 PM

Hi,

I'm also diagnosed with (ultradian) rapid cycling Bipolar I and have had difficulty keeping my mania and depression in check. This time of year happens to be especially difficult for me, but since I don't have an antidepressant as part of my cocktail, I'm going to ask my pdoc for one when I see him on Friday. I've been rapid cycling between mania and depression on an hourly basis over the past several weeks and it has been nothing short of an annoying roller coaster ride.

I also experience pananoia while manic and I take 4mg of Risperdal which does a good job of keeping my symptoms under control (i.e. my paranoia is mild to moderate as opposed to severe when I'm off Risperdal).

I really emphasize with you because I'm also struggling with my moods right now. I'm hoping an increase in meds and the addition of an antidepressant will do the trick, but only time will tell.

I know this is easier said than done, but try to hang in there. Eventually you'll find a med combo that works. It may take time, but will definitely be worth the wait.

Good luck!

dreams in neon
Bipolar I - Rapid Cycling

tweakbug · 11-17-2008, 12:10 PM

Thank you for you kind words. I am still not good, but I feel a little better than last week. Mostly I am just frustrated and sick of feeling either doped (not even the good, relaxing kind) or manic. I started taking Xyprexa again (while tapering from Risperdal). The first day (I think when I still had a decent amount of Risperdal in my system) I felt better....calm, which is a rarity for me. However, as the days go on, I realize that I am going to have to take more xyprexa ( I am just starting with 5, which is not really controlling my mania) or find another drug. I think that I am going to choose the latter. I am absolutely, ridiculously hungry all the time on the xyprexa. It is like the worst PMS hunger multiplied by 10! I have a weigh problem already, and anymore weight gain would not be good for me.

Does anyone have an opion on the most sedating atypical? For some reason, in my mind I think that I should take Lamictal, Seroquel, Topamax and klonapin. I am not sure why I decided that. Is there a problem with taking more than one atypical at a time?I have taken Seoquel and Topamax in the past, but I don't remember why I stopped taking them. I have a horrible memory (could that be from 10 years on psych meds?) I can't remember most of my younger life.

Has anyone tried Neurontin? I know that it is supposed to have some of the stabilizing and calming effects that I need. It is starting to wear on me to feel so amped all the time.

Again, thank you for your help. It has meant a lot to me to join this board and be part of a community that can understand my struggles. My husband is also bipolar, but his symptoms are different than mine.