[SteelersFan]

I'm 45 years old. I was diagnosed with bipolar and hypomania about 10 years ago or so. I am currently taking a total of about .75 of xanax, pristiq, trileptal . I also take seroquel which was prescribed for sleep disorders, but am coming off of the drug due to high cholesterol. For the past 6 months or so, I've been steady on about 12.5mg of seroquel.

Anyway, I've often tried to learn about what I have, but have always been shy about asking others outside of my doctor. I only see him 1x per month for a 30 minute visit, basically just to get prescriptions refilled.

I'm not sure if this is mania causing this, or an 'upswing' from bipolar. But after going through a down period recently, I am suddenly getting more energy, more racing thoughts. I find myself talking real fast and pretty much doing everything real fast. I'll sometimes be going so quick that I may get lightheaded (caffeine probably doesn't help). It seems like I have less of an appetite as a result as well, at least until nighttime when I take medication and I slowly get brought back down to earth. During this I have found myself getting irritated rather easily and quickly, and also lashing out as a result. I later usually realize I overreacted, but at the time it's difficult to control the emotions.

Sometimes it feels like an adrenaline rush, although I'm doing nothing to produce the adrenaline, it kinda happens naturally and keeps me on edge.

Sound familiar to anyone? I think reading is my enemy too, as I read about bipolar, and then mania, and then manic episodes and everything starts to sound like my symptoms!

Thanks!!

[wing]

Go Steelers!! I grew up in Pgh....

That said, I think you're experiencing a "hypo"manic episode. Full blown mania and you'd have more severe symptoms but I'd keep an eye on it.

[gayleggg]

Could be hypomania or could be a mixed episode due to the irritable. It sounds like me when I'm in a mixed episode. It's hard to say since I'm not a professional. Might want to give your doctor a call he could probably tell you.

I agree with the others that your mood may be elevating. One of the advantages I have found of having a therapist in addition to my psychiatrist is that she helps me keep track of the directions my mood goes in.

[donna450]

I, when officially, diagnosed with bipolar rapid cycling..I would cycle from depression to mania 5-6 x a day this did happen for many years. But now depression is what I suffer most. But mania at least like the others said is like hypomania. Not full blown but like a controlled out of control action or feeling. I'm sure your dr can explain it in better terms but my mania full blown was a whirlwind like stopping and going every few minutes. It's not a good way to live especially if you have family living with you...like a bull in a china shop. Good luck to you...be well..be safe.

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[FeelingHopeful]

Does anyone havw any advice on what the best pyscology book.is to understand Wgat a Bipolar Sufferer goes through and how to better your relationship and make ut stronger with someone suffering from this. ?

Theres a sticky thread on the bipolar forum with book recommendations. Personally I havent read anything great enough to recommend.

I have learnt a bit from this forum, asking questions and reading experiences, there are some people that have it under control so I look forward to their posts.

Most of my learning has come from working through therapy courses online or in books on my own. Its helped me cope with it.

[Mandysue]

if you are going through mania your meds might not be right. When I have mania though I wouldnt even be able to sit down and type...When Im manic i am all over the place, my mania started at the freaking eye dr. they had to call my mom to come and get me...i was showing out in public, so embarassing! but I would get with the Dr,

[FeelingHopeful]

Thank You Mandy, Its for a Friend i think may be suffering from this, Im agood friend of theirs and i would really like to support him.

[Anneinside]

I like Bipolar for Dummies the best. It doesn't assume you have any knowledge so it starts at the beginning. It is reasonably prices below $25. It is well written and even includes a little humor.

[FeelingHopeful]

Thank you Anneside I will def pick it up