[purpledaisy]

Today when I was telling a friend how displeased I am with this whole lithium experience (diarrhea every day, always thirsty, stomach pain, weight gain, I'm bored, I've lost passion for the things I've always enjoyed, I'm doubting my talents, time passes so incredibly slow), she said that she and her husband knew a woman a few years ago who was bipolar and this woman smoked weed instead of going on meds.

My friend said that this woman didn't have the side-effects that I'm having (since she wasn't on lithium) and she was able to keep her personality and creativity.

Opinions?

[Trippin2.0]

I used to enjoy smoking weed, didnt ever worsen my symptoms. I stopped cos I was done tho, same with the partying, I was just done. And THEN I found out I was bp so I didnt grieve my old lifestyle... Honestly tho, I wouldnt go back to smoking cos I've come to realise that I hate the fact that I cant dictate how high I'll go, and cant bring myself back down when I'm done being up.Most would tell you its a no-no tho, lotsa ppl have bad reactions when they mix MI and weed, alcohol, and everything inbetween

[BlueInanna]

I think it's possible Purple... some of today's buds are too strong for me though and make me anxious. But sometimes i would smoke some and feel like wow i can focus and clean the house now.

Where I live is like the pot capitol next to amsterdam and mendocino, so it's everywhere. I just don't have a desire for it anymore personally. I quit when my older kids found it in my drawer and took it. They're total unmotivated stoners now, makes me sad, makes me not want to partake anymore. Wow, that might be when I really started going nuts and started seeing the pdoc... hmmm... well maybe when my youngest is grown, and I'm not having a cps investigation, I'll take it up again.

The other concern I have is that they say it can make depression worse...idk...we don't need help with that happening.

[HappiestGirl]

I smoke marijuana everyday to help with the side effects of my pills. But I don't fool myself anymore thinking self medicating is enough. There is no replacement for anti-psychotic medication. Also the weed makes some people paranoid and worsen symptoms of depression. It's not for everybody and it's not enough to lessen the mood swings. I know, I've been smoking for 10 years.

[Victoria'smom]

I find that smoking makes me a very-not-nice person to be around the next day. I'm medicated. My bp sister is not and she was a worse person to be around. So smoking on occasion may be nice it will not replace my medication.

[ellipsisdream]

I have actually found smoking to be very calming for me, and it seems to help with side effects and most especially evening me out when I am in a mixed place (like now). It was also helpful at times in slowing me down to focus with rendering me useless when spiralling upward/

Right now, I am dealing with disability apps and pt work apps, and do not know at what points I might need to do the testing- so I have been off a few months. I miss it.

[cocoabeans]

I don't like it because it makes me anxious and paranoid but, I know some find it calming. Even though it makes me anxious and paranoid it is great for insomnia. I don't like being high so, I just go to sleep!

Though, you don't necessarily need marijuana or lithium, or any drugs at all for bipolar. Doctors are mistaken about "treatments".

[moremi]

I have an Aunt and an Uncle not a married couple seperate sides of the family, but both have used marijuana to treat their bipolar since their early twentys. They are now both way into their sixties. I wish it worked that way for me because I would do it in a heartbeat. I just cant smoke it, it makes me paranoid and everything. I get the wa wa wa's real bad and cant function until its gone. To each their own I say. I honestly see nothing wrong with it other than it being illegal. I believe that alchohol is way worse than marijuana and if they could tax marijuana it would be legal.

[brokenandalone1234]

I found pot to be the worse thing for me. It makes my symptoms worse. I feel really bad when I am on pot. I feel like I can't do anything. I am so much better when I am on my meds only.

[creativelight]

That's just like a raffle, you don't know how your body will react to it.

In my case, pot made me Nuts. Not a good mix with my brain. I was anxious as well and just bad overall.

[sweepy62]

I used to smoke weed years ago and about 2 months ago i tried it with my friend the anxiety and hallucinations are terrible i am on lithium as well the thirst and diahrea are no fun and i still hallucinate

[purpledaisy]

Interesting comments, everyone.

I guess it's a crap shoot. You don't know until you try.

I've never even smelled pot, so I felt really silly asking about this.

[BlueInanna]

Originally Posted by ellipsisdream

I have actually found smoking to be very calming for me, and it seems to help with side effects and most especially evening me out when I am in a mixed place (like now). It was also helpful at times in slowing me down to focus with rendering me useless when spiralling upward/

Right now, I am dealing with disability apps and pt work apps, and do not know at what points I might need to do the testing- so I have been off a few months. I miss it.

can you get a medical card? im in california it is legal here if you have doctors note

[BlueInanna]

Originally Posted by purpledaisy

Interesting comments, everyone.

I guess it's a crap shoot. You don't know until you try.

I've never even smelled pot, so I felt really silly asking about this.

let us know how it goes if you do it (if you're comfortable sharing of course)

[Trippin2.0]

Psychmeds are a crapshoot too... Funny how nobody goes 'NoOoO dOnt do it! You might react badly...' (dramatic movie scene voice) just saying...

[moremi]

Originally Posted by Trippin2.0

Psychmeds are a crapshoot too... Funny how nobody goes 'NoOoO dOnt do it! You might react badly...' (dramatic movie scene voice) just saying...

I know right marijuana is an herb.... Heaven forbid we smoke an herb, but lets put all kinds of crazy chemicals in their brains and see what happens years later. ha ha idk crazy **** if ya ask me

[Victoria'smom]

I don't think it's a "don't do it thing" but like everything else including meds. the risks need to be assessed.

[moremi]

i was referring to the laws on marijuana, no one here. Sorry