dumb and boring

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder a couple of months ago, and now I'm taking Risperdal and Lithium.

Now I'm in a tough place where I feel dumber and unable to function in social situations like I used to, it's really debilitating. It's making me miserable. I was wondering if anyone knew whether Lithium or Risperdal can make you feel dumber and/or unable to speak as easily?

Welcome to PC

Meds work so differently on everyone as well as doses. Can you give your pdoc a call and see what they say? Good luck.

It may be the Risperdal, Lithium for many, doesn't do that, if anything, you'd find functioning more improved than when you weren't taking it.
You may also want to have your thyroid function checked out, cause sometimes Lithium can cause hypothyroidism, which can make one feel fatigued,foggy, and many other things. Regardless, Lithium is a great med., if you need to take thyroid meds along with it, that is not a problem.
I wish you luck with this, don't get discouraged, it takes time, but getting the right med and dosage(s) can make a huge difference.
Take care,
DE

BTW
It is a good idea to contact your pdoc or who the prescribing physician is, meds can effect people differently, plus the disorder can cause various changes, so it would be best you ask the doc about your meds and how they may be effecting you.

I too welcome you.
these are great boards and a great place to learn how to cope with the changes that you are making.
Do you have a therapist who could help you thru this adjustment, a good therapist is invaluable for many people with bipolar disorder. Whith this disorder we have much baggage that usually goes hand and hand, I hope you have good family and friends to help you thru this as well.
I wish you wellness.
bizi

Hi,

Go talk to your Dr. I understand lithium works great.

Welcome to PC!

Jan

Hi, I am on topamax 300mg, serequel 400mg, lunesta 3mg, these are all taken at bedtime. I was taking valium 5mg , once in the morning and once in the afternoon. I had my appointment with my doctor this past Monday. He said I seemed a little anxious and looked somewhat wired through the eyes. I told him that I had been feeling quite anxious during the day and was having racing thoughts that were getting more frequent. He changed my valium to 10 mg during the day. One in the morning, and one in the afternoon. My manic takes over the depression. I guess I should be thankful for that. If something bad happens I do get sad, but I don't go into a deep depression. This is a terrible disease, at least to me it is. You never know what is going to happen, or when the manic is going to hit. I once forgot to take my nightime meds and the next day was a day of total havac. I never want to go through that again. Sorry so long. Just trying to get my feelings out about this.