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Member
Member Since Jul 2009
Location: Preston, UK
Posts: 28
15 |
#1
Hi Peeps,
Erm.. I dont really know what to say. Im 26 years old and have just recently been diagnosed with BiPolar. But i have suffered depression and self harmed since the aged of 12. I dont self harm anymore though. I now have to come off my anti-depressants (cipralex) and start a different anti depressant (not sure which one yet) and a mood stabalizer. Abit anxious about this "change" as i have been on them for so long and i know i will get the withdrawal symptoms. But i know it has to be done... So thought i'd join this site for the help along the way.. I am just waiting for my blood tests before i can start the mood stabalizers. They are called Carbamazepine. Has anymore tried these before?? Hope to speak to someone soon.. Lynnie B __________________ Bi-Polar Bear |
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Member
Member Since Jun 2009
Location: new hampshire
Posts: 70
15 |
#2
Hi LynnieB, Welcome. I have never taken carbamazepine so I am not sure of the side effects or how well it works. I am on abilify and lamictal, the combo seems to work good for me so far.
__________________ Jen |
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Junior Member
Member Since Jul 2009
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 10
15 |
#3
Primarily used as anti convuslants for the primary use of epileptic fits. It was the first drug I was put on. I actually didn't find a difference using it. So, mood stabilisers were added along the way, I did some research to discover that most of the additional drugs were highly addictive. My thought process was - why am I taking additional meds, when the base med could be changed? I did some more research myself and felt that lamictal was by far the superior drug. However, because of its potential side effects you have to build up the dose very slowly. I got impatient with that, so now I'm running med free. Not something I'd advocate for, but I've been stable for a good few months now, I'm very self aware, I track my moods and I have a community mental health team which are aware of my situation and we have a relapse plan. But I'm open to using drugs again in the future if the need arises.
Anyway, the reason I thought I'd share all that is because of the importance of research and being self aware. When you get hit with a label, there is an element of grieving involved. Denial, anger, resentment, relief, etc. Medical professionals also have different views on the illness, so you'll have to rely greatly on yourself to research what works best for you. Ask questions, check in with other people, read textbooks. I just read, Bipolar Disorder II by Dr Ronald Grieve - I prefer textbooks to autobiographies, although, An Unquiet Mind by Dr Kay Jamison was well written, I found it a bit pretentious. Bipolar for Dummies is an excellent source of easy read information. Do you have a good support system? My husband knows my moods even better than I do, so he's able to keep me grounded as well. Anyway, sorry to waffle on - welcome to the site and I hope you find a wealth of information at your fingertips, see if you can find a local support group as well. Take care! |
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Veteran Member
Member Since Jun 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 430
15 14 hugs
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#4
Take with food. <3
__________________ - Amanda (amaviena@gmail.com) "I'm insecure, impatient, and a little selfish. I make mistakes, I am out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you cant handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." - Marilyn Monroe |
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Member
Member Since Jul 2009
Location: Preston, UK
Posts: 28
15 |
#5
Hey Jen,
Thanks for the reply.. So the mood stabalizers you take have they effected your weight? How long have you been on them and do you now feel more stable? Sorry to fire loadsa question at ya ! __________________ Bi-Polar Bear |
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Member
Member Since Jul 2009
Location: Canada
Posts: 38
15 |
#6
Hey
I am new to this site to! I may not be the best at advice, but I am willing to listen and help where needed |
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Member
Member Since Jul 2009
Location: Preston, UK
Posts: 28
15 |
#7
Quote:
Hiya and thanks for reply.. My mum is great with me. My partner trys but i feel he is embarrassed i have it.. I would like to find a local support group, wouldnt know where to start.. Feel abit confused by it all at the minute.. __________________ Bi-Polar Bear |
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Magnate
Member Since Jun 2009
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 2,113
15 301 hugs
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#8
Quote:
I've just started Lamictal as my mood stabilizer, also an anticonvulsant, but it's only been 8 nights so it's not yet working. Apparently Lithium is given these days only for extreme mania or when the anticonvulsants don't work. Sometimes they're used together (lithium and an anticonvulsant like carbamazepine--the generic form of Tegretol according to the crazymeds website http://www.crazymeds.us/ --a fave site for many on here). In addition to your mood stabilizer (one or more), the p-doc will usually prescribe an antidepressant (if you're in the depressed phase for a sustained period and sometimes an anti-psychotic such as Abilify or Seroquel). These are generalizations and may not apply depending on your specific symptoms/issues/problems. That's about all I know so far, because I'm a newbie like you. I'm sad that I have this disease, but it's important to know all you can about it and inform those closest to you so they'll be able to help if you have a serious swing that could be dangerous. Hope to see you around. __________________ Human decency is not derived from religion. It precedes it. -Christopher Hitchens |
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Member
Member Since Jun 2009
Location: new hampshire
Posts: 70
15 |
#9
I have been on the lamictal for about a year and the abilify for about 5 months or so. I haven't noticed any weight gain or weight loss in either one. As far as keeping me stabilized, they are working well. I switched from lithium to my current combo with no problems.
__________________ Jen |
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Member
Member Since Jul 2009
Location: Preston, UK
Posts: 28
15 |
#10
Thanks everyone for your replies.
Thnk this site will help me... __________________ Bi-Polar Bear |
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Grand Poohbah
Member Since Feb 2009
Location: usa
Posts: 1,730
15 183 hugs
given |
#11
Hi LynnieB!
I'm bipolar II with a side dish of PTSD. I am so glad PC was here when I got diagnosed...I was a mess emotionally and it helped having this place full of people who understand. I am currently on Lithium only. Lamictal didn't work out for me due to side effects...but it worked really well on the depression. Lithium keeps me from being curled up in a ball crying, but I am wanting a bit more than that... I am lucky, my hubby isn't really bothered by the diagnosis at all. __________________ "Unipolar is boring! Go Bipolar!" Amazonmom is not putting up with bad behavior any more. |
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Veteran Member
Member Since Jun 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 430
15 14 hugs
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#12
I'm on Lithium, Lamictal, Remeron, Celexa, and Klonopin. Sometimes I still curl up in a ball. Everything won't disappear, but it will get shorter and less intense. <3 Don't give up hope.
__________________ - Amanda (amaviena@gmail.com) "I'm insecure, impatient, and a little selfish. I make mistakes, I am out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you cant handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." - Marilyn Monroe |
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Member
Member Since Jul 2009
Location: Preston, UK
Posts: 28
15 |
#13
Thanks everyone who replied!!
Yeh i do feel better by comin on here! It can sometimes be a lonely world cant it... I wish my partner was more supportive but im glad i got you guys!! __________________ Bi-Polar Bear |
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Magnate
Member Since Jun 2009
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 2,113
15 301 hugs
given |
#14
Quote:
And Lynnie, I'm glad we have you too. This may sound cheesy, but together we're stronger. It's true. (cue the star trailed by a rainbow _ The More You Know). I'm just weird like that. I make jokes even when I'm devastatingly depressed...that is, if I'm not comatose. Look forward to seeing you around. __________________ Human decency is not derived from religion. It precedes it. -Christopher Hitchens |
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Lynnie B
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