Mood swings - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

caitlin122 · 03-08-2009, 06:27 PM

I'm currently having a hard time controlling my temper and my mood swings. I have bi polar. I have diagnosed and undiagnosed so many times by different doctors, but it is apparent that I definitely have it. The problem I am having now is that everytime I explode my boyfriend gets mad at me, and makes me feel even worse about myself. I don't know what to do at this point to make myself better. I am seeing a therapist, and I'm currently coming off of effexor xr. I go on it every fall because that is my bad season. I want so badly to be able to control my disorder naturally, so I'm looking for any suggestions to follow to control my emotions a bit better. I feel that no matter how much progress I make, it's just never enough. Please help with any suggestions of things that I'm already not doing.

seaturtle · 03-08-2009, 07:32 PM

Are you on a mood stabilizer? The SSRI's, and effexor is one, can work against us. Wellbutrin may not set off the symptoms, at least doesn't for me, and Lamictal has been a godsend for me.

Ask your pdoc about a mood stabilizer. I am surprised if he hasn't already put you on one.

That's the best advice I can think of and hope you get relief soon. As far as your boyfriend getting angry at you, well, he doesn't understand and needs some education. Give him something on bp to read, so can understand that it's not you and you can't control it, it's the illness. It may be better to stay away from him when you are in a bad state.

Let us know how it goes, okay>

Seaturtle

caitlin122 · 03-08-2009, 07:56 PM

Thank you so much! I have been on mood stabilizers in the past, but I had a pdoc who put me on a slue of meds, which caused worse damage then good. I do know that Depakote works well for me. My problem is because I had such a bad experience with meds in the past, where it almost cost me life twice, I have a bad taste in my mouth for meds. I would like to try and control this naturally, but I'm not sure if that is an option at this point. I have been on Lithium and Depakote. I would definitely not do Lithium ever again, but I"m thinking at this point of going back on Depakote. As to my boyfriend, that is a good idea to give him some education on bp. Thank you so much!

ChloeJ · 03-30-2009, 11:13 PM

Lithium and depakote are both good BUT you have to be careful not to take too high a dose. I take both now but took too much lithium at one point. Bad news.

You definitely do not want to take an antidepressent if you are bipolar. Like Seaturtle said, you need a mood stabilizer, and there are several options. Talk to your pdoc.

If fall and winter are your bad times, you are not getting enough light. I can never remember the proper name of that. Anyway, you can buy a special light box to use each day that provides the light and can help lift your mood.

Your boyfriend needs to learn to understand what you are going through and how to be supportive! And he needs to understand.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

ChloeJ

dreams in neon · 03-30-2009, 11:54 PM

As long as you take one or more mood stabilizers, you can take anti-depressants.

I'm on 3 mood stabilizers (Depakote, Risperdal and Topamax) as well as an anti-depressant (Fluoxetine) and haven't experienced a manic episode due to the anti-depressant yet.

If you would like to try starting an anti-depressant, you may want to talk to your pdoc about this.

I also tend to become severely depressed during the autumn/winter months.

I thought about discontinuing my Fluoxetine now that spring is here, but I've changed my mind since there's no point in fixing what isn't broke. I'm doing well on my meds, so I see no reason to change them.