[BreakFree]

First off, I've not been diagnosed bipolar, just treated for depression. I'm currently on Wellbutrin and Buspar. Sometimes I get periods of hypomania-- I don't know if it's actual hypomania or if it's something else? I wouldn't say it happens a lot but semi-frequently. During these times I get very hyper and on-edge and I feel like I have a lot of energy. I usually pace and jump around my room. I feel like talking a lot and when I do talk it's really fast and jumbled. I have a lot of random and racing thoughts. I'm somewhat impulsive. I don't know-- it's not normal for me to feel this way, it's very distinctly different. But I'm not sure if it's just the medication causing it or what. I had a similar experience on zoloft but not to this degree. So I guess I'm asking, 1. what exactly is this? 2. is it medication-induced? 3. if so, should I not be taking the wellbutrin anymore? or what should I do?
Sorry if this is confusing at all, but please respond if you have any experience or could tell me what this is!

[music junkie]

I also take both of those meds, & sometimes I feel a little more hyper than usual. I don't have racing thoughts but I can't stay focused on one thing for very long, & I have a lot of energy. I feel like I'm going to jump out of my skin if I have to continue sitting in one spot. Thankfully it never lasts that long, but I don't know what causes it. I don't think it's the medication, though.

[~Christina]

Have you brought up these concerns with your Pdoc ? or do you see your regular doctor for your meds?

Some Ad's are activating, best to explain to your Pdoc exactly what your feeling in as much detail as possible .

If your regular Doctor is prescribing meds and following you, I always advise seeing a Pdoc , GP's simple do not know enough about psych meds in my opinion to treat someone effectively.

Welcome to PC

[BreakFree]

Thanks Christina! I'll definitely be sure to mention it when I see my psychiatrist next month.

[Crazy Hitch]

I think that there could be some merit to the fact that the meds are alternating your mood states, which you recognise as a vast contrast to your depressive phase.

As suggested, I'd support you speaking to your pdoc next month. Could be worth looking in to.

Be well.

[hamster-bamster]

I do not know anything about Buspar.

I have seen Wellbutrin mentioned as the AD least likely to cause elevation in a bipolar person. But... least likely is relative to other AD's; it does not mean that Wellbutrin cannot flip you into mania.

I would CALL the pdoc. A month is too long to wait. Hypomania can escalate into mania by then.

[Mimielam]

The thing that helped me most about meds and explaining or talking to my pdoc is when I finally started to write down all the meds I was ever prescribed...got help from the pharmacist who printed my files...then I started to write about how I felt while taking the meds..Took me years before I actually started to do this, but since then..it really helps when I walk into the office, especially when it comes down to, " I'm feeling this" and by giving an exemple. also it helped me when my new pdoc asked or said, we will try this..I could say, done that, tried that..so yes you should talk about it with you're doctor. it's really important to have the proper medication for treatment.

[lilacsmoke]

Your medication absolutely can play a huge role in the differences of mood, but it can also be masking something that is already there as well. It's kind of a tricky line to walk to determine what could be medication-induced, and what could potentially be a hypomanic episode. I don't know the criteria for a hypomanic episode (like the duration), but I do know in general it is prolonged. I think tracking your moods would be a really good idea to see if there are any patterns, and keep note of what occurred during the day, incase there was a trigger. Also keep note of how much sleep you get every night.

If you can, avoid things like caffeine, which can heighten hypomania too.

Also, if hypomania escalates into a manic episode, do not be afraid to call your pdoc earlier than when you appointment is.

Take care! I hope you can get this figured out, and can be treated properly for whatever is going on.