Hi everyone—

I’m new to your forum. I’ve been diagnosed w/ bipolar 1 for about 15 years. Most of my symptoms are resolved just with lithium, but the anxiety has been almost a constant. I’m here to try to find new ways to deal with it.

My new pdoc recently weaned me off fluoxetine, which was originally added to address the anxiety, and le ***** hath hiteth le fan ever since. I know she believes that my anxiety is real, but it seems like there is no medicine that will help w/o unwanted side effects. The fluoxetine made me hypomanic (which personally, I am okay with, but whatever, I get it), and even the lowest dosage of any benzo puts me right to sleep (which I’m not cool w/ due to work). Plus I just don’t like how they make me feel. If there are other possible meds, no one has ever suggested them.

Exercise is the only thing I’ve found that works perfectly, but I always overdo it bc the anxiety relief is so wonderful, and now I have a labral tear in my hip and shorn off cartilage in both knees. I had surgery on 1 of the knees, and am dragging my heals on addressing the other. The hip might not need surgery. So anyway, I can still lift weights, but for the foreseeable future, none of the steady state cardio that gives so much more relief.

Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself. I’m from Illinois but really love all of the Midwest. Best to everyone! I hope we all find whatever it is we need to cope with these sensations and feelings.

[downandlonely]

Hi IRememberMyFirstBee and welcome to Psych Central!

I'm sorry about the anxiety. I know some of the meds for it have bad side effects. Have you tried buspar? It's a not a benzo and can help. Also, I go to a depression support group and someone there says lavender supplements can help. It may be worth a shot.

Originally Posted by downandlonely

Hi IRememberMyFirstBee and welcome to Psych Central!

I'm sorry about the anxiety. I know some of the meds for it have bad side effects. Have you tried buspar? It's a not a benzo and can help. Also, I go to a depression support group and someone there says lavender supplements can help. It may be worth a shot.

Thanks for the tips! No, Ive never heard of it —- I am not well versed in medications at all. I will definitely bring it up at my next appt. I will also look into the lavender. Thanks so much!