what do you think i am?

Question

i need help.i KNOW im suffering from bipolar disorder [manic deppression],but my doctor keeps telling me to 'try prozac for 6 more weeks,then go back to him'.
my symptoms have been going on for 12 years now,but,its only recently,after reasearching,ive understood what it is.im so miserable[apart from when im on a high] and feel like ending it all.how can i get my doc to help me?

i have told my doc how im feeling and i did spend years taking all different types of anti depressants.i found they only numbed me into a zombie state or made extra extra extra high but,didnt treat the problem at all.

i saw a gp who was covering for my doc who mentioned lithium.i would have to be admitted to the hospital though as he couldnt prescribe it.thanks for mentioning that kat.
more details of lithium are greatly appreciated so i got all the info i need to confront my gp.thanks all.

Answer 1

Try Lamictal mixed with anti-depresssant

Antidepressants by themselves are extremely dangerous to bipolar people. Many end up killing htemselves after flying into a manic episode. i almost did when I was 13, thats how they found out I had it!

Zoloft sent me into orbit!

Answer 2

You should be seeing a psychiatrist, not a family doctor. A family doctor has no business treating you if your depression is severe or if you have bipolar, which is one of the worst mental illnesses you can have.

I take Lamictal, only bipolar pill that has worked on my depression. It really, really helps me!! First pill to help me in 15 years of trying. Lithium, Depakote, Tegretol, Seroquel, Lamictal are all first line treatements for bipolar. If it is true that you are bipolar (and you need to see a PSYCHIATRIST to diagnose you) then you need to be on one of those drugs before you take antidepressants, if indeed you take an antidepressant at all.

In the meantime, go out and get some extra sun. It helps quite a bit, there is a seasonal component to most bipolar depressions. And go to bed and get up at the same time each day.

Bipolarworld.net is a good resource-read the Dr.Phelp's stuff.

goodluck!!!! I suffered for a long time, too, and it was a long time before I was diagnosed.

Answer 3

I have been having the same problems with my meds. It takes a strong fight to hang in. Prozac might not be an option have you tried lithium? Also there is ECT as a last resort. If you are feeling suicidal call someone or tell whoever you are living with you need to get to the emergency room. If you can make it yourself please get there. Let them know you are having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself. Once in the hospital it can be a rest from the outside world. You will get a treatment team and they can also work with your doctor. You can address the fact your meds are not working. Another thing if you doctor is not listening to you get another. No need to waste copay on someone who isnt working with you. Please stay safe and dont be afraid to ask for help. Feel like things are getting too far dont hesitate to head to the ER.

Answer 4

Never took Prozac but heard bad stories off friends,who had took them all bad stories .Most the drugs handed out by Doctors for these sort of problems seem to cause more trouble than good and they knock the soul out of people...Only take good time tested natural prescribed drugs...Your Doctor cant help you,only you can help yourself..Everybodys moods swing from high to low,perhaps try getting your inner balance a bit more level..Your the master of your destiny..Feck all them medical labels and books

Answer 5

Not all medications for Bipolar disorder work on all people who have it. Sometimes prescriptions and dosages have to be changed 4 or 5 times. It can be a long process until you find the medication that works for you. Some medications take longer than others to get to their maximum efficacy. Talk to your doctor, it might be time for him to evaluate your medication and dosage-if he doesn't want to help, then find a mental health clinic and change doctors-they aren't gods-even though some think they are. Good luck

Answer 6

Apparently the newer breed of anti depressants such as prozac (seretonin re-uptake inhibitors) have been shown to work with bi polar disorder especially if you have the lesser condition. You need ti give prozac 3-6 weeks to see an effect.

Answer 7

I suggest (and I know this is hard) if your GP won't listen, take the prozac, then, when you are high, get someone to make you go to the doctors then,as the high bit is really more definitive of bipolar than unipolar depression obviously. You need to get someone you trust to make you go tho,as you won't want to go when you are high!

Answer 8

I have this too, the symptoms at least... If I were you I'd get another doctor. Your doctor isn't taking you seriously, you can't be treated properly by someone who won't listen. Call you local mental health affliation and tell them what's going on. I hope things get better for you.

Answer 9

You could ask for a second opinion and also referral to a psychiatrist which your doc shold have done already. You can change your doctor if he won't refer you but please don't lose your temper with him. I suffer with depression but noty bipolar. Take care and I pray you get the help you need.

Answer 10

If you don't already, I suggest you find a church, and get right with God, coming from someone who has suffered from manic depression since age 4, that actually helps alot. When I feel like giving up, I go to God in prayer.