[JourneyUpward]

I have super rapid cycling bipolar. I'll be "normal" for two and a half to three weeks, then get hypomanic for 1 or 2 days, then have 3 to 5 days of mixed episodes, then about a week to week & a half of ever deepening depression. Then, suddenly, within a day or so, I shoot from the deepest dregs of serious (dangerous) depression to "normal" and it starts all over. And I'm on meds which have slowed the cycle down considerably--I used to cycle 2 or 3 times a day!! I am 59 and the mixed episodes are getting more intense with age, so are the depressions. My Pdoc has had me on Saphris & clonazepam. He is now adding Tegretol XR. I am skittish about meds but I know I need them to help me work through my cycles. We're hoping the Tegretol will slow the cycles further and dampen down the intensities of the swings. Has anyone had experience with the combo of Saphris & Tegretol? I work very hard at living well with bipolar and have succeeded on very low doses of my meds as well as using cognitive skills, planning, goal setting and charting, and mindfulness. Part of living well is knowing when I must accept an additional med no matter how much I dislike the idea - I am so stinking sensitive to them, my Pdoc & I have to be very careful. Anyone using Tegretol & Saphris? A success story will put me more at ease.

[foreverbp]

I am on Saphris and use it in conjunction with other meds, none of which are Tegretol. What I can say about Saphris is that it has helped some with the irritability and anxiety that I experience.

I am on Tegretol, but not Saphris sorry. Tegretol is helping me, not too much to say for side effects. It really sounds like you've been through the ringer, I hope this might be the combo for, I wish you all the best with this one.

[Dustystar13]

I have had bipolar for over 20 years been on lots of types of meds etc, tried lithium did not work for me tried tegritol for a while it worked for a while think, side effects were not too bad so i think i stuck with etc, its a matter of getting the right dose correct etc it may work for you if not see your gp the key is hope you can relax at try and not worry it sounds like you have had a bad time of it i no with bipolar mods can change quickly etc.
Take it one day at a time all in your own time keep your chin up.

[Beezup2]

Originally Posted by JourneyUpward

I have super rapid cycling bipolar. I'll be "normal" for two and a half to three weeks, then get hypomanic for 1 or 2 days, then have 3 to 5 days of mixed episodes, then about a week to week & a half of ever deepening depression. Then, suddenly, within a day or so, I shoot from the deepest dregs of serious (dangerous) depression to "normal" and it starts all over. And I'm on meds which have slowed the cycle down considerably--I used to cycle 2 or 3 times a day!! I am 59 and the mixed episodes are getting more intense with age, so are the depressions. My Pdoc has had me on Saphris & clonazepam. He is now adding Tegretol XR. I am skittish about meds but I know I need them to help me work through my cycles. We're hoping the Tegretol will slow the cycles further and dampen down the intensities of the swings. Has anyone had experience with the combo of Saphris & Tegretol? I work very hard at living well with bipolar and have succeeded on very low doses of my meds as well as using cognitive skills, planning, goal setting and charting, and mindfulness. Part of living well is knowing when I must accept an additional med no matter how much I dislike the idea - I am so stinking sensitive to them, my Pdoc & I have to be very careful. Anyone using Tegretol & Saphris? A success story will put me more at ease.

I am almost a carbon copy of your story re: rapid cycling and going through all stages. The exception was me having the main stage as Mixed more often and longer. For me, it became I was willing to try most things to get relief (Psychiatrist prescribed of course!)

Re: Tegretol that I've been on for maybe two years and I believe I'll be on
indefinitely. I found it to be very side-effect free and like you, I am extremely sensitive to ANY med and I take a total of nine to incl. other health conditions. As it is, I couldn't take the XR for some reason and went to the regular 9generic) pill, Of course I and my pdoc weighed the risks but luckily I've had no trouble.

Your making me think, gee, so what has Tegretol DONE for me. Not really any MOOD thing but I do think it's helped tone down the mixed and occasional manic episodes overall. In fact, I actually have to agree with what you say your hopes were for Tegretol as this being the case with me. BUT I never took it alone. That's all I can share. Good luck with it. And no drug works overnight I say....

[sugahorse1]

I cycle exactly like you! Been on Lamictin, and now had to add Lithium. For the depression, I use Wellbutrin.

I am happy to accept my dx from a medical point. Therefore, I gladly try any meds that could make me feel better.
Therapy may help you keep in touch with someone; and learn some skills to help you too

[JourneyUpward]

Thank you, everyone, for your input. It helps to know I'm not alone and what you found helpful. I appreciate it.