[Treyfrancis21]

Since I got on Latuda and figured out my dosage I have felt like my symptoms have been pretty under control. I have managed to keep a full time job since October. My depression and mania have both diminished in intensity and duration of cycles.

I've been feeling pretty messed up lately, more mixed episodes than either hypo or depression. I'm just wondering if anyone has opinions on when you feel like your meds are no longer as effective as they need to be. I know I need to talk to my pdoc about it, but due to ******** insurance problems I am unable to see her until November. My therapy sessions also end in a few weeks.

I have paranoia anyway, and I am wondering if all this is just making me worry and think my meds are no longer working. I haven't had this kind of stability in 9 years or so and I'm pretty scared that something will happen to make it all grind to a halt again. Any thoughts are appreciated.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I don't know what to say advice wise, but just wanted to say I hope it gets better soon and everything works out!

[Crazy Hitch]

I'm glad in some respects that the Latuda helped to a degree with keeping your symptoms under control.

The sad reality is they do not stop, all together, an episode from occuring. We will swing from high to low with Bipolar, when we least expect it. Some manage to go long periods of stability then hit a depressive/manic episode whilst for some like me I have been cycling pretty rapidly.

I'm sorry that you've been having mixed episodes. They suck. They really do. Sometimes I don't know if they're worse / better than depression / hypo then I remind myself they all suck and make us feel pretty miserable in the long run. I think that we all just want that "stable" feeling, no matter how subjective and unique that term stable is for each and every one of us.

Judging by how your mood state is coming across in the post, with no disrespect meant, I'm feeling a lot of frustration and a touch of anger coming through. I merely mention this because I'm inclined to 100% agree with you; you're seeming a bit mixed at the moment.

That's a huge bugger about the insurance. I can't stand it when we are limited with our health care when we need access to it most. And I think that the therapy has definitely held you in good stead, it kept you going strong since October. I really do think that therapy plays a role for us along with the meds.

It might very well be your worry over your T and the insurance that's making you a bit paranoid about all of this, if not somewhat anxious. Does your T have any strategies for you to use whilst you manage these symptoms?

I think that it's the fear of the unknown that's hitting you hardest at the moment.

In my personal opinion, you've got nothing to lose by asking your pdoc what changes, if any could be made to your med adjustments whilst you work your head around those 2 factors to help you feel a bit at ease. If not, why not. But then again bear in mind your pdoc may say no you can't change anything. So be it. I know you can't see them until November; but could they advise you over the phone ... probably not ... what about a family doctor? Could you see your family doctor and possibly as for advice re the meds that you are on. I'm not sure.

With regards to the insurance, I'm not sure what to advise, simply because I likely don't live in the same country as you and I am clueless when it comes to how those things work.

[Treyfrancis21]

Thanks. I do have access to my pdoc through text, but I am hesitant to bother her too often. Basically with the insurance I have I can't see the my preferred pdoc. I know I have the option of going somewhere else, but I have already had bad experiences with new docs and their interpretation of what I need. I guess I haven't worried about it too much before because I have been relatively stable, albeit fairly muted emotionally.

The good thing about the Latuda is it has made my ups and downs more mellow, the bad thing is it seems to make me cycle more rapidly with more mixed episodes thrown in there for the hell of it.

Also, I think it's kind of funny that I came across as angry. I mean, I am angry, I just thought I had controlled my tone in that first post. I'm going a little loco and I'm fairly new to posting on here. Glad there are others who understand this fun little treat we call bipolar.

[Crazy Hitch]

Thanks for the clarity.

Oh the only reference to slight anger was the **** insurance part It's probably just frustration - I would be frustrated if I was facing the same prospects with my T and insurance.

I get you about a new pdoc. Yeah I've had some not so great experiences with some in the past.

You're post was fine, just clarifying or was maybe trying to get a better feel for where you're at.

And yes, maybe it's because you're just sitting thinking about those 2 factors that caused a little bit of paranoia when this could all work out just fine.

You've made pretty good progress.