[Reality_Perfection]

Okay so I've been on Depakote before and I got off of it with my pdoc's help because it made me gain way too much weight and I felt really down because of that. Now I'm on Lamictal, Saphris, and Vyvanse. Everything seemed to be working great until a few days ago. I got really violent towards my fiance and the cops were called. I almost had to go to an institution again. Before this recent episode I was dealing with a mixed episode and I was still on meds. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm resistant to meds since I don't think they're doing much for me. I'm scared to be put on Lithium or Depakote because I'm afraid of gaining my 20 pounds that I've already lost while being off Depakote. I don't know what to do and I'm wondering if I'll just be stuck with not being able to be treated successfully. I love mania don't get me wrong. I believe I'm experiencing hypomania right now. And it feels great! I talk people's heads off and I feel high. It's a really good feeling. I'm just scared of it turning into something worse. Has anyone else been hypomanic or manic when on meds? Is this just normal? I just don't know what to do anymore..

[Confusedinomicon]

Is there anything in your life that's been stressing you out? Life events can trigger episodes.

You can still get episodes on meds. I think that's why people get med adjustments all the time.

I gained a little on the depakote, but have maintained weight on lithium. If you take lithium you just have to drink a lot of water and not snack. (Like when you want to snack, drink water)

Therapy would give you coping mechanisms that will help reduce the severity of mood swings.

I was on 900 mg of Lithium and was hypo (time of year!), so I increased it w/permission from pdoc and it went away.

[faerie_moon_x]

I agree that lithium doesn't cause weight gain for everyone. I've been on lithium a couple of times and no weight gain.

The other thing is that there are over 400 combinations of medications for bipolar. That is what my psychologist told me in 2009 when I was diagnosed, and there are some new meds out now that weren't then. So, probalby more now. Just because one combination doesn't work doesn't mean that's the only option. It can take a long time to find the right combo.

I see a lot of peole seem to do well on Lamictle if you can tolerate it. I got a rash so I can't be on it.

[~Christina]

There are load of combinations to try. Makes sure your Pdoc understands you do not want a medication that is going to increase your weight.

Lithium is weight neutral for me and many others.

There are options Don't lose hope.

[hamster-bamster]

I have read on the CrazyMeds board that if you try too many med combos switching too frequently, you can make yourself med resistant. It was an opinion of an MD, not a post by a board user - but, just one opinion, so I am not sure there is validity to it.

[Kristiemarie]

What dose of lamictal are you on? I've heard and am experiencing it myself, that lamictal can take a long time to finally be where it needs to be. I felt better at 50mg and then suddenly everything got worse. And then at 200mg it's started getting better. I think I'll end up being at 250-300mg as my final dose.

[Kristiemarie]

Oh and I've noticed since starting meds that my swings aren't gone, they are just less severe and more manageable.

Yes, some meds can cause a person to shift into hypomania. Each person is different. I couldn't take Lamictal because even at 15 mg it pushed me into hyperactivity.

I think "med resistant" has a stronger meaning than just one medication can't be taken.

It may just take some different prescriptions to find the combination you need to
stabilize your brain chemistry. Keep working at it.

Take care.

[sprik]

it took me years and years to find the right meds, then we started taking meds away and i was going great for a long long time, now I am following apart and we need to see what we can do to get me back to where i need to be, trial and error again