Bipolar Type 1?

Question

I was diagnosed with Bioploar type 1 recently. Does anyone have personal info on this? What meds you are taking, do they work, what are side effects?
I'm a 25 yr old new mother to a 5 month old. I started taking Seroquel as part of a research study. This drug makes me SO tired, even when I take it before bed. It makes me have the most bizzare dreams too. And I wake up with a metalic taste in my mouth.
Should I drop the research program? I am uninsured and I just want to feel normal, and act that way too.
Any input will be helpful.
Thanks!

Answer 1

OK, I'm bipolar type II, but whatever. Seroquel is well known as sedating, so it's not surprising it's making you tired, particulalrly with a new baby to deal with. The metallic taste seems to be a side effect of a load of psychiatric drugs, but believe me, it will pass in a few weeks.

Do not drop the drugs, whatever you do. Untreated, you will only get worse, and you will be putting your baby at risk. If you are bipolar 1, try talking to your doc about Lithium: it's usually the first choice for Bipolar 1, and dirt cheap as well.

Answer 2

for bipolar disorder you need either a mood stabilizer or anti depressant. i take seroquel, classified as an antipsychotic, in the evenings. it makes me sleep. i take effexor in the morning.
it gets me up and allows me to function with a lot of energy. being uninsured is an issue for me also. however, you should see your doctor and find out what works. then when you find it you should contact the drug manufacturer and look into their patient assistance program. almost all the companies provide assistance to those who qualify. i get my medications free, 3 month supply at a time. any psychiatric medication takes about 2 wks to get in your system and work as it is supposed to. all the meds i've taken made me lethargic and tired at first. after a couple of wks the effexor starting giving me energy. see a dr., find the right meds, contact patient assistance, and give it time. be patient. it may take a while to find what and what dosage works. good luck and hang in there! it WiLL get better!!

Answer 3

Your baby can have a healthy, happy mother with no DRUGS. See this page with people who had bipolar worse than you and are doing great now. Also click on links page and see 2nd link on best way to bring up infants with theory on what causes post-partum depression.

http://www.phifoundation.org/heal.html