Attention actors/artists with Bipolar Disorder!?

Question

I really enjoy my manic episodes since that is the time when I am happiesy and bursting with creativity. I love the world and have such confidence in all I do. I come across as charismatic and smart. With meds I notice I am duller and am not as happy as before. The meds help my depressive episodes, but kill the unique brainy energetic side of me. Even my bf notices how uninspired I am. IS THERE A MED THAT WILL ONLY TREAT DEPRESSION, AND NOT MANIA?? I do get irritable instead of happy in my mania episodes sometimes, but i would rather have a personality than be dull. Any advice??

Answer 1

Of course there are; they're called antidepressants.

Talk to your doctor and see about trying some other meds.

However, if you really have full blown mania, you are likely to be difficult to live with. My brother has hypomania as part of Bipolar II. He was taking Paxil for depression only and his wife said "Go tell the doctor how you're really acting or I'm leaving." Now he's on Lithium and his hypomania is much better controlled.

Answer 2

Usually people who take lithium at the right dose (a low dose, not too much) become MORE productive. If your meds are making you feel dull and uninspired then you should maybe consider trying a different drug or reducing the dose. Patty Duke says taking lithium has made her a better actor and more creative.

Lamictal is known to to treat depression more than mania so maybe Lamictal would be a good drug for you. However my personal belief is that it is very important to control mania and that lithium is still the best treatment for most bipolar people.

For me, I like being stable and do not believe it decreases my intellect or creativity - I agree with Patty Duke that being well has made me more able to work than ever.

Good luck - I hope you find the right balance.

Sarah

Answer 3

my daughter has bipolar disorder and she currently takes two meds, Lexipro and another one. she takes the lexipro for the depression and depekote for the manic. she is an artist and she still has her creative edge and is definitely not dull. you might have to take two medications together in order to treat your illness. Once in a blue moon Lexipro will trigger a manic episode, but not often. go to your doctor and see what he can do for you, and when he prescribes meds for you, he can adjust them according to what would be right for you. take care and good luck. let me know what happens.