I have been suffering from Bipolar depression for several years now...somewhere around 10 years. The doctor has put me on several different medications that caused me more issues (weight gain, fatigue and other stuff like that) that I could not handle. I have not been on medicine since I had my son 2 years ago. Things seem to be getting worse lately with all the stress that has been added since my wedding in May. I have an appointment with my doctor today to try to get something to help me. It has gotten to the boilling point where I can see my condition hurting my family. Anyone have any suggestions on what medications worked good for you or someone you know? Or any other comments for me...please don't be negative..that is not going to help me at all..it will only make it worse.
2006-09-08 00:50:59 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
I agree with all of you. I appreciate soo much your suggestions or words of support for me. It helps.
Bill - you are right, I am lacking self-confidence but I have had that problem all of my life. It's not something I can just snap out of by myself. I almost wonder if at times I need people around me that feel like I do so that we can support each other...I am too embarrased most the time to tell anyone about my problems.
2006-09-08 01:59:28 · update #1
I have had moderate to severe depression on and off for about 14 years now I have tried that many different medications its not funny my main complaint was weight gain or my dose of the medication would go up and up until I hit the highest dose of that medication - Im now taking Endep and although it caused weight gain to start with (for the 1st year ugh) that seems to have stopped and Im starting to ever so slowly lose the weight again - If I dont take it even for a couple of days I end up having severe depression and many panic attacks - I dont have bipolar and Endep does make you sleep but then this is one of the reasons I was put on it as I have pretty bad insomnia as well so I need the help to get to sleep... I know I havent answered your question but I gave up for a couple of years when I was pregnant and had my baby etc and things just spiraled in a downward direction until I went back to the Drs to try some new medications again - just remember they can take a little while to kick in (around 2 weeks) so dont get discouraged if they dont work straight away for you... I wish you all the best and Im glad you recognise whats happening to you before you do, do something you dont want to do.
2006-09-08 01:00:02 · answer #1 · answered by ♥Kazz♥ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because bipolar disorder is a recurrent illness, long-term preventive treatment is strongly recommended and almost always indicated. A strategy that combines medication and psychosocial treatment is optimal for managing the disorder over time.
In most cases, bipolar disorder is much better controlled if treatment is continuous than if it is on and off. But even when there are no breaks in treatment, mood changes can occur and should be reported immediately to your doctor. The doctor may be able to prevent a full-blown episode by making adjustments to the treatment plan. Working closely with the doctor and communicating openly about treatment concerns and options can make a difference in treatment effectiveness.
In addition, keeping a chart of daily mood symptoms, treatments, sleep patterns, and life events may help people with bipolar disorder and their families to better understand the illness. This chart also can help the doctor track and treat the illness most effectively
2006-09-08 01:03:08 · answer #2 · answered by 99CLOUD99 3 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I have the same problem. Bi-polar: (Manic-depressive) and the Doctors all did the same for me. Made me take a lot of meds, that made my hair fall out, my face swell up, major weight gain--- That really helps when a woman is depressed!!! and then when I got off of them. I got severely manic, then depressed; more than I ever was. I WAS A MESS!! They gave me Depakote (The bad one) and Lexapro, which is a little better and has worked for some people; Just not for me.
So after I was in misery for a few weeks. My husband found a natural FDA approved vitamin called : *Anxietol-7.
It works fantastic!! It alleviates my anxiety and also helps to overcome the depression. The best part; is it has no side effects. It helps me lose weight, gives me more energy; instead of being on a drugged up stuper & also helps me to sleep at night more soundly.
I suggest you give it a try. You can even order them on the internet for a cost cutter price. Not like the huge bills you have to pay out on prescription medication.
remember it`s FDA approved.
Good luck!!
2006-09-08 01:05:59 · answer #3 · answered by Jillibean 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I am not usually one to give others advice on what meds they should try or what ever but I will let you know that Lamitcal has saved my life more than once. It's a mood stabilzer, I have been on for about 4 yrs now,, I also have Bi polar type 2,, borderline personality disorder and have had major depression ,,, I am also on a few other meds with my lamitcal,, but I have been on only it and my sleep med before when I was more stable. it's not a wonder pill that will make everything roses nad puppies but it has made my moods livable.
Going back to the dr is a big step,, I have gone off my meds before and for me it's been so humilating to have to face the face I really need them and I couldn't do it on my own. I want to tell you I am proud of you for taking that step for yourself and your family.
I also strongly recommend,, ( and you know this already I am sure) that talk theraphy helps also ,, just meds rarely works.
Good luck!!!
2006-09-08 00:58:15 · answer #4 · answered by B V 5 · 8⤊ 0⤋
It is really good that you see this, and you care enough about your family to want to get better.
Ask you doctor if you can get into a DBT program. This is a program, 2 hours a week, where you have a class with other people who suffer from mental disorders. A lot are prone to suicide. Anyway, it helps you deal with crisis in a good way, and it helps you to see the facts, and not believe the thoughts we think in our head. It was developed mostly for people with Borderline Personality Disorder, but in my opinion, it would help anyone, with a mental illness or completely healthy. We all need to improve our lives, starting with our thinking. DBT is something that really works. There is a website, behavioraltech.org. It explains DBT. Meds can help you, but you have to turn your mind into the reality that you have to change the way you think. DBT gives you the tools to help improve your life. Good luck...
2006-09-08 01:25:38 · answer #5 · answered by rach_cast 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I don't intend on being negative, but maybe some counseling would help out a bit. About 70 percent of people taking medication for depression/bipolar continue to have symptoms.
2006-09-08 00:55:58 · answer #6 · answered by Skylar W 1 · 15⤊ 0⤋
there is a new med called abilify on the market it helps with bipolar/mood disorder and there are less side effects including no weight gain ive heard ppl say they actually have lost weight being on it.......good luck to you
2006-09-08 01:03:06 · answer #7 · answered by oceanlady580 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Bravo! You are on the right course! It seems that you are probably too used to the same medicine, and you may need a change...Believe me, it will be worth it!
2006-09-08 00:55:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
i can't offer any medical advice , but i fear the stress of the marriage & etc might be telling on you ; but youv'e got to try and snap out of it ; after all what couldn't be better than being alive with your son and hubby and the changes that you have experienced and coped with , has to be a plus for you . you have done remarkebly well for all the challenges that have that you have had to endure --- hang in there you will make it work --- after all youv'e had the guts to ask a question ; why not accept a bit of self confidence ; which is probably all you may be lacking !! keep your chin up you are doing better than you think .
2006-09-08 01:08:35 · answer #9 · answered by bill g 7 · 10⤊ 8⤋
ck out topamax
2006-09-08 02:42:12 · answer #10 · answered by aandy 1 · 1⤊ 5⤋