I'm depressing out. I think my meds are making me worse. I feel over medicated. I really don't feel like being on here. I think my AD causes hypo then the stabilizer causes depression where I need more AD, then stabilizer...I'm climbing the med ladder and I don't like it one bit. Why do I feel like I have med induced bipolar?

I feel strung out. I don't remeber feeling like this before meds. Life was tolerable, I was tolerable. I only had bouts of depression with a happy time after it. I'm missing it.

Besides, it's getting where I can't afford to see a pdoc anymore, at least right now. I need to go pick up my last refill and start going the other way on meds tapering off.

That's the plan for now at least.

[LettinG0]

I am so sorry that you are struggling with your medications at the moment and have trouble paying for pdoc. I am suddenly in the same boat and have been thinking some of the same things.............that my meds are just complicating everything even more. I am losing job and insurance so I am considering tapering off my meds now because I won't be able to afford them. I have been advised strongly against tapering off my meds because my stress is going to be so high right now. Maybe there are programs out there that can help us pay for our meds. But, I am terrible at having the initiative to look into that sort of stuff. Guess we will see where we both end up. Keep me updated, Always, please.

[ozzy1313]

I often feel like I was in a better place before medication

I've checked for Lamictal, but they want proof that you have spent $600 on it yearly. I'm first lowering the anti d because it makes me manic. No anti d, no mania. Then lowering the stabilizer. I'm more worried about getting my rent and bills paid. I wonder if I'm going to be the real me once again, or did that get ruined?

[BipolaRNurse]

Sometimes I think I was better before I started on meds. My friends and family see it a lot differently, however, so I keep on taking mine faithfully. I'm no longer an angry person, I don't have screaming fits or threaten to kill people any more, and I don't blow huge amounts of money on useless crap. The crazy pills stay. End of story.

I'm so tired of taking things that only work for a minute.

Many people in the US are over medicated and therapy is under utilised. I believe meds are causing symptoms in some people. Beef up the coping skills on the way off them but of course dont do it without speaking to your pdocs.

[ozzy1313]

Originally Posted by Supanova

Many people in the US are over medicated and therapy is under utilised. I believe meds are causing symptoms in some people. Beef up the coping skills on the way off them but of course dont do it without speaking to your pdocs.

what tools do you use to stay healthy? Therapy doesn't seem to do a lick of good for me

Have you ever done CBT or DBT? They may not cure (well, unless you are Borderline) but they will help. Meditation, medication, exercise, eating well are all things I do when I am well. But having had many stressors lately those have slipped and I have become more unwell when the depression hit for getting out of the habit of doing these things.

Therapy is helpful to me, perhaps you havent found the right therapist. But its taught me to observe my thoughts and behaviours, accept the way I am and give myself a break. Self nurture, self care, distraction, thought stopping, redirection, challenging thoughts, support networks, time outside are all things I do.

My cycles hit regardless of triggers. It just creeps up on Ya then you're there till it moves off. I get triggers, but the automatic stuff I can't control.

[Skywalking]

The lamotrigine is available in a generic if that helps your financial situation any! I take it, I pay about $12 for a month's supply.

My medication has kept me out of serious depression and that one anger episode hasn't been repeated. Although I've had my doubts, I think I'll be staying on it. I wish it was so simple for everybody.

[jacky8807]

Originally Posted by AlwaysChanging2

My cycles hit regardless of triggers. It just creeps up on Ya then you're there till it moves off. I get triggers, but the automatic stuff I can't control.

I get what u mean and i didnt think it could be helped either..but i have learned to atleast modify my thinking actions ect and to attack an oncoming episode head on before it bites me
The catatonic depression tht creeps on me with the self violent intrusive thoughts hits me in feb..but im fighting back tooth and nail!

Oh no I'm sorry sweety. Hang on and good luck with that!

Originally Posted by Skywalking

The lamotrigine is available in a generic if that helps your financial situation any! I take it, I pay about $12 for a month's supply.

My medication has kept me out of serious depression and that one anger episode hasn't been repeated. Although I've had my doubts, I think I'll be staying on it. I wish it was so simple for everybody.

Yes thank you. I do take Lamotrigine also. I was also considering the pdoc visit. I was very depressed and it all sounded awful, life sounded awful. I'm sorry if that caused unneeded concern.

[jacky8807]

Originally Posted by AlwaysChanging2

Oh no I'm sorry sweety. Hang on and good luck with that!

thx!

[Skywalking]

No concern is ever unneeded concern! I know what financial difficulties are like. I hope things get better for you, one way or the other.