[HopeLost]

I have been told it can take up to a year or around 7 meds to find peace.

What about you guys. Right now I'm on a mood stabilizer, antipsychotic, and meds for anxiety and panic. My depression is not doing so well. It was suggested that I bring this up to the doctor in out patient program tomorrow since I am still having depression symptoms after all that.

I'm not sure what to expect.

Have some of you found the magic cocktail that works for you?

How long did it take you to get stable?

Thanks

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by HopeLost

Have some of you found the magic cocktail that works for you?

How long did it take you to get stable?

Thanks

Just as I thought that the magic coctail has been found, I started having what seems to be Prozac-induced insomnia. But we shall see, maybe it'll pass. If I look at this insomnia as a temporary ill, then... current coctail as of Spring 2012, diagnosis as of Fall 2006 - that is the time frame. But for the first few years I had uniquely poor p-doc care, nor was myself an active advocate for my health, nor realized myself how deep the problem is. So I would try to be optimistic and not view 2006-2012 timeframe as typical. But honestly I do not know. Let us wait for others will say. Do also note that I have serious side effects and some patients would refuse drugs that give such side effects.

[BuggsBunny]

There is no magic number on how many medications trials it can take to find the right mixture for you. A lot of it depends on what your pdoc starts you on, and how your body responds to certain drug classes. It can be a short or long process, and the only recommendation I have after 30 years is to have patience and not give up. Try one new drug at a time, so that you know if it is working or not, or if you can handle the side effects or not.

I know you wanted something more hopeful, but the truth is all I have to offer. Just don't give up hope that you will find the right combo.

Also, if you are still having depressive symptoms, perhaps an antidepressant is in order, as well as your current regimen. If you are on an anti-psychotic as well as a mood stabilizer, you might be safe in taking an a-d. That's something to talk over with your pdoc tomorrow.

[~Christina]

Personally I have tried just about every medication out there ... I was diagnosed last year BP I .... The current cocktail I'm on is kinda "eh" I'm not really happy with it but for now (finacially) its really all I have to work with ...

I do have hope that one of these days I'll find the Magic combo ... but ( sigh) even when a good combo is found it may not be the right combo forever ..

Good luck ~hope you find a good combo.

[BlackPup]

It's taken me years to get the right cocktail, but its worth the wait

[Confusedinomicon]

I take 2 different pills.

IMO! Medicine can help you become stable, but a good support system and therapy is VERY important to have in place when you are getting to any level of "normalcy". Bipolar runs on a haywire of emotions and feeling stable is like being a totally different person. It's important that you have someone there for you to help you through that step and reteach ways to react to certain situations.

Medication is an AIDE, it is not a cure.

[sugahorse1]

I've been trying different meds for about 3 years now. In the last while, I think the progress has been a lot better.
I take an AD and a mood-stabiliser, as well as anti-anxiety meds prn

[Lil Ant Lady]

over time i have tried...
prozac (AD) - made me manic
citalopram (AD) - bad side effects
seroxat (AD) - made me manic
Topiramate (Mood Stab) - made me suicidal
Mirtazipine (AD) - bad side effects
Chlorpromazine (AP) - rendered me useless as always sleeping

Currently im on...
Cymbalata (AD)
Lamotrigine (Mood Stab)
Lorazepam (Benzo)

I have my bad days and goods days and certainly am not free of symptoms but they are less frequent and of less severity xx

[Victoria'smom]

I've been on ever mood stablizer except litium. The best one thus far has been lamictal. The only two AD's that have seemed to help me I can't take. They were welbutrin because of my history with ED and celexia made my jaw lock at night. With lamictal and celexia I finally felt like myself. I have not added any anti-psychotics. Currently I'm only on lamictal.

[sjane23]

I've had bipolar since I was a child but got it palmed off as depression for years it wasn't until 4 years ago I got diagnosed with bipolar so far nothing has worked for me I've been on olanzapine, quetiapine, amitryptaline, sertraline, trazodone, risperidone and have just started on abilify I'm praying these will work as I can't live like this forever.

[cocoabeans]

I've tried...

Prozac - was like MDMA for 6 months
Remeron to help with sleep while on Prozac - did nothing
Trazodone - same as Remeron
Zoloft (alone) - made me psychotic
Wellbutrin (w/lamictal and seroquel combo) - helped me quit smoking, destroyed my appetite and ability to sleep
Seroquel to help with sleep - worked most of the time
Lamictal (been on it by itself and w/ other drugs) - helped with depression, no side effects
Celexa (w/lamictal) - shut me off, brain dead
Ativan (w/various)- calmed down
Zopiclone(w/various) - helped me sleep most of the time, otherwise I'd be giddy and halucinate

Right now I'm not on drugs.

[HopeLost]

Thanks all of your for your responses. Everything you guys say makes sense. I talked to my pdoc today....we are going to give the lithium a little more time to work and then consider AD's. I feel safe trying this in the middle of feeling bad since I am in an out patient program. I am going to keep pushing with my routine and physical activity...even if I am sad. Thank you all for your responses.

[ChristySpirals]

Pdoc gave me seroquil antipsychotic and remeron antidepressant and trazadone for sleep and this stupid antianxiety busiprone but it doesn't do a ******* thing. I don't take the busiprone anymore tho and will see if I can get something dif next visit.

[BipolaRNurse]

I've never seen buspirone work for anyone, and I've been a nurse for 15 years. The stuff is useless IMHO, but there must be somebody it works for or it wouldn't still be on the market.