Hiya simplydivine,

Wow. A lot of similarities to my experience. I was on Cymbalta and had the biggest hypomanic episode of my life. Now I'm on Wellbutrin, Lamictal, and Abilify (just started the latter a couple of weeks ago but it's already helping a lot.

As to the difference between normal and numb, for me it's whether I'm interested in things and initiating interactions with others and activities. I got pretty numb when I was on Effexor. Not depressed, but just kind of sleepwalking and not doing much.

It sounds like you're depressed. I say this because of the increased appetite and sleeping so much. These are hallmarks for depression in folks w/BP2 (as opposed to insomnia and loss of appetite, which happens a lot in unipolar depression.) So maybe talk to your pdoc about another antidepressant to go w/the Abilify?

BTW the Lamictal is an anticonvulsant which is also prescribed as a mood stabilizer.

Hope this helps, and good luck w/your appointment.

all the best,
Randy