Does anyone here have bi-polar or know someone who does?????

Question

The doc just told my husband that he maybe sightly bi-polar? He flys off the handle sometimes for no reason, they put him on some meds. I think it's called Zolfot?????? Do you think this will help him?????

Answer 1

Bipolar is so often misdiagnosed and given out to a lot of people who don't really have it. If the doc hasn't even confirmed SLIGHT bipolar disorder he should not be prescribing medication for it yet! ALso for a true bipolar person an anti-deppressant alone (such as Zoloft) can be known to cause states of mania. Generally bipolar people are given a mood stabalizer (such as lithium or depakote) along with an anti-d. You and your husband seriously need to do some research. Don't just believe the doctor and take a medication you know nothing about. You need to read about it. From what you said it hardly sounds like it even warrants meds, just some good therapy. Once you get on the pills they'll never want you to stop, especially if you are bipolar but it is certainly possible to manage bipolar disorder without medication. In fact I had what once severe bipolar disorder and meds did little and now thanks to therapy and lots of hard work I'm living med free and doing better than ever. So there's hope out there.

Answer 2

You got the right info from two people here;

1. It appears that your husband may have BP II, which is a less intense version of bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorder is extremely complex, where there are several different classifications of the illness based on certain criterian. It's also possible that your husband may have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) which share similar simptoms to BP II.

2. Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is a big no no for BP II or BPD. The other person was correct, if your husband does have BP II or BPD, this will trigger mania and make him even more depressed.

3. Anticonvulsants are your first line of defense. These drugs are referred to as mood stabilizers and will keep your husbands moods balanced, which is a good precurser for talk therapy. If the depression persists, Wellbutrin can be added as an adjunct antidepressant. Wellbutrin is a multiple reuptake inhibitor (MRI) and is least likely to trigger mania and bipolar depression.

I would certainly spend some time researching the diagnosis and an equal amount of time researching medication. It usually takes a month or longer to get the right medication at the right dosage before your husband will realize the effects. It's important to comply with all your Dr's instructions and give them as much feedback as possible.

good luck!

http://www.dbsalliance.org
http://www.crazymeds.org

Answer 3

Listen to Polo Panda, she's right on the money. There's no such thing as slightly bipolar. Zoloft or any antidepressant will throw your husband into a manic phase unless they add a mood stabilizer. I'm Bipolar II, can't tolerate any antidepressants and am on Lamitical for mood stabilization - controls depression and mania. He needs another opinion as to whether he's bipolar (in which case he's not on the right meds) or just needs anger management classes. Bipolar disorder is much more than "flying off the handle".

Answer 4

I was diagnosed as Bipolar in 2004.

I take Lithium for my Bipolar

Zoloft is a anti-depression medicine.

I don't know how well an anti-depression medication will work on Bipolar. I need a mixture of medications to control my Bipolar Disorder.

It seems to me that your doctor should have given your husband something like Lithium or something along those lines.

But good luck! I hope all gets well in the future! :-D

Answer 5

Hi Hallie. Bi-polarity is caused by an unbalance in brain neurotrasmiters. The spiritual explanation is that the person has a spirit attached to his aura. When the person rules, he is happy, when the "spirit" rules he becomes really down. You are not alone. There is thousands of people around the world suffering the same illness. Thank God that there has been a lot of searching around this mental illness finding meds that can improve the quality of life to the person who suffers it and the people around. Zoloft is widely used. However each person responds to the medicine differently. See how it goes.
Good luck. Adriana

Answer 6

If he is only slightly bi-polar, yes this should help a lot, i know many many people who are bi-polar and depending on the severity, depends on how much the pills will help...Zoloft is a good antidepressant..and it sorta settles out all the peaks he will have.

Answer 7

My mother is bi polor she Would be very nice to me one second then be extremely mad, the doctor put her on zoloft and it did wonders for her before she got her meds We use to bump heads alot i even though of going to my dads, but know we are the best of friends.

Answer 8

I think the Dr. would not have perscribed it if he thought it was not going to work.

Give it a try and if you feel it is not helping after a month or so call your Dr. back

Answer 9

Yes, I heard Zoloft is good. Be thankful he is getting help.