[Mr.MDC]

Hi, this is my first post. I've been recently diagnosed with Bipolar II.
Its been quite the emotional rollercoaster. I've spent the last 2 months in a Psychiatric Hospital with changes in meds.
Started off with Abilify and anti depressants along with Lorazepam for anxiety.
I'm now on Latuda 60mg, Clonazepam 1mg, Imovane 15mg all at Bedtime(due to sleepiness affects) and Lorazepam as needed for anxiety.
I've been released and seem to be doing okay. I have noticed though that I do get quite the mood changes. I can go from happy to depressed within minutes with no explanation. On the other had I also get feelings of rage out of the blue.
Are these major mood swings a normal Bipolar thing?
And
What are some of your experiences?

Mr.MDC

[kaliope]

Hi mr.dmc
it doesn't sound like you are stable on your meds...it may be that they haven't had time yet or you are not on the right mix...bipolar can really mess with your moods...you can cycle quickly or it may take weeks. best thing to do is to contact your dr and let them know what is going on. maybe a med adjustment is in order. Welcome to Psych Central.

[Bpfroggy]

Welcome to Psych Central! I agree that it seems like you might benefit from a med change. When I was first diagnosed they started me on Abilify which didn't really help, and I ended up suicidal in the hospital. They put me on a mood stabilizer (Depakote) which REALLY helped and got rid of the anger/irritability I was feeling. I still have some mood swings but they are much more manageable. Please consider going to your psychiatrist and seeing if they would recommend any med adjustments. Best of luck to you!

[Disorder7]

I have rapid cycles, but the moods ( and energy levels ) are in place for a week at a time. Not several times a day. I have heard of ultra rapid cycling, where people do have mood changes several times a day.

But I have to agree with the previous posts. It sounds like you aren't stable on your meds.

[Sprite22]

I have had the rage, but not new to bipolar. that is quite a cocktail you have, I take Lorazepam as well. mood swings do come with this condition.

[~Christina]

I hope that your Pdoc is able to work with you to find the best treatment for you.

Welcome to PC

[Curious651]

I can only speak from personal experience, but I have rapid cycles and can change rather quick in same day as well. I manage my cycles and work through them for the most part. It took while to figure that out and what contributes to me being able to work through them. Mindfulness works for me. I will play some celtic music and that helps ground me. It sounds like a trip to the doc would not hurt though. Typically I am a little different due to my choice in tx. Welcome and hope you can figure this out.

[BlackSheep79]

Sounds like we are both going thru some of the same stuff. I've been on the high end of hypo mania lately. Sunday morning I woke up depressed and numb. Then that night as I'm going to the grocery store I go into a complete rage. I really thought I was going to punch someone. I see my pdoc on Friday. It looks like we both need our meds tweaked. Just to let you know that what this disease is all about, tweaking your meds. I do good for a few months, and then it all goes to hell. I just came back to work in August after two months of utter hell on med leave and here we go again. I'm surprised I haven't got in trouble at work yet. Sorry to be negative, I'm in a Im sick and tired of this disease phase. I hope it works out for you and you get your meds straightened out.

[lilypup]

If there's one thing you can count on, it's the element of surprise. Anything can and will happen. Welcome!

[Mr.MDC]

I will be seeing my PDoc several times over the next few months. I guess its more patience that I need and the possible tweeks in meds.
It is the new factor to this that has me tangled up, somewhat confused and frustrated.

Thanks for your replies.