[lawrenman]

Hi all,

I recently recovered from my second mania episode. Upon my research, I have seen strong correlation between bipolar mania drug induced mania mainly from narcotics such as cocaine and meth.

When I look up the short-term and long-term effects/withdraw of meth I see correlation with what happened to me. For instance after about 3-4 months after my mania I started to develop Anhedonia which is in general not being able to enjoy things I used to enjoy. I don't want to ever go back to that problem so I am trying to monitor my medication to make me in a slightly hypomanic state long-term. Anhedonia seems to be a problem of meth withdraw as well.

I have told doctors and other people that I run a meth lab in my brain. Usually they laugh, but unfortunately I do, and its highly addictive!

Most people have a meth lab in their brain, some are just too powerful. I'm just learning to control mine.

When others drink coffee in the morning I drink milk. I have to stay away from most all stimulants at this time.

If I go back to Anhedonia I am without a doubt going to use stimulants. I don't care...I'm sick of the fact that doctors get to play god on my body when in most cases the individual can self medicate better than most doctors if given various choices on "medication".

Unfortunately external stress and other people's lack of awareness on how the disease works can wreak havoc on maintaining a healthy level of mania. The problem is not mormally internal, its most how the external reacts to it.

[wiretwister]

I agree with you, my mania was ssri induced and it was followed by a total loss of interest in anything. It has been 9 plus months and with mirapex I am just beginning to get any interest in life back. But I do caution you to accept dr meds and follow their instructions. I have always felt while on the meds my judgement maybe impaired so I trust the dr. Just my opinion.

[FallenTree]

Sounds a lot like what I go through ... what goes up must come down...as the saying.goes