[xRavenx]

I've been kind of speedy lately, but now I'm getting more and more uncomfortable. My thoughts are so loud and jump around from topic to topic so fast that it's hard to keep up. Random sentences and ideas come and go when I'm not speaking to someone. Sometimes conversations fuzzy in the background when I'm trying to relax. I am feeling super sensitive to noises that are around and wish everything would slow down. Sometimes in between thoughts there is like a static type noise, like when I am in my room.

Sometimes lately, I find random images pop into my mind of designs and symbols for things. This isn't as concerning....just different lately. I even feel speedy when I am sitting still, like I have so much adrenaline. I am nervous that this problem will only continue to get worse, but I am trying to remain hopeful that things won't get way out of control.

People don't know what I'm hearing, but they are noticing I am much more hyper than usual, easily irritated, and more talkative. I start ranting over random things that set me off and my family complains about me going on tangents, but once I start, I cannot stop. I am hoping my meds will do something to bring me back down.

Another thought: It seems a lot of people report that their emotions are very flat on BP drugs. I am still highly emotional, more and more lately. Even when I am taking meds that are supposed to be sedating, they don't seem to be enough anymore to bring me back down. At times, it would be nice to experience a level of apathy, rather than feeling everything is so important and impossible to let go of. It's overwhelming.

What are some ways you've tried to cope with racing thoughts, or any of these problems, for those of you who can relate?

[bizi]

have you gotten in touch with your pdoc about how you are feeling lately?
might be a good idea.
((((HUGS))))
bizi

[xRavenx]

Originally Posted by bizi

have you gotten in touch with your pdoc about how you are feeling lately?
might be a good idea.
((((HUGS))))
bizi

I am supposed to see my pdoc in 2 weeks. It is hard to get appointments with her lately. Over the phone, she'll often say I need to be seen before she can really come up with a plan for meds, but I will try. We usually have to spend a lot of time talking to come up with decisions as far as medication options. I just don't want things to get worse, and these are sometimes early signs of a mixed/manic episode for me.

In the meantime (or at least in addition to meds), I'm trying to think of things that can help. Maybe making myself do some light exercise here and there, if I'm able to put my mind to it. I need to find more strategies though.

[bizi]

I got the book on DBT dialectical behavior therapy.
I find it helpful.
bizi

[Fuzzybear]

[xRavenx]

Thank you. Sometimes I use a DBT workbook. I do have some difficulties applying the skills when I get to this point, but I know I have to keep doing them. Every little bit helps. I like the whole section on mindfulness. Yesterday, I put on some music that is supposed to help you get to sleep. It was a little bit calming, although I haven't been sleeping much. I know I have to keep trying though.

Unfortunately for me the only thing I found to stop the racing thoughts was a good mood stabilizer. Depakote worked well, but my hair started falling out in clumps. I'm now on trileptal. But you could try some grounding exercises. Those might help. Or listening to calming music. I also use lavender oil. I hope you find something to help. Hugs

[xRavenx]

Originally Posted by rose1985

Unfortunately for me the only thing I found to stop the racing thoughts was a good mood stabilizer. Depakote worked well, but my hair started falling out in clumps. I'm now on trileptal. But you could try some grounding exercises. Those might help. Or listening to calming music. I also use lavender oil. I hope you find something to help. Hugs

Thank you, Rose1985. I do like the smell of lavender. I had a lavender candle that I loved and used up....I should get a new one, and/or some lotion. I keep hearing how common hair loss is on Depakote. It's a shame, because others seem to share that it works really well when it comes to racing thoughts.

[still_crazy]

Hi. I'm not any kind of expert, but when that sort of thing happened in my world, my psychiatrist added 2 epilepsy drugs used for mood problems. In my case, I take trileptal and a low dose of lamictal on top on ongoing Abilify. Its...well, its a lot of pills, but it does seem to help.

Are you still on an antipsychotic? Sometimes, when things were really bad, I had a small prescription for low dose risperidone tablets to take at night, on top of all the other stuff. Again, it was a bit much, but I'd take the risperidone, go to sleep, and wake up far less agitated and such, and the good effect would last for a couple days.

I hope you find ways to work through this.

[xRavenx]

Originally Posted by still_crazy

Hi. I'm not any kind of expert, but when that sort of thing happened in my world, my psychiatrist added 2 epilepsy drugs used for mood problems. In my case, I take trileptal and a low dose of lamictal on top on ongoing Abilify. Its...well, its a lot of pills, but it does seem to help.

Are you still on an antipsychotic? Sometimes, when things were really bad, I had a small prescription for low dose risperidone tablets to take at night, on top of all the other stuff. Again, it was a bit much, but I'd take the risperidone, go to sleep, and wake up far less agitated and such, and the good effect would last for a couple days.

I hope you find ways to work through this.

I am on Seroquel (600-800 mg) as an AP. I am also on 400 mg Lamictal, 600 mg Gabapentin, and 1 mg Klonopin (PRN). Propranolol might be added to help alleviate tremor and calm things. I'm suspecting Lamictal simply doesn't do enough to help me. Seroquel and Klonopin are known to be a sedating pair, so you would think the drowsiness would flatten my emotions or calm down my racing thoughts. Maybe I need a stronger/different mood stabilizer instead of Lamictal, although side effects scare me sometimes....but that's with anything new and unfamiliar.

Sometimes meds help a little bit, but I still get these episodes. Abilify didn't work....it was way too activating and did nothing for my moods. I never tried risperidone. That might be next. My pdoc once mentioned it, but deferred it. The only med I've ever tried that has helped a lot with sleep is Seroquel, although I still don't sleep as much as I should.

[MissCathryn]

I have this also. I tried to up my Lamictal, but 350 is my max.
Maybe I need another MS?