I'm inclined to agree, Cat, that the cocktail of meds you're taking seems a little excessive. But, as someone else has already said, who am I to question if it's working for you?

As far as sleep ... I struggle with the sleep thing, as I cycle. Currently taking 50 mg Seroquel at nigh to induce sleep. I take Effexor (75 mg), which apparently can have an 'activating' effect (in my case promotes to insomnia), so instead of taking it at night (like I did with the Celexa when I was on it) I take it in the morning. It worked, initially. But, now sleep doesn't come as easily anymore ... despite the Seroquel. Its like my brain won't shut off or something. I do suppose thats cuz I'm cycling ... into a hypomania.

So, me thinks me needs a mood stabilizer, which I have avoided like the plague cuz of the nasty side effects. Doc mentioned Lithium a few months ago ... but it would affect my thyroid (I'm hypo) too much. Also its sort of nephrotoxic, so I wanna avoid that. And the shakes ... people get the shakes from Li, too. Soooo ... now I am thinking Depakote. I think it may relieve my hypomania and the intensity of my anger/agitation. I find I am so sensitive to stress (and there has been LOTS in my life of late) ... it just sends me into mania ... blah blah.

Best wishes to you all on your journey to healing and stabilization.