[joemercy2010]

I'm in a manic episode that is usually spurred in around this time of year. I have SAD, and sometimes coming into summer I get manic. Last time this happened I got into a lot of trouble, and I recognize signs from the last time. How do you handle the impulses?! I just want to do everything! My mind is going a thousand miles an hour....

I'm so anxious about everything and I'm feeling extremely aggressive and easily agitated. Ugh. This sucks....

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[MusicLover82]

Are you on any medications?

One of my bipolar friends said that laying in a dark room is good for mania. Since you have SAD, I would say you are influenced by light. Maybe avoid bright lights, spend time in the dark, and avoid computer usage? Not sure, but that's just an idea of something to try.

I also take a natural supplement, Bee Pollen that often helps knock out my hypomania. That might be worth trying. I am prescribed Xanax, and I'll take some extra of that, too, to help hypomania. If it's really bad, I'll take extra antipsychotic (Risperdal) as my psychiatrist said.

You should see a psychiatrist about this if you aren't already. Best wishes!

[cincidak]

Call your pdoc on Monday and see if they you can try an antipsychotic. They help a lot with mania. I take Geodon. It's weight neutral, so no real fear of gaining weight on it, and it's now generic so the cost will be better. If you find yourself in crisis go to the emergency room. No sense in suffering needlessly. As far as handling the impulses I try using Mindfulness meditation and relaxing music. Distract yourself. If you find you can not simply do it again go to the emergency room. They may be able to get you stable. I really hope you can make it till Monday

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[joemercy2010]

Originally Posted by MusicLover82

Are you on any medications?


One of my bipolar friends said that laying in a dark room is good for mania. Since you have SAD, I would say you are influenced by light. Maybe avoid bright lights, spend time in the dark, and avoid computer usage? Not sure, but that's just an idea of something to try.


I also take a natural supplement, Bee Pollen that often helps knock out my hypomania. That might be worth trying. I am prescribed Xanax, and I'll take some extra of that, too, to help hypomania. If it's really bad, I'll take extra antipsychotic (Risperdal) as my psychiatrist said.


You should see a psychiatrist about this if you aren't already. Best wishes!

I'm taking Lamictal and Welbutrin, I'm typically only hypo manic but this as full blown as mania has felt. I can't take Xanax or any benzodiazepines. That's what I got in trouble with, I have an extremely addictive personality when hypo manic ...



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[joemercy2010]

Originally Posted by cincidak

Call your pdoc on Monday and see if they you can try an antipsychotic. They help a lot with mania. I take Geodon. It's weight neutral, so no real fear of gaining weight on it, and it's now generic so the cost will be better. If you find yourself in crisis go to the emergency room. No sense in suffering needlessly. As far as handling the impulses I try using Mindfulness meditation and relaxing music. Distract yourself. If you find you can not simply do it again go to the emergency room. They may be able to get you stable. I really hope you can make it till Monday

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I don't think I'm in danger doing anything stupid at the moment, I'm feeling clear headed, just way way up. Last time I got manic like this I had come out of a surgery and wound up with oxycodone in my system, I have had substance issues at times with RX drugs. :-/ haven't for over a year now but the last time I was manic that's what I turned to, messed me up bad.

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[cincidak]

I'm glad you feel safe. I would still call your pdoc on Monday. They may be able to prescribe something or tweak one of your meds.

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[MusicLover82]

If it's true mania and not hypo, I agree with cincidak about asking your pdoc about starting an antipsychotic. They are the most stabilizing and anxiety-relieving drugs for me when dealing with hypomania and mixed states.

[Crazy Hitch]

I usually go manic in the summer too.

Hope you and your pdoc can work through this swiftly.

[BastetsMuse]

Originally Posted by joemercy2010

I'm in a manic episode that is usually spurred in around this time of year..

Call your doctor and see about a medication adjustment before things go too far down the manic road.

[candid_spectrum]

Originally Posted by joemercy2010

I don't think I'm in danger doing anything stupid at the moment, I'm feeling clear headed, just way way up. Last time I got manic like this I had come out of a surgery and wound up with oxycodone in my system, I have had substance issues at times with RX drugs. :-/ haven't for over a year now but the last time I was manic that's what I turned to, messed me up bad.

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I entirely empathize with your situation, drug usage is the first thing I turn to when hypo/manic. Truthfully when I'm depressed too. You just have to find something to occupy your time. Right now I'm moving, it's the absolute only thing settling my mania triggered massive drug cravings. I know how hard Rx opiates are to kick, and with draw is the worst, it's hard to remember after a few years clean, but read fourms about addiction on this sight. The with draw threads tend to trigger memories of my last withdrawal (6 mo tha ago)
I hope you are okay, and please keep us updated!

I empathize and while not manic I am controlling my hypomania by taking a low dose of Zyprexa every once in a while as well as klonopin. I make sure to get enough sleep.
If you feel manic manic you might need to do a daily anti psychotic and try and talk them into giving you sleep meds or a benzo.
Wellbutrin always made me feel jittery.
Also- you may want to cut out your antidepressant in the summer. I stopped mine in April and will start in September. I'm very sensitive to seasons.

[joemercy2010]

Originally Posted by candid_spectrum

I entirely empathize with your situation, drug usage is the first thing I turn to when hypo/manic. Truthfully when I'm depressed too. You just have to find something to occupy your time. Right now I'm moving, it's the absolute only thing settling my mania triggered massive drug cravings. I know how hard Rx opiates are to kick, and with draw is the worst, it's hard to remember after a few years clean, but read fourms about addiction on this sight. The with draw threads tend to trigger memories of my last withdrawal (6 mo tha ago)

I hope you are okay, and please keep us updated!

Glad to know someone understand the RX and substance problem. I opened that door and now I gotta live with it :-/ feeling good atm. Enjoying Father's Day with my fam. Slept all of about 3 hours last night.. If you wanna call it that...

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One word: Antipsychotics

I've been there. Keep us posted. xo

[joemercy2010]

Originally Posted by rainyday107

One word: Antipsychotics

I've been there. Keep us posted. xo

What experience do you have with anti psychotics? What's it like to take one? I've only ever taken meds for the depression part of BP. Always just kinda rode out the highs, maybe that's why I always end up in so much trouble....

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[MusicLover82]

Originally Posted by joemercy2010

What experience do you have with anti psychotics? What's it like to take one? I've only ever taken meds for the depression part of BP. Always just kinda rode out the highs, maybe that's why I always end up in so much trouble....

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Antipsychotics are my favorite type of bipolar drug because they make me feel "normal" (stable, not anxious, not agitated). My three favorites I've taken/am taking are Latuda, Abilify, and Risperdal. I just started Abilify, so we'll see how I do after a while on it. So far, after starting it, my anxiety has gone from severe to mild and rare.

The main problem I've had with other types of antipsychotics is sleepiness. It seems like your body starts requiring more sleep and it's harder to wake up. So when you first start one, give yourself plenty of time to sleep and take it before bed unless your pdoc says otherwise.

They are totally worth putting up with any side effects you might run into, if they are mild side effects. Antipsychotics are so calming and stabilizing.

[cincidak]

I agree with music lover. Antipsychotics can have a very calming effect. It also helped bring my anxiety level to mild. It even helped with my ocd. I take Geodon which is weight neutral and for me does not appear to be sedating at all.

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Originally Posted by joemercy2010

What experience do you have with anti psychotics? What's it like to take one? I've only ever taken meds for the depression part of BP. Always just kinda rode out the highs, maybe that's why I always end up in so much trouble....

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Deep, restful sleep and I wake up several hours later with a smile on my face. Geodon.