[emtheviking]

Hi! This is my first time posting here, so I apologize if this is in the wrong place. I know that bipolar disorder is a circadian rhythm issue by default, but my psychiatrist told me my recent issues with extreme, pretty much disabling sleepiness in the day (to the point where I couldn't hold a job or go to school anyway) are due to this rhythm being very off. This is all caused being taken off Zoloft and having my lithium increased simultaneously. I know it sounds weird to be on Zoloft when I'm bipolar. I was on it to manage the irregular episodes I used to have, as my disorder had an extremely early onset. I am confident in my psych doctor as he is very competent and reputable.
Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar problem and if you have any coping tips you'd like to share. My doctor said it should only be about two more weeks until this clears, but I still need to function until then. Thanks!

[Standup2me]

I've never heard of BP being a circadian rhythm issue. Can you explain more?

It is not weird to be on Zoloft while on Lithium. It is actually pretty common.

I had my Lithium dosage increased and my Cymbalta decreased at the same time. I was very out of sorts for about two weeks. After that my body did adjust.

[UCMATH]

Originally Posted by Standup2me

I've never heard of BP being a circadian rhythm issue. Can you explain more?

People with BP have nervous systems that tend to make errors while regulating our internal clocks, so it's thought (and pretty well-established) that circadian rhythm dysfunction plays a role in BP. You can find a ton of studies on Google Scholar.

[pirilin]

Welcome to PC!!!.