[Marshellette]

I have mania and nothing is working. My doctor gave me a Lamictal starter kit. That's baby tylenol. Should I ask for lithium? The big, many gun of a drug? I have tried it once before. My heart pounded, my hands shook. But it stopped the mania. It halted me to a deathly quiet whispher of a voice. It cancelled me out. But at least it stopped the mania. For three years after lithium I had no mania. For three years I felt flat after taking lithium. Then, it went away. Help me. I'm not sleeping. Like ever. Help me, please help me. Thanks.

[r010159]

You need to giver Lamictal a chance to work. Hopping from one med to the next because of no immediate benefit IMO is not a good idea. I think you need to be patient. I know this is difficult. It know it can be a real nightmare. Lamictal is not toxic and does not require any blood work. I assume you are bipolar II? Lamictal is considered by some to be the "gold standard" for BP II.

I understand you are not sleeping. Perhaps a sedative will help. If your doctor gave you no med for this, then I would try over-the-counter remedies like Benadryl or Niquil Bedtime. Any old antihistamine can do. But others probably have better ideas than I do.

Good luck!

[wildflowerchild25]

Lamictal takes weeks to work, but it works really well for most if you give it a chance. Lithium works also, but it still takes awhile to build up. For me the deadening effect made it just not worth it.

Honestly any mood stabilizer will take time. If you need something fast, I recommend an antipsychotic. Risperdal brought me down in seven days, Seroquel brought me out of severe depression in just four. Something old school like Thorazine or haldol will take effect immediately. Even if you don't take the ap long term it can help in a severe episode like now.

[Marshellette]

Originally Posted by wildflowerchild25

Lamictal takes weeks to work, but it works really well for most if you give it a chance. Lithium works also, but it still takes awhile to build up. For me the deadening effect made it just not worth it.

Honestly any mood stabilizer will take time. If you need something fast, I recommend an antipsychotic. Risperdal brought me down in seven days, Seroquel brought me out of severe depression in just four. Something old school like Thorazine or haldol will take effect immediately. Even if you don't take the ap long term it can help in a severe episode like now.

Thank you honey. Perhaps Zyprexa or Benadryl will do the trick. All of you. You're great.

[Marshellette]

Originally Posted by r010159

You need to giver Lamictal a chance to work. Hopping from one med to the next because of no immediate benefit IMO is not a good idea. I think you need to be patient. I know this is difficult. It know it can be a real nightmare. Lamictal is not toxic and does not require any blood work. I assume you are bipolar II? Lamictal is considered by some to be the "gold standard" for BP II.

I understand you are not sleeping. Perhaps a sedative will help. If your doctor gave you no med for this, then I would try over-the-counter remedies like Benadryl or Niquil Bedtime. Any old antihistamine can do. But others probably have better ideas than I do.

Good luck!

No, I'm bipolar I.

[Marshellette]

Uh-oh. What if I am bi I?And depression is rarely my problem but mania is.

[r010159]

Originally Posted by Marshellette

Uh-oh. What if I am bi I?And depression is rarely my problem but mania is.

I am stumped! I do think you need to go through with your meds to show the doctor you will be reliable and give the meds a chance. But Bipolar I? No problems with depression? Are any other meds being used adjunct to Lamictal? Like another mood stabilizer? Or an AP?

I am no doctor, but I am curious.

[Marshellette]

I am stumped too. I suppose I get depressed, very rarely. L-tryptophan is being used, Gabapentin and Benadryl and melatonin and are being used. Yes.

[jesusplay]

Originally Posted by Marshellette

Uh-oh. What if I am bi I?And depression is rarely my problem but mania is.

treatment for BP I & II are essentially the same.

one is manic one is hypomanic.

Lamictal is a mood stabilizer, what you need. Will it work, IDK, dose and weeks.

you are on an anticonvulsant.

lithium is listed as an antipsychotic(FDA) also a mood stabilizer.

The reason everyone says "lamictal is for BP II" is it's antidepressant properties, and people seem to think BP II means you are depressed more. I've had 2 manic episodes and many hypomanic episodes but 98% of the time I'm depressed.

Manic episode = Bipolar I always.
Hypomanic episode = Bipolar II always.

[Marshellette]

Thank you for the information.

Depakote and saphris put me at a screeching halt in just a few days. I think you need to call your dr and let them know how you are doing, dont wait til its completely unmanageable.

[yagalada]

Lithium is going to need time to build up in your system. I would call your doc and ask for an anti-psychotic if you want to come down quicker.

[Marshellette]

Originally Posted by emomom

Depakote and saphris put me at a screeching halt in just a few days. I think you need to call your dr and let them know how you are doing, dont wait til its completely unmanageable.

Lol. Depakote is "big gun manly drug" as well. It made my hair fall out and grow hair in weird places. Aaaaahhhh!!!

[outlaw sammy]

Originally Posted by Marshellette

Thank you for the information.

Being a BP1 rapid cycler with pre-disposition towards mania & manic-psychosis can be fun. It sure beats being depressed to the point that all you want to do is die. But I love my lithium because it stops everything - and all the evil BP symptoms disappear. It doesn't work for everyone I'm told - but it's keeping me from getting into any more trouble.