Quote:
Originally Posted by whatever2013
@ Soupe du jour:
Yes, i am on Synthroid too, after being on Lithium for several years. It's a "dirty drug," as the chemist say, one that has effects other than what it is intended for, a drug that is not "targeted." I drink a lot of liquid too, about five liters a day when hypomanic. I get a raging thirst, i guzzle water, always carry it with me and down a liter in one pull.
Thankfully my irritations and frustrations are passing. I've written a few supportive posts and i feel back to my old self and not so filled with rage. I often have a brief period of mixed-mood when switching gears from hypomania to depression. Hopefully i am thru it now, it really is an awful feeling.
Unfortunately i have three big events coming up, my 55th birthday tomorrow, a luncheon at the senior's center on Monday and a Women's Group BBQ on Thursday and i just feel like crawling under a rock and never coming out.
Well, i am able to cancel everything if i just can't do it. I'm glad i've learned not to commit too far in advance. I've said "maybe" to each event in rare moments of wisdom and self-knowledge. |
Happy upcoming birthday, Jane! I'm glad you're feeling a little better, mood-wise, in time for the celebration. Are you planning anything for tomorrow? If not tomorrow, I hope you will celebrate at some point. Belated ones can be just as good, or even better.
In my view, Lithium should cease being a "first line" bipolar medication, and move to second-line. I know that many with ultra "classic bipolar" tend to do great on it, but from my observations, not as many people have "classic bipolar" as originally thought. I've had some times when mine looked so, but probably more when it was the "mixed" variety - especially the severe ones. I see anticonvulants and/or some antipsychotics as better choices for them, and rapid cycling. If I had bipolar type 2, which I don't, I'd certainly want Lamictal to be my first-line choice. Lithium ER (1,200 mg) was my very first bipolar medication prescribed, 15 years ago, along with a little Seroquel for sleep. After being switched to another duo/trio/etc, for three years, I was put back on Lithium ER (but at 900 mg). I suffered from numerous side effects on Lithium (I counted 10), not to mention the hassle and costs of frequent blood tests. Local phlebotomists knew me by name! During that second period, I was on three moodstabilizers and up to three antipsychotics PLUS Klonopin and prn Ativan, simultaneously. Polypharmacy madness! The Lithium was probably a dud and only did me harm. My quality of life only improved as I was weaned off of it.