please help, i feel like i am at the end of my rope!?

Question

i am 28 yrs old with 3 kids. i found out lst year i am manic and bipolar. i dnt drink and i take effexor and xanax and lithium. my mind is racing and i a not thinking right. i dont know what to do. i have heard that lithium is the last resort. why am i not gettng better. i cant drive, be alone, i dont clean like i used to. help me someone, anyone.

Answer 1

You're taking quite a brew there. Good for not drinking; keep that up because you don't need that confusing the issue further. Effexor has a stimulant effect, so as an antidepressant it can kick in remarkably fast. On the other hand, Xanax is a sedative used for anxiety. Lithium has been commonly used for a long time as a mood balancer for bipolar; it's fairly standard so it isn't merely a "last resort". Please see the psychiatrist that prescribed for you and tell him your present symptoms, or get a second opinion. I won't second guess a professional about why this mix was used, but you may need to have one or more adjusted to make you more comfortable with the treatment. If anyone other than a psychiatrist prescribed, it would be a good idea to have a consultation with one as a second opinion. Family doctors, no matter how good their intentions and skill, aren't always the best source of care for psychiatric problems. They know this, and won't be offended. You have serious symptoms and that isn't considered "effectively treated" by any measure. I wish you the best. This has to be especially difficult with three children. I'm sure you'll enjoy them more and they'll enjoy you more once you get this sorted out.

Answer 2

It seems that your medications may need to be adjusted or changed to something that works better for you. Lithium has been around for ages and it is not a last resort. It is such a good sign that you recognize things are not as they should be. Please see your mental health provider and explain your problems. They will work to get you on the correct levels of medications; if you still have problems, get a second opinion. You have three precious children that need you (and you need them). If you feel you are in crisis, you can be seen in an ER for immediate help. Good luck! Once you get the medications in order, you will see a big difference.

Answer 3

My sister has a chemical imbalance (schizophrenia) and it can be a problem getting the meds right. Hang in there and keep insisting on different meds or dosages until you start feeling right. It took us well over a year of adjustments, but it's worth it to finally get to where you're "normal" again. You also need some emotional support from family, especially since you have kids. PLEASE get some help dealing with your responsibilities, even if you have to talk to a social worker. Your kids will suffer if you don't.

Answer 4

I am assuming that you are taking these medications because a physician has prescribed them to you. Since it appears that they are not working, I think it would be wise to contact that physician and talk with him about it. If the problem continues, it maybe best to look for another opinion from another doctor. Also, there may be a consistent time that you may need to be taking these medications in order for them to work. Look for more help with a professional. They are the best ones to help you with this problem. Sorry that you are going through this and hope that it is solved for you soon.

Answer 5

Hi Gen,
Dont worry sweety, it might be that your not taking the right meds or the appropraite doses. Your Doc can work that out for you just let them know your situation. There are some other great meds out there besides the ones you mentioned for manic and bi=polar.

Answer 6

You should first take a deep breath and simply concentrate on the points of your life that will make you happy and contact your mental health professional as soon as possible so they can possibly help resolve a medication issue or simply talk to you and help you solve anything going on right now.

Answer 7

i think one thing is that you have bought into the idea that you are dammaged so you simply think you cant do things anymore. keep talking to the doctor and see if he can get your meds adjusted better. lithium is not a last resort, infact it was one of the first brain chemical meds they ever had.

Answer 8

one of the things you can do aside from taking your medicines religiously is to have someone to talk to. Normally a psychiatrist would be the best person to see but if you don't feel like going to a shrink, try going to a friend that you really trust and you feel secure with. also, try to find stuff to do (i.e. handicrafts) try finishing a project at your own pace. this can help give you a sense of fulfillment.

Please take your medicines as they are prescribed by your physicians. These kinds of medicines usually take about a few days to take effect if you've just taken them. so please continue taking them to maintain it's effectivitiy at it's peak.

i hope i was able to help you... =)

Answer 9

i know someone who is bipolar...and the fact that u even realize that u aren't thinking right and care that ur life isn't exactly how u'd like it to be is a very very good sign. the woman i know has no idea her life is so messed up. so it looks like u are in pretty good shape so keep ur head up. i hope the best for you. just dont give up.

Answer 10

poor you.... try going to a health food store and pick up a few items like pycnogel, grape seed extract, vitamin C, etc to help with your problems. Other than that id say start meditating to help control your mood and emotions. Also do weight lifting every day for 45 mintutes, for me it levels me out. When i dont do it I tend to get angry easily and be in a bad mood. good luck!