New BiPolar ll- Need opinions on meds

zigwyth · 03-01-2006, 11:57 AM

Hello All. I am new to this board so all thoughts are welcome. I'm a 47 yr old man who may be B.P. or so my G.P. and new Psychologist thinks. I have an appt. with a Psychiatrist next week. I have concluded that I need help of some sort with meds. I am basically fatigued all the time with lack of sleep. Ambien and Xanax doesn't work anymore. My G.P. gave me Zyprexa samples to take. Leaves me groggy, headaches etc. next day. I have more depression, anti-social behavior than " high moods" although I pretty much sing at work all the time. Have lost a lot of weight. Feel pretty worthless,frustrated, anxious, irritable. My father was on Lithium, but he fought in a War. I guess I am asking any of you that may have had some/all of these symptoms what meds has worked for you, especially something that will help getting a good restfull nights sleep. I want to be armed with info before the next visit. I also refuse to take Paxil. Been there done that too.
Thank You for your support.

Toby706 · 03-01-2006, 01:09 PM

hi zigwyth-

I am Bipolar type 1 and have had trouble with sleep in the past. Lithium and an antipsychotic(Seroquel) pretty much got me to sleeping a full 8-9 hours sleep again-that is REALLY important with Bipolar 1 or 2.

Trazodone and temazepam are also good sleep aids, one is an antidepressant and the other(temazepam) is an actual sleeping pill. Some of the mood stabilizers are very sedating, like Depakote.

Just my $0.02, Good Luck!!

klawk316 · 03-01-2006, 02:02 PM

When I took lithium I slept very well, I took the majority of the medicine just before bed time. When I went off I developed a sleeping disorder. I'm on lamictal now and my sleep is better but not like it was when on lithium. May go back to lithium, for me it worked better then the lamictal in regards to stabilization and sleeping.. Although, I did have some side effects with lithium that were bothersome. Antidepressants do not work for me, they actually make me swing. This is not too uncommon for BPs, so keep that in mind if the doc gives you anti's. Every doctor I've been to says that a BP’s needs not to be swinging before going on anti's, otherwise there could be problems determining weather the mood swings are caused by anti's or if an increase in a stabilizer is necessary. I hear great news about folks taking a low dose of antipsychotic at bed time, with there mood stabilizers. Good hunting... Karen

zigwyth · 03-01-2006, 02:51 PM

Thanks, still not sure what the difference is in BP 1 and 2. I'm still wondering if I'm actually just a crazy kind of guy who needs sleep and if simply exercising and getting back into the real world will turn this depression around. Sounds like denial I guess, but I am afraid of getting on AD's and other meds if it's not necessary. I've read so many horror stories of withdrawals or increased suicidal tendacies.