[valcat]

Hi Everyone-
A question. I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This after over ten years of depression. My new psychiatrist gave me the diagnosis and has been treating me. I am currently on Lithium 450mg, Lamictal 100mg, Abiligy 15mg. The Lamictal and Abilify were just upped in dosage on Friday. The Lamictal by 25 mg and the Abilify by 5 mg.

I have started experiencing a lot of anxiety. Feelings that I have never felt before. Being afraid to drive. Feeling very nervous as I am driving. I don't know what is happening to me. I pace the floor and I either cry or I am very irritable. Does anyone else have any ideas about this? Could it be the abilify?

I will possibly be seeing my doctor tomorrow and talking to him about this but I also wanted feedback from all of you.

Thanks-
Valerie

[JonB]

I never took Lithium, but I take Lamictal and have taken Abilify. Lamictal doesn't make me feel anxious at all, but Abilify (and any anti-psychotic) drive me nuts. Whenever I'm on one, my doc gives me something for anxiety (ativan or similar) and that nasty feeling goes away. Usually after a couple of weeks I don't need the anxiety meds so much. Good luck. Med adjustments are very frustrating.

[bipolar_bear]

I have taken all three of those meds at one time or another but not together. I did not have the effects you are having but each med works differently for every person. Talk it over with your pdoc and tell them everything that is going on. It usually takes some time to get the right combination.

[darkeyes]

I do not feel the Lithium is the cause, it does not cause anxiety. I've never been prescribed Abilify, but take Lamictal.
I also, in the past had been on (my choosing) Lithobid, for My pdoc and I found Depkote not to agree or address my problem.
Lithium, is an excellent med for BP-I, Lamictal is excellent for BP-II (which I am) but everyone is different so are the meds and effectiveness.
It is important you tell the prescribing pdoc exactly what you are feeling, so med adjustments/changes can be done.
Some of this can be temporary side effects,and some may not, so checking with the pdoc is important.
I've been on Lamictal for about 3yrs or more, 200mgs and have gone to 150mgs, in the past when the pdoc and I were trying 225mgs, the extra 25mgs did produce agitation in me, so we went back to 200mg,even down to 150mgs.
This experience showed my lowest therapeutic dose is 150mgs,dosages above 200mgs were not beneficial.
Feel free to let us know how you do with your pdoc visit,etc.
Take care now,
DE

[poptardqueen]

Hi there!

I take all three of those meds. I take 300mg lithium (lithobid), 400mg lamictal and 20mg abilify (plus 200mg topamax and my ambien and valium to sleep). I know exactly what you mean. It's probably the abilify. I know that every time my doctor ups my dosage I turn into a mess. In fact, every time my Pdoc ups my dosage on anything I fall apart. Abilify used to drive me crazy, like you described the pacing and the crying (which I still do a lot, but I don't blame it on the abilify anymore), but now that I've been on it at a stable dose for so long, it's leveled out. But, then again, I've heard of many people who simply can't tolerate the anxiety it causes in them, and others who claim it is their 'wonder drug,' so everyone is different.

Hope the side-effects go away soon or you get switched to something that works better.

[TgrsPurr]

I feel for you! I've experienced the same as you in the past. It's an awful and horrible state to be in. Bipolar is a very difficult disorder to properly treat (as you seem to be finding out!). My concern is that you are possibly being over medicated, especially if you're starting on these meds all at once. Upping dosages can sometimes be detrimental. If I were you, I'd mention this to your pdoc. Don't forget you are a part of the decision making process! That is a huge part of our responsibility in dealing with our disorder. I'm encouraging you to be courageous and strong through this medication process. In the mean time, I would steer clear of those things that only cause you more anxiety and frustration. Please know that I'm here to offer you any kind of encouragment you need.

[darkeyes]

Good advice.