I too loved the hypo mania--had been on a high for about 5 mos. then I crashed into an awful depression that led to an overdose & a trip to the ER. So that has scared me enough to keep me from allowing the mania to continue. I'm now on heavy-duty meds to get me to sleep & had my Lamictal increased (also on Abilify--which I have found REALLY helpful to combat delusional thinking). I take Provigil & Concerta (both stimulants) & they help me to be motivated to do things, stay focussed, have energy & I think help my mood. Without them I would be dragging & not able to accomplish much.

So, yes, I miss the mania but I feel really good now, just not overly so. I don't know if you think I'm too "drugged up", but the combo works for me. I've been on this stuff for about 5 yrs. & have been doing really well, except for that episode about two months ago. I also do feel my creativity has been blunted, plus I can't spell anymore. I used to be a really good speller. I used to write quite a bit & got positive feedback on it when I was in writing groups or taking classes. I don't do any writing now except for here & my journal. The tradeoff is worth it to me cuz I had really horrible, long-lasting depressions.--Suzy