[EBD8]

Please don't be afraid to post your suggestions because you think I might run out and demand I be but an any certain medications. Just gathering info and trying to learn/understand. Ok so I'm Bipolar 2, After being hospitalized last month I was taken off Wellbutrion and Lamictal and put on Depakote only. I have been stuck in a more depressive state with mixed episodes since last August. I'm doing better but not functioning as well as I would like, interfering with relationships, you name it. I like they way Depakote has helped but it only takes me so far. Any thoughts, suggestions would be appreciated. I'm also having trouble concentrating so this post may not appear worded quite right. Just so you know I don't make any major decisions without talking to my daughter first...Thanks

[redbandit]

I think different meds work differently for different people, since our brain chemistry is unique. I wish I could tell you Ive found the "magic pill". Ive gone through a bunch that didnt help, but hopefully your doctor can better answer your question.

[STARLITE*1111]

Is true what RED says.
Being bipolar wondering why your not on anti-depressant and anti-anxiety.
Rite now your only on a mood stabilizer.

[intergalactictraveler]

I've been on every class of medication, 21 I believe and plenty of nutritional supplements. Zip, nada, fugetaboutit(as we said in NJ/NY). Yes, there are plenty of mediocre and even incompetent psychiatrists out there, but there are also some very smart, savvy, cutting edge people who work their butts off to find the right cocktail that will do its magic. But everyone has a different biochemistry and there isn't a one size fits all prescription. I know because I'm so far out in the bipolar Universe, that I'm a minority of a minority. Maybe some alien race is searching for me or maybe I'm not from this solar system at all. I feel like that more and more.

I liked Depakote, too,EBD8. The only problem I had with it was that it made my hair
fall out, so had to drop that one. Over time, I learned a few things about diet that have
helped: (originally told by my psychiatrist these things):

1. I should not drink alcohol; it makes bipolar illness worse.
2. I should not drink or eat anything with caffeine in it; it makes the illness worse--if
we're sensitive to it.
3. I should take my meds (and I would suggest the lowest possible dose to have an
effective benefit)
4. Establish a routine sleep schedule and adhere to it.

In all honesty, it takes about a year of full application of these directions for the body
to make a strong recovery from the abuse of caffeine. Drinking alcohol was not a problem for me, because I just don't use it, but sugar is my downfall. Still, I'm sensitive to alcohol and don't even order meat that has been marinated in wine. The after effect is subtle, but it's there.

Our systems are just so extremely sensitive for many of us with bipolar illness. You'll
just have to learn which foods bother you and which ones you're going to need to
remove for better health.

Please drink purified water. It helps to keep you hydrated well and it's very easy on the system
as opposed to tap water which often contains too many chemicals for the bipolar patient to
metabolize well. Chlorine is one of them.

White flour products are not good for some of us; milk products are high in sulfur; the Western
diet is often blamed for many of the problems with metabolism in the U.S. We have too much
saturated fat in our diets; we need to add omega 3 fatty acids; we eat too much red meat
when we should be having more fish, green vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

It just goes on and on, but you get the idea of how to start helping yourself.

Good wishes.

[Mack2]

I'm sick of my meds! 1400mg lithium, 300mg lamatragine, 150mg quetiapine (to sleep) 20mg sycrest, and diazapmam. I'm sick of the side effects, I'm sick of putting stuff in my body that's probably going to end up killing me anyway. I'm running out if options now, been through all atypical and some typical anti psychotics. Now I'm going back to cavemen meds. Really NOT happy

[Faraway tree]

Heya,

I take epilim (sodium valproate same as you) 800mg. I have bipolar two too and find that I still bob a tiny bit but I like it because I can get a teeny bit happy haha. And I take 3/4 of a 50mg seroquel to sleep and to help with anxiety.

Only side effects were an upset tummy while increasing the dose at the start, and my perfect metabolism was ruined. That said I think I put on 5kg in the first while, but have been on them for a year with no more weight gain than that. I was pretty skinny before from running around being mad though so no biggy.

Epilim didn't get me there 100%, I stayed pretty down but not so acutely For a while but seroquel really helped lift my food. As soon as I sleep I'm ok it seems?

Good luck

Oh yeah I forgot... My concentration was terrible too but has improved slowly by itself, hopefully yours does too?

And taking all the meds at night helped