I seem to go on and off my meds and have done so through out my life. It seems after awhile that being on the meds levels me out too much almost flat and depressed. Yet when I'm off of them for long enough like now I start to get anxiety and can't really figure out if I am better on them or off. I take topomax and zoloft for the depression. What are your experiences?
2006-11-25 09:07:22 · 9 answers · asked by Crampy Grampy 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I also seem to get a bit pariniod if I am not on the meds which is along with depression the worst two things about bipolar for me, and of course the mood changes.
2006-11-25 09:09:02 · update #1
Yes the topomax was to level my moods ...manic to depressed....the zoloft to help with the depression
2006-11-25 10:57:03 · update #2
I don't know anything about you, including your diagnosis and I"m not a doctor, BUT neither of those medications is clinically proven effective at treating Type I Bipolar (specifically manic episodes). The med noncompliance is also complicating the picture of how your meds are helping you.
Topamax has cognitive dulling/flattening as a common side effect and anxiety is a withdrawal symptom of going off zoloft. I think you need a second opinion on your meds (find something more effective, like Lamictal for Bipolar Type II? when it levels you out, it prevents you from getting depressed as a result). Then, a good therapist will help you come up with strategies for keeping compliant with your meds.
My personal experience? Going on and off meds is BAD news. It's as bad a roller coaster ride as mood swings themselves. Finding the right doc and the right meds is the most important thing in the world and it makes the effort to stay on them worth it, even if it requires therapy.
See link--Topamax isn't labeled for treatment of mania. No docs I know will use it for such. If you have type II AND a weight problem it might make sense, but otherwise I'd get a second opinion.
2006-11-25 09:11:45 · answer #1 · answered by urbangenie 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have been bipolar for over 10 years now and when I was first diagnosed it was very hard for me to accept. I was put on meds and they didn't work so they put me on more and so on. When they finally found a med that actually helped me after a couple of montha I started feeling better so I stopped taking the meds and my mood swings and depression was worse than ever before. I tried to commit suicide 7 times and had to be put in a state mental hospital for months at a time. Now I make sure that I take my meds everyday even if I feel like I'm getting better and feel like that I don't need the meds anymore because deep down I know that I will probably need the meds for the rest of my life and I'm only 29 years old. I hope I helped you in answering this question. Good luck to you.
2006-11-25 10:06:21 · answer #2 · answered by heartyangel98 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, I stay on mine even when I feel fine or worse still, feel like they're 'emotionially trapping' me. Here's why...
1) I know I will only relapse without them. Whether that's a crippling, suicidal depression or a career/finance/marriage wrecking mania, it will surely come.
2) Off meds, the episodes get worse. It's an effect known as kindling: in simple terms, you get more and more sensitised to small changes in mood, and it becomes easier and easier to trigger a major episode.
3) Every time you stop and start a med, your body becomes slightly more resistant to it. Eventually, they won't work at all. Couple that with worsening episodes from kindling, and you have a recipe for disaster.
2006-11-26 03:45:21 · answer #3 · answered by Random Bloke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I only take Zoloft, but as time goes on I feel it doesn't work and I need more. But when I'm off of it I'm a freak! I can't control my moods and temper. I think I need to stay on meds for the rest of my life.
2006-11-26 01:42:04 · answer #4 · answered by traci s 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's important to keep the same level of meds in your system at all times, no off and on stuff. Check with your doctor periodically to see if the meds are working or if you'd be better on a different drug or different dosage.
2006-11-25 09:10:39 · answer #5 · answered by beez 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to adhere to your medications and stay in communication with your health care provider. If you find your affect getting flat, call your doctor...that's what they are there for. Managing depression is an ongoing thing. Are you being treated for an anxiety disorder as well? It is important to understand your diagnosis; which type of bipolar disorder do you have? Are there any other conditions? Medications are not a bad thing if you use them in an informed and consistent manner. Take care of yourself, please.
2006-11-25 09:31:07 · answer #6 · answered by ValleyViolet 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would never go off of my meds - you are asking for trouble. I have been warned by my pdoc that you will be swimming in dangerous waters, and of course taking alcohol or drugs just exacerbates the whole situation.
Be safe and stay safe.
2006-11-25 10:35:58 · answer #7 · answered by been there, done that 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is not good to go on and off your meds. you could screw up your system where no meds work for you. talk with your psych about this and why you feel that you need to go off them, and then back on.
2006-11-25 09:20:18 · answer #8 · answered by crafty lady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont even take my meds at all.. and i'm fine..
but i get depressed really easily..
music helps alot though..
and so does yahoo answers for some reason..
umm but to answer your question, i personally think that you need to drop the zoloft.. that stuff is harmful..
and all the excess feelings that you have is probably from the zoloft..
-kay
2006-11-25 09:12:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋