[CowOne1231]

I am a little new to this, but I figured it doesn't hurt to ask. For years I thought I just had depression, and now my new pdoc thinks I am manic. I have recently switched from an anti-depressant to Depakote. I don't think I have any of the happy side effects of mania but the irritability and depression are definitely there. Does anyone have a good method for getting yourself to calm down and focus during the day? I am trying to get used to the Rx switch, but it isn't easy somedays to turn my head off. I could use any suggestions.

[biplol]

CowOne, i was in Depakote, and I went off it, against evrybody around me advice.
PPl here were reallu supportive.
I hated Depakote, it took the best of me away and left the worst to be showen to everybody.
I hope you can find the right meds, tell you Pdoc how you feel.

By the way WElcome!!

[DaveyJones]

Welcome to PC, CowOne...

Dealing with this stuff is frustrating...it usually takes a good long while before you and your pdoc work out a drug regimen that works for you.

First thing, Depakote is not indicated for bipolar depression. Depakote is good to treat mania, but an antidepressant is often used along with it to treat symptoms of depression. Another drug, Lamictal, has shown good results with mania and depression in bipolar disorder. Another drug, Seroquel, has recently been approved by the FDA for bipolar depression.

Please follow the basics...yes, it's really hard to do when you're depressed, but you gotta try, these will do you more good than drugs by themselves:

First, get eight hours of sleep, at night, every night. You have to keep your body rhythyms regular, and here's the place to start. Second, get thirty minutes of exercise every day. If you can get outside in the sun that's the best. Even if you just walk down to the corner and back a few times, it's critical that you do this. Good nutrition is also important...moderation in everything is the key. Are you in therapy? You will double your chances of recovery with both drug therapy and talk therapy. Also, find a support group in your area...go to www.DBSAlliance.org or www.nami.org to find a group in your area.

Good luck with what you are going through...there are lots of great people here to help you. Also, learn as much as you can about this disease. Knowledge is power!

DJ

[bizi]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
DaveyJones said:

First, get eight hours of sleep, at night, every night. You have to keep your body rhythyms regular, and here's the place to start. Second, get thirty minutes of exercise every day. If you can get outside in the sun that's the best. Even if you just walk down to the corner and back a few times, it's critical that you do this. Good nutrition is also important...moderation in everything is the key. Are you in therapy? You will double your chances of recovery with both drug therapy and talk therapy. Also, find a support group in your area...go to www.DBSAlliance.org or www.nami.org to find a group in your area.

DJ

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">
thank you davey,
this is such simple straight forward advise. It ought to be stickied at the top and labeled beginning bipolar basics...
just my opinion.

also wanted to add:
mixed state ....dysphoric mania

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mixed state
Main article: Mixed state (psychiatry)
In the context of bipolar disorder, a mixed state is a condition during which symptoms of mania (or hypomania) and clinical depression occur simultaneously (for example, agitation, anxiety, fatigue, guilt, impulsiveness, insomnia, disturbances appetite, irritability, morbid and/or suicidal ideation, panic, paranoia, psychosis, pressured speech, indecisiveness and rage). [5]

In at least 1/3 of persons with bipolar disorders, the entire attack--or a succession of attacks--occurs as a mixed episode.

Mixed states can be the most dangerous period of mood disorders, during which panic attacks, substance abuse, and suicide attempts increase greatly.

A dysphoric mania consists of a manic episode with depressive symptoms. Increased energy and some form of anger, from irritability to full blown rage, are the most common symptoms. Symptoms may also include auditory hallucinations, confusion, insomnia, persecutory delusions, racing thoughts, restlessness, and suicidal ideation.

Alcohol, drugs of abuse, and antidepressant drugs may trigger or aggravate dysphoric mania in susceptible individuals.

bizi

[CowOne1231]

Thank you very much, that is probably the best and most straightforward advice I have been given so far. I appreciate it.

[maureen]

CowOne,
I realize that you felt you only suffered from depression all these years, but I noticed a contradiction in your post that subconsciously you may not be aware of ( I was in denial of BP until four years ago). You first stated that you don't have the"happy side effects of mania and then you requested a good method for getting yourself to calm down and focus during the day, The latter of what I just posted is mania. Mania is definitely not only euphoria; in fact it rarely is or all of us would be constantly seeking it ( like cocaine addicts who neurotically seek an artificial form of dopamine because they have depleted their own supply due to lack of re-uptake. A bi-polar's dopamine is (when mania is at an extremely high level; whether due to falling in love, a new exciting job orjust feeling high during the manic months which are from June to the end of September. To relax your thoughts during the day, Yoga and reading are very helpful. Good Luck, Maureen

[maureen]

Also be careful of Depacote; yes it is a mood stabilizer but originally it was used as an anti-convulsant (they still do). I was on it for 2 complete months and was on the way to gaining 20 lbs. which I did not because I went off of it. My mom had to go on Depacote after Lithium which ruined her kidneys after being on it 20 yers; but it was the best 20 years she ever had. She had despised the Depacote because it caused her to gain 30 lbs.. She refused to take which became a constant struggle between her and the doctors. I've known 2 people who gained100 lbs. on it(since, lost it after going off). In addition, depacote causes extreme hair lost. I was losing it in hoards. Most of mine grew back but for a while I looked liked a porcupine. Doctors will deny all this. Just ask other patients who have taken it. I have a male friend who took it for 9 months and has a permanent bald spot in the back of his head and is not going to get a hair tranplant. I am currently taking lithium but on my next visit to my pdoc I'm going to ask him about two more Bi-polar meds that just came out.