I'm new to Psychcentral and signed up largely because of Latuda.

A little background: Bipolar II with emphasis on the depressive and anxious side. Adderall and Vyvanse help my mood but can't release me from that sinking feeling that envelops a depressive's consciousness.

I'm happily married but just beginning retirement. The isolation is already getting to me. Up to the beginning of June (2015) I'd been on the down escalator and my anxiety was getting out of hand.

A month ago my long-time psychopharmacologist started me on Latuda 20 mg. Within hours of taking the first one I could feel the depression lifting. (Over decades of depression this has never happened.) My mood bounced around over the first week, and then it settled down to a hugely gratifying non-depressive state. I'm currently taking 40 mg after dinner.

Interesting, Moogieotter, about your allergy symptoms. I don't know if it's coincidence, but as soon as I began Latuda I broked out in hives! I've never had them before. Also, I've got a chest wheeze. And I'm a cyclist! I'm taking antihistamines and the symptoms are in decline. I've read that Latuda can bring these symptoms on, so don't necessarily assume it's just your seasonal allergies.

Though I'm still feeling much better, anxiety is nibbling at the corners of my consciousness. That's why I have decided to become a member here and see how other people cope with depression and anxiety. I'm rather desperately hoping the Latuda continues to work, because I've tried everything else and never run across a med that can ease my BPII depression until this one came along.

Looking forward to reading about other people's experiences with Latuda, and other depression/anxiety treatments for BPII.