hello all,
I'll try not to make this too long... I started on Effexor 300 mg 6 years ago and that pulled me out of my psychotic depression err(mixed episode as I call it now) really fast. Only I was manic for about good 6 months after that(at the time i had no idea, all I know is i felt great and did whatever I wanted whenever I wanted{although I did get into some trouble, I managed to find my way back}!!!) over the next 4 years I was functional with hypomanic episodes(again at the time I just thought I was feeling really good!) flash forward to 2 years ago I fell into deep depression then swung up to manic episode with hypersexuality, racing, intrusive negative thoughts...the whole 9 yards basically-all within a week. Went to a new pdoc immediately(my general dr kept refilling my prescriptions of effexor over the years prior) and she diagnosed me with bipolar affective disorder, put me on 1 mg risperdal, then ramped up to a whopping 1.5 mg(being sarcastic). I was pretty stable up until 3 weeks ago when I hit a low again and within the same week swung up into mania and did things i wish i didn't do(i know I know...the usual!) and now I am dealing with the fallout, I'm depressed, anxious, having actual panic attacks, racing thoughts, i was suicidal the other day but now I am doing better today. I am just wondering if I should be asking for something to replace my effexor with? The effexor has always worked for my depression and anxiety up until the past couple of years, yet I am wondering if that is what is making me cycle so often. I have no idea what meds I should doing or discussing with my pdoc at my appt on wed. I obviously am going to discuss my symptoms, but at this point, I am afraid she is just going to want to ramp up my risperdal to 2.5 or 3. I have been on 2mg up from 1.5 of risperdal for the past 2 and a half weeks. I see a pdoc from the county and she is kind of difficult to work with as she limits dialogue and tries to get me out of the office right away without changing too many things about my meds because it is more work for her. I know it is sad and pathetic but she is my only option because I dont have any insurance. I hope my questions make sense....I am just really nervous and want to do what is best for me. From what I have heard and read, ssris aren't the best for those with bipolar disorder and I want to get my cycling under control. I feel that being on one is potentially making my situation worse. any advice would be greatly appreciated...what meds should I look into considering to discuss with her? what do you guys think?