[lzb3]

I was recently diagnosed bipolar. Looking back on my life, I realize that I have probably always been bipolar but no one recognzied it. In a manic state I was treated for ADHD with ritalin. I was also treated with anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds for depression. Sometimes the taking of these meds would overlap.

Most of the time things fit together ok. During the hurricane aftermath (I live just north of New Orleans), I was deeply involved with relief work through my church. After that, I sunk down into a hole so deep that I had no idea where to begin. The culmination of those dark feelings resulted in a day where a dear friend had to provide crisis intervention by taking me against my will to the psych doctor.

Doc has put me on 1500mg of depakote perday and 50 mg of Lamictal. I also take Ambien CR for sleep and the occasional Xanax if feeling anxious. He has taken me off ADHD meds and Prozac. BTW...I have also suffered from Panic Disorder which is the reason for the Xanax.

Since the meds kicked in I have actually been feeling pretty good. There have been times...fleeting moments actually...where I have either felt that roler coaster/ anxious feeling or felt very sad. Sometimes the feelings very close together. I already know I cycle quite rapidly....like every 9-14 days...but I was wondering how stable I should expect myself to be on meds. I had expectations of being better and knew it would be a struggle but I haven't been on new meds but about 5 weeks. Is this it? Is this the best I will get or will it get better over time?

Please recount your experiences. It may help me understand.

Thanks,

lizby

[DaveyJones]

Well, everyone is different, but it sounds like your pdoc is doing everything right. In my own case, I have found myself becoming more and more stable as time has passed. The past 3 or 4 months have been really good for me moodwise. I still have a down day or two on occasion, and even a slightly up day now and again, but it is SO much better than it was 6 or 8 months ago. For the first time in a decade I feel like there is hope for me to get better!

It sounds to me like you are on the right road...keep it up! Start doing the lifestyle things you need to...regular sleep and excercise and a healthy diet will go a long way toward helping you heal.

All the best,
DJ