any bipolar people out there?

Question

Im bipolar, I stopped taking my meds about 6 months ago. I have mood swings multiple times a day. I know there is rapid cycling but I feel like I'm a supersonic cycler. I know your gonna say" go back on your meds" but my doctor kept changing my doses of lamictal and effexor xr and it was making me worse. Anyone else have the same type of problem?

Answer 1

There is rapid cycling, ultra rapid cycling and ultra ultra (which I know sounds absurdly non-technical and is also called ultradian) rapid cycling. I have that last kind and it is really hard to deal with.

You're right, I'm going to say go back on meds. It is essential with bipolar if you want to maintain some sort of a normal life. Finding the right medication combination and dosages takes time. It's a frustrating and sometimes disheartening experience, but when you do find what works for you, it makes a world of difference. I've been on a total of 19 different psych meds. Currently I take Wellbutrin XL, Seroquel, Lorazopam, & Lamictal. I'm about the most stable I've ever been...in part this is due to finding a combo that works well for me and in part because I went through DBT treatment (a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy) and learned a lot of coping skills to help manage the symptoms.

Answer 2

Go back to your doctor and tell him or her just what you' ve said here. I've heard that taking an antidepressant ,like effexor,can make you become manic so maybe that's what you're experiencing. The meds SHOULD NOT make you feel worse or they are the wrong ones obviously. Do some research yourself about different meds for bipolar disorder on the internet and that way you'll be able to ask your doctor about them. I've found that most doctors don't usually know enough about mental illnesses and don't treat people properly with the most up to date meds and therapies. The more informed you are about your illness the better off you'll be. Again I repeat, go back to the doctor and tell him what he's prescribing is not working. You deserve to feel better!

Answer 3

I know how u feel. I'm bipolar and my meds have been change so many times I can't even count. every thing they were giving me either made me more angry or more depressed or just didn't seem to work at all. The best thing to do is just be patient and they will eventually find one that will work. It took my doctor 3 years to finally find one that worked for me. I am on lexapro 10 mg. and it seems to be working very good. But just remember just cause u still cry at time or feel emotional doesn't mean the meds aren't working. It's not gonna take all the feelings away. That's just part of every human being and part of life. good luck and god bless.

Answer 4

Yeah, you're ultradian cycling. I had that every time I upped my doage of lamictal, and boy does it suck. It is a widely recognised thing with lamictal, but it stops once you stay on the same dose for a couple of weeks or more. I don't know how often your doc was changing doses, but it may well have been part of the problem.

I'd ask around at http://www.crazyboards.org but meanwhile, my advice is go back on lamictal, and for God's sake, start slowly.

Answer 5

Don't quit the meds, change them. If they don't work, and your dr doesn't try something different, ask him to do so. You are sick now because you quit the meds. Think on this: are you REALLY worse off or on the pills? You're probably worse-ask the people around you. The biggest mistake we BP folks make is dropping our meds. So go back to your dr, or get a new one, and try something different. There are hundreds of psychoactive medications that can help you, and you quit after just two?!?! I tried literally 15 different meds before I found a combination and dose that worked. Before I started trying to get pregnant, I was taking 900mg of lithium, 10mg of Lexapro, and 100mg of Seroquel a day, and dropped the lithium GRADUALLY (over two months) only so I can get preggo.
Your illness affects everyone around you, not just you. Please do yourself (and your friends, family and coworkers) a favor, and continue your treatment.

Answer 6

you are in charge of your body tell Dr meds not working i quit taking risperdal because i gained so much weight now taking equerto time released tegertol and klopin seems to be helping but most important advocate for your self don't stop taking meds the rapid cycling is like a roller coaster ride you cant get off of and it will destroy your life without help

Answer 7

I am bipolar. I take zyprexa..started out at 2.5 mg's per night. It helps to sleep and I felt less edgy the first time I took it. I stopped taking my meds all of the time, too, because of them not working or I'd feel too groggy and I am giving this one a shot. I think it will be worth it.
Yes, it is better to be on medicine, but tell your Psychiatrist what you need, not what they need. If they truly care, they will hear you. Do not give up!!
Good luck!!

Answer 8

Yes, along with about 5,000,000+ others, and some who never admit it.

Go back to your meds. That is the only thing that will give you balance in your life.
Lithium was the med of choice before that time you took those others.

Get help for balance and then joy to come back to your control of your own life.

GOD bless.

Answer 9

I do not like taking my meds but I know I need to. so I do.I wish you the very best.perhaps try another doctor?One third of all bi polar people kill themselves so watch out about that.I hope you have a Merry Christmas

Answer 10

Well me too, let me know when you find the answer