First mixed episode.

So I guess I'm having my first mixed episode, well that what my pdoc said. It started over a week and a half ago. I started getting racing thoughts, but only when I was laying in bed trying to fall asleep. And on the night that I did fall asleep, I only slept for maybe 3 hours at the most. Then I woke up one day totally agitated. I had counseling that morning and I couldn't sit still. I finally had to ask my counselor for something to play with to keep my hands busy that way I could sit down and talk. He called my pdoc for me and I got in that same day with her. She changed my meds. She put me on Zyprexa and gave my Xanax for the anxiety.

I guess what I have to ask is when should it start to take effect? I know no one is a doctor on here but what was your experiences with mixed episodes and the Zyprexa? I still haven't been able to sleep more then 3-4 hours a night (even though my pdoc said the Zyprexa would knock my out, it never did) I'm still really agitated although not as anxious. The thoughts have slowed down but they are still there. This is the worst I have ever felt. Kinda like I'm trying to crawl out of my skin Any advice?

Thanks!

Mixed episodes are awful ariatboot. I'm not sure how long it takes for the zyprexa to start working, but perhaps you could give your pdoc a call and let her know what's going on. Perhaps she could prescribe a sleeping tab?

I find exercising helps to burn off the excess energy. I also watch my caffeine intake during those episodes. Hope you're feeling better soon.

Like Beth, I find exercise has the best effect for me when I'm mixed. The Xanax didn't work for me at all: it made me feel drugged, but it did nothing for the desperate feeling of frustration and anguish. Seroquel and other sedatives were equally distressing for me.

Doctors talk about anxiety symptoms in a mixed state, but I have to say in my experience I have had very few of the symptoms that I know when confronted by true anxiety related to a worrying incident. When worried about something, I get sweaty palms, increased heart rate, pounding in my head, a knot in my stomach, and a feeling of dread I associate with the impending incident. In a mixed episode I experience none of that, but I feel like screaming everything out of me, as if there is some unseen tormenting thing inside me that I can't gouge out, a demon or petrol in my veins, and there is nothing - not a single drug - that can alleviate it for me. It only passes with time, and with the love and patient understanding of those who love me through the episode.

Edit: Antidepressants had a lot to do with causing the mixed episodes, I believe. Since I have been off SSRIs, I don't get that poisoned feeling.

Ironically, or perhaps interestingly, I find a delicious coffee soothing, and it doesn't cause me more distress when I am in a mixed episode. However, many people claim they experience the opposite.

same here. when i told this to my old pdoc he then diagnosed me with add (!?!) but i dont really fit that criteria. none of my other pdocs or therapists previous or since then thought i was add.

when i'm suffering with a mixed episode, which seems to be a lot of the time in the past month, i go and get a almond milk mocha and it's really relaxing for me. it seems to quiet the running argument in my head and keep my senses from bugging out. for a half hour.

also, and i dont recommend this necessarily but smoking cigarettes used to be a great release for me. and the combo of cigs and good coffee was divine. i quit tobacco in 2009 though.

For some with BP he or she can't tolerate anti-d's at all (even with a mood stabilizer). I don't do well on the SSRI type of anti-d, but I'm on wellbutrinXL (not a SSRI ant-d) and I do well on this.

$%@£&! this bipolar!!!!! I was as high as a kite for the last 3 days, and today I am so mixed and wild its terrifying.
I hereby put down my attempts at offering helpful suggestions, cos I clearly have no solutions myself. Urgh!!!!!
Sorry.

Our skills may not work every time, but it does help others to share. I hope you're feeling better today.

I appreciate everyone's input. Sometimes the only thing that keeps me going is this message board (I know, stupid but its true)

Xanax works right away and its a good med dont know about the other one.I think I may have underline bipolar I also gets racing thoughts when I lay down but my t saying its more of ocd .With the racing thoughts its hard for me too focus

Hey Pete, sorry you're feeling so damn awful, I'm here if you need to talk.

Hope it gets better soon my friend! XOXO