Hello.... new here.

Hey everyone... I'm Robyn, from Philadelphia. I've been reading posts for the last couple of weeks, and have finally decided to post something.

My pdoc diagnosed me with bipolar over the summer... Starting from when I was about 17, and over the last 8 years, I have been diagnosed with everything from panic disorder, to cyclothymia, to borderline, to major depression, to GAD-- I had been off medications for quite awhile. My old pdoc in NY had tried me on 4 million AD's, and some other stuff, but nothing had helped. Over the summer, I started taking Trileptal. Is anyone else taking this med? If so, what are you experiences? Anyway, I thought it was helping, but I guess I was just going through an asymptomatic period... Six weeks ago I went into one of the worst depressions I have ever been in. Last week it started to lift a bit, but now I'm back to feeling not so great again.

The really tough part is that I work full-time and I'm in graduate school for clinical/counseling psychology. I was wondering if anyone else is in a similar boat. I have to push myself so hard to do the simplest things. I attend work and school, but when I'm there it feels as if it's just physical-- my mind is completely somewhere else. I am so behind in my schoolwork. I mean, I haven't missed any due dates, as all the work is due at the end of the semester, but I should have been working on things for weeks now, and I haven't even gotten started. The thing that I'm most upset about is that I had planned on applying for doctoral school in May, but that really doesn't look like it's going to happen for me. I had plans to be getting ready for it all this time, but they have been ruined due to the depression.

Sorry this is so long, but it actually felt very good to write.

Thanks everyone,
Robyn

Hi Pinksoil,
Welcome to PC. I don't know much about bi-polar, my sister was just diagnosed with it so I'm here to research to better understand.
Sounds like you've been through a lot.
I hope PC helps you. By the way, I'm from Philly, too.

Hello pinksoil. Glad you found us. This is a good place to be.

Well, let me say, I haven't had experience with the meds your on. Most of them I haven't even heard of. However, as far as your life experiences go I can totally relate. I never completed college because of my diagnosis. I wasn't on meds even though I had already been diagnosed. Typical of many bp's. I just couldn't keep it together and I dropped out of classes. I was just a couple of classes away from a degree, had a real bad episode and never finished! It turns out it was a field I don't want to be in anyway, but that's beside the point. I'm still thousands of dollars in debt and no degree! But the truth is, I'm not really all that upset about it, go figure???

Anyway, you sound like a very intelligent and articulate woman with a good head on your shoulders. Ultimately you get done what has to be done and that is something to feel good about. I realize it's a struggle for you and probably very frusterating. Perhaps down the road a bit you can complete your goals once you get meds, etc straightened out. My opinion...you're not on the right meds. I hate to say that because it could mean more trial and error, and you've already been through so much of that. However, once you get on that right med, it all becomes worth it. Believe me...I went through that too and as unpleasant as it was, it was a necessary part of my committment to remain on meds! Life has been so much better!

I'm babbling now, but my point is that you are on the right track. You've been diagnosed and understanding the problem is the first key to dealing with the problem. Keep your resolve...the strength to do it IS there within you. Persistance always pays off.
Tgrspurr. xoxo

Hi Pinksoil

A warm welcome to PC, glad you found us. Sorry you have been through a tough time getting a diagnosis. You certainly have your hands full too with your work and studying commitments. I do hope you find a solution soon and that your depression starts to lift, maybe this particular medication isn't right for you. Another trip to your pdoc might help.

I am from the UK by the way.

Take care

I saw my pdoc yesterday... he said that since the depression has lasted for 6 weeks, it would be time to alter the meds. He bumped the Trileptal down from 1050mg to 900mg and added Lexapro. I am so scared to take Lexapro. I have been sensitive to SSRIs in the past. I'm scared of having that restless, anxious feeling. But my pdoc says most tolerate it well, and it might be needed to help bring me out of the depressive phase. Anyone have anything to share in regards to Lexapro?

Thanks,
Robyn

I've been on Lexapro for some time now and have had very good results with it. I also know a number of people who are on it and also have had good results. Different meds work differently on different people because our body chemistry is unique. However, I didn't experience any of the more harsh side effects and adapted to it quickly. I can't remember my dosage off the top of my head, I've been taking it for so long now I haven't thought about that. But I do remember that it is a higher than usual dose. I'm also on other meds and havn't had any adverse reactions.
I hope this helps to ease your anxiety a bit.
Tgrspurr. xoxo

Hi Robyn,

I take Lexapro and have had wonderful results with it. Give it a try.

I wish you well,

January

Hi! I'm new here too. I have taken Lexapro for over 6 months and have had no side effects with it. I was at 40mg, which is a high dose and compared to the other meds I was on (effexor, celexa, prozac), it helped me (at least initially). I am on Lexapro and Cymbalta now for a severe depressive episode and will begin treatment for bipolar II next week. I have friends who have been sucessful on Lexapro without side effects as well. I didn't and don't feel more anxious after taking Lexapro, I felt less so compared to other meds. Anyway, its not much but I hope it helps.