[bos314489]

I was interested to hear if anyone bipolar is still struggling with depression even while medicated? I am diagnosed with bipolar and I have been on the same combo of lamictal 200 mg, cymbalta 160 mg and ativan 1 mg x 3 a day for 4 years. This combination has allowed me to get back functioning in the world and get a job, etc and for quite a while I felt well. Seems like over the years I am either in a normal mood or down. I have never fluctuated on the high side anymore (unfortunatley). On three different occasions my psychiatrist has tried either changing the dosage of my meds or starting new ones and I either did not notice a difference in my depression or I felt worse. My doctor explained that it is part of the disease to still go through down periods. I have just been feeling really bad lately and am thinking of going back to see my doc. I would be interested to hear if anyone thinks this is "a normal part of the disease" or do I need to get my meds changed around? Does anyone feel really depressed often with their bipolar? thanks for reading

[shlump]

I'd have to say that yes it is a normal part of the disease. I'll also add that there are other things that you can do, though extremely difficult to start, beyond meds that may improve the depression.

Man times people are depressed without there being a chemical component so the med changes will have no impact, but things like eating right, socializing, exercise, and doing special things for yourself can have a great impact on mood.

Getting sleep on a regular schedule has helped me through ups and downs.

I have struggled with the depressive side. I'm usually more on the depressive side. I know sometimes it is impossible to have any motivation to do anthing beyond exist but the possibilities are there.

One thing that I have found that doesn't take much energy, just a bit of remebering to do it, is take a daily multivitamin. After a couple of weeks consistent I do see an improvement. Sometimes enough to get myself to work on the other things.

I, too have been on the same meds beause they have been effective. I do change doses often becaus this is a cycling disorder. But it does not have to own us.

I know this may not resonate with you because you are in the midst of depression, but if you can see it on a good day maybe you can move onto more good hours.

Hugs to you.

[purpledaisy]

I, too, have been more toward the down side even though taking anti-depressants.

I miss the hypomania. I really need it back.

[BipolaRNurse]

Originally Posted by purpledaisy

I, too, have been more toward the down side even though taking anti-depressants.

I miss the hypomania. I really need it back.

Aargghh.....I feel the same way, even though I'm out of the depression now. I want my 'high' to kick in despite the fact that it's not good for me and never ends well.

But to answer the question, yes, I too lean toward the depressive end of bipolar, although in recent years I've experienced more frequent hypomanic episodes (now that I can understand what was going on before I was actually diagnosed). My current meds are pretty effective, except I do need an antipsychotic at times when I go too high.

[usbusi]

Bipolar is also called manic depression remember, so we all have depression, the amount of which varies from person to person. I tend towards being a little depressed all the time it seems, even with taking Wellbutrin as an anti depressant. (Along with Abilify to prevent, hopefully, another manic episode.)

[OutlawedSpirit]

Meds aren't going to completely "cure" the disorder, they just help to lessen the symptoms. I mean, we don't want to get so "cured" we don't feel anything anymore. However, if it seems like the depression is getting really bad this time, it may be time to talk to your pdoc about adjusting your dosages a bit. The body can get used to a drug, so that it isn't as effective anymore, which may be the case with you.

I hope things get better for you.

[Christa87413]

I want them to make a drug to help with the depression and help us become rational when we are in an extreme Manic state. I personally, become a freakin delusional freak when manic, but I love the high I get from everything I do... That is a drug that I will always be addicted to... As for this stupid depression.... I'd like to tell it thanks for giving me a thinner then paper psyche and making me cry for 2 hours last night over something stupid!!!

I miss my manic:-(

I think we all do :-\

[Sheba976]

They increased my lamictal to 400 mg. it has helped but I still get some down days but I recover much quicker instead of being depressed for days. When I'm under stress, is usually when my mood goes down. Especially this weekend since we are moving on Friday.

[spoiltmom]

I am beginning to think that I will ALWAYS be depressed to some degree

[Christa87413]

oh, I forgot, I'm on 500mgs a day of depokote.. lol, but we just started it...

[sugahorse1]

I still go through major depressive episodes. That's usually when I need to speak to my doc to tweak meds.
Slight ups and downs are normal and we just need to learn to deal with them.

I feel your pain, as I too spend most of my life on the side of depression rather than mania