I was diagnosed with depression about 5 + years ago. 2 weeks ago, I saw my new doc (old one left the practice) to see if he'd fill out an application for me so I could get my meds for free from the pharmaceutical company. It was my first time meeting this doc and we talked for an hour. It was good, for the most part, and I really feel he was actually paying attention and listening.

However, he did say that he thinks I may be bipolar. He added he couldn't be sure without an eval. I also think he may be right.

Here's what I don't get:

I thought that if one has bipolar disorder, that taking anti depressants was a bad idea. Turns out I was approved for the pharmaceutical company's program and I got my Effexor today.

I tried doing some research but couldn't find the exact answers i was looking for. Hopefully, someone here can help enlighten me.

Is it really bad for one to take anti depressants (Effexor, 150-300 mg a day) if they have bipolar disorder? If it is a bad idea, what could happen? The only thing i can think of is possibly a break with reality...And the information for the meds don't explain this.

Just for the record, I've taken Effexor before. Shortly before i had to quit taking it (lost insurance, not a physical/mental reason), my dosage was upped from 150 to 300 mg a day and I didn't notice anything bad.

Also, I didn't think I could take the way I was feeling anymore, didn't think i'd make it before the meds or denial letter arrived, and scheduled an appointment with my doc, before I got the meds. I was going to cancel the appointment since the meds arrived but now i'm wondering if maybe it would be a good idea to keep the appointment to ask the doc these questions. If i keep the appointment, I'd only be on the meds for 2 days, not really long enough to see if they're working or not.

I'm kind of scared to even start taking the meds because I don't know what kind of adverse effect they may have if I truly do have bipolar disorder...

Thanks in advance to all those who read this as well as to those who respond ....