[brainfog]

Hi all,
I've tried many different meds (depakote, lithium, trileptal, wellbutrin [this was trying something new--made me angry]), and all make me a zombie--except Lamictal. It gives me crazy dreams, I wake up about 3 times a night, and I lack motivation. All doses were taken at the lowest possible option.

Do these symptoms mean that I'm not bipolar since none of the meds work?
Can you suggest another med that doesn't cause zombiness but will help my sleep?
Any suggestions will help

[Ripose]

I was using Zopiclone. It works well but with vivid, bizarre dreams.

Note: Zopiclone is also called Immovane and Lunesta.

[Shadesofdark]

Originally Posted by brainfog

....Do these symptoms mean that I'm not bipolar since none of the meds work?
Can you suggest another med that doesn't cause zombiness but will help my sleep?
Any suggestions will help

As far as the first question I won't touch that with a ten foot pole.

As far as sleep meds go, when I tried Lunesta it left such a bad, foul, metal taste in my mouth the entire next day there was no way I could take it. Ambian(?) left me drugged the next day and would never let me get more then six hours sleep.

My big problem with sleep is not staying asleep once I am asleep, its getting to sleep in the first place, getting those hamsters in my head to shut up for a bit. I take something called Rozerem for that, it just stops all the voices in your head long enough to get to sleep, but since its purpose is not to keep you asleep, you do not feel drugged the next morning. Might be worth trying if your doc can get a sample. It really works, it is very rare now that I am not asleep within 15-30 min after my head hitting the pillow.

Good luck!

[Moogieotter]

Hi brainfog!

Did you have some specific symptoms you are seeking relief from?

moogd

[brainfog]

Originally Posted by Moogieotter

Hi brainfog!

Did you have some specific symptoms you are seeking relief from?

moogd

I want my brain to be clear, motivation returned, and sleep through the night. All these have been a terrible struggle for the last five years.

Bipolar meds have helped the brainfog, and all but the Lamictal has helped my sleep, but they severely lessen my motivation and desire to do anything that I used to love; I just sit all day (this is what I'm calling zombie-like).

Thanks for your help!

[Moogieotter]

Wellbutrin helped you sleep? For me its great for clarity and motivation. What was your dose and how long were you on it?

You might have a case for stimulants - something mild like provigil. Depends on how your pdoc feels about them. Have you tried any SSRI? Prozac comes to mind.

moogs

[brainfog]

Originally Posted by Moogieotter

Wellbutrin helped you sleep? For me its great for clarity and motivation. What was your dose and how long were you on it?

You might have a case for stimulants - something mild like provigil. Depends on how your pdoc feels about them. Have you tried any SSRI? Prozac comes to mind.

moogs

No, I didn't take Wellbutrin at night. I've tried Aderall and it works well, but I still don't have motivation to things although I'm focused and have energy.

I took Zoloft at its lowest dose because I can't handle any more than the lowest for any of the meds I've taken. It made me very aggitated. My pdoc believed that was a good sign to continue mood stabilizers. We only tried Zoloft on my recommendation. He's been convinced that I'm bipolar 1 but he can't find a med that doesn't give me that zombie feeling; hence my initial question of whether I'm bipolar if the meds don't work.

Lamictal is the only exception to this, as I wake many times through the night, but feel ok the following day.With Adderall, I can do things I need to get done, but motivation to things I love is non-existent.

My pdoc uses topamax. I asked to be put on lamictal.

[jj_b]

I use Latuda and find it works great!
Energy though out the day/ no groggy or brain fog
Moods kept in check
No bad symptoms (atleast for me)
No additional weight gain...

Though I do take over the counter sleeping pills to fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow...