I'm bipolar and I have tried several different meds and nothing has worked. I was taking Lamictal and I took

Question

I'm bipolar and I have tried several different meds and nothing has worked. I was taking Lamictal and I took it for like 6 months and I never felt much (if any) different. I stopped taking it a week or so ago because I felt like it wasn't working. I'm pretty sure I overheard my doc say that he was running out of options. So I feel hopeless and don't know what to do. I stopped taking my Lamictal because it was expensive and I didn't feel any change. Now that I have stopped I have noticed that I am a little bit more irritable but I think its becuase everything has been going wrong in my life lately and its overwhelming me. I just want to feel normal. Any suggestions for meds or therapies that might work or that have worked for you or someone you know?

Answer 1

I know it can take 6 months or more to get stablized on a medication. My sister has been talking Lamictal for 5 + months now and she is just now beginning to be stablized. It's possible you stopped it a bit too soon, or the doctor should have prescribed something else in addition to give you relief in the meantime. You might consider seeing another doctor if this one is running out of options...usually a cocktail of several drugs might do one one alone cannot.

Answer 2

I am bipolar also and I recently found a book that has helped me called: The Bipolar Disorder Survival guide. In it I read that normally a person with bipolar disorder needs 2 different types of medication in order to completely control the disorder. We need an antidepressant for the depression and something for the manic stages too (the only thing coming to mind that it mentioned is Lithium). Just taking one or the other will most likely throw you into the opposite state at a larger degree. I would suggest getting this book because it helped me immensely, not only with meds but also with coping skills and helps loved ones understand the disorder also.

Answer 3

Bi polar is a toughy for some doctors...I'm currently on Wellbutrin, 150mg once per day, Lamotrigine 100mg twice a day (morning and night), Lyrica 150 g twice a day morning and evening.

I was on Lithium 300 mg twice a day but was slowly withdrawn so that the Lamotrigine and Lyrica could replace it.

If your doctor hasn't tried these...the Lyrica is newer on the market and it really helped to stabalize me...the only reaction I had to the last two that I now take is that I was tired for the first week or so after taking them...but that was it no other side effects, but you have to make sure you get blood work done while on them to monitor your liver etc.

I react to almost everything...I'm part of the 10% of the population that reacts to medications in ways that others don't. For instance Flexeril had me so close to suicide that I almost made it.

I've been on a stabalized mode since going on the two L's and life is actually good and normal again.

If nothing else you will gain a wide spectrum of medications from just these answers....jot down any that you've not been on and take them to your doctor....discuss the possibility of trying one or more of them...

Hope it works out for you, take care and good luck

Answer 4

My son has bipolar and he's tried several different meds - have you tried Zyprexa? That's the one that seems to work the best for him. I can't imagine how frustrating it must be, to battle this illness day in and day out..hang in there honey, you'll get better. You stopping the meds cold is not a good thing, you're brain is trying to balance itself out & it's overwhelmeing to you...GO back to the doc, and ask about the Zyprexa if you haven't tried it. That will also help with the hopeless feelings you're dealing with...I wish nothing but the best for you honey - you be strong. I will keep you in my prayers..

Gentle hugs, Marilyn

Answer 5

Have you tried taking Lithium? I had tried going through the spectrum of meds myself and had no luck. It is a constant work in progress because from a Pharmacy Tech/medical perspective your body is constantly changing. You may need to switch med later on and dose changes are neverending. Lithium ER is the ONLY med I have found to work for me, but I still have lots of maintence with it. Also try another doctor if you aren't happy with what your current one is saying. YOU HAVE OPTIONS. NOTHING IS SET IN STONE. Take control and educate yourself on the net. It makes a world of difference.
http://www.bipolarbrain.com/meds.html
http://www.psychmeds.info/faq.html
GOOD LUCK!!!
GMM

Answer 6

I have the same problem. I am bipolar and they put me on lamictal and it didn't seem to work for me either. I still have yet to find something that works for me. I've tried them all except lithium.

Answer 7

medicine sometimes takes some time to work..i am currently on lexapro and it is helping me a bit..they think i just have anxiety and depression but i more than likely am bipolar.and if you dont go to counciling you should think about going.my medicine.my lexapro it took a week or 2 to actually start working as do all medicines like that.

Answer 8

pot.

Everyone feels depressed every once in a while, and it really sucks. Especially when the pain seems to be coming from inside and outside. Hang in there - you are loved.

Answer 9

If you doctor is out of options maybe you should explore another option, namely another doctor One who cares enough to work with you, till you can find what you need to help you.

Answer 10

- Talk it out
- Remember someone always loves and cares about you
- Go to a counsler
- Listen to 'feel-good' songs
- Think you are normal -- in fact you probably are
- Vacation
- Go to the right people (In debt? --- Go to a Debt Free place)
- NEVER NEVER think, or comitt suiside, NEVER