[tonbop]

So I LOATH the medicines I have to take; lithium, abilify, & visteral. None of it works! The only thing it has done for me is put on the weight. I'm still depressed, I can't focus or concentrate, & my anxiety is through the roof with absolutely no relief whatsoever. So for the past few days I've been flushing them down the toilet. Before going into the hospital for a a sucide attempt I was on Wellbutrin, Abilify, Adderrall, & Xanax. Everything was fine until I decided to stop taking the Abilify because I read it can be a weight gainer. Now my inpatient doctor, best friend, & husband insist that I need to stay on lithium and changing any of my medications means I'm not serious about my getting better. My husband forbids me from taking adderrall or xanax. My friend told me today that I'm not ADHD and that I'm only wanting it because I'm like an addict! What the hell does she know?! I'm been on it since I was 26, I'm now 41...of course she thinks I don't need it, I've been treated with it therefore I haven't had any symptoms of ADHD. WTF!!! How in the world do these people in my life think they know my body and mind better than me or the doctors for that matter?!!! I have to sit here & suffer in order to be accepted and taken seriously? I want/need to be on Lamictal, Wellbutrin, Adderrall, & Xanax as needed. But if I request that and am prescribed that it will be like WWIII in my life! I am so frusterated & pissed off by everyone! Suggestions anyone?

[still_crazy]

People are weird about prescription amphetamines. If you're doing OK, they'll say "OK, take your medicine!," but the instant something goes wrong, bam! You're an addict, bipolar, blah blah blah. I hear ya on that.

I don't know about adderall and prn xanax, but I would see about not taking lithium. That can be rough. Abilify...I take it, for Bipolar I. Its OK, as antipsychotics go. If you need an antipsychotic, think about Abilify. If you don't absolutely need an antipsychotic, don't take one.

I don't like vistaril, either. I have low dose neurontin as needed for anxiety. Not good, but it gets the job done.

There is life without adderall or xanax. If you have more serious Bipolar I, your doctor should be more cautious using those drugs with you. If you don't have Bipolar I, you should talk to a different doctor, because lithium+Abilify is some heavy medicatin'.

I hope things work out for you.

[Wild Coyote]

Sounds very frustrating.

Generally speaking, spouses participating in our healing efforts have our best interests at heart, even if misunderstanding something. Same with best friends.

It's interesting that all 3 -- your spouse, your best friend and your doctor -- disagree with you. Why?

Find out more about why your husband and best friend have the opinions they have shared.

Clarify what's on the line, especially with your husband. Let him know what's on the line from your viewpoint. Find out what's on the line from his viewpoint. Talk it through and reach an agreement for med trials -- or maybe don't negotiate and possibly agree to separate?

The bottom line is you need whatever you need. Be as clear as possible about your own needs.


WC