[CloserToTheMid]

Hey guys, it's been quite awhile since I've been here so most of you won't know me. I'd been doing so well for 2017. Level as a devil thanks to a new drug I was taking (saphris). But I started having side effects. Memory loss, sedation, brain fog, just not functioning really well...BUT LEVEL. And that's what is most important to me. But I have a very brain intensive job and I've not been cutting it. So I saw my doc and he switched me to Vraylar. Vraylar takes awhile to work. Now I'm hypomanic and anxious as hell. I'm so worried I'm going to say something or do something embarrassing or inappropriate or hurtful which is what I generally do.

I fill like crap on a cracker. Can't sleep well. Can't focus. Can't sit still. I just try to keep my mouth shut as much as possible. Basically feeling like every one of you have felt or are feeling.

I'm mourning the loss of my good health.

[~Christina]

How long ago did you start on the new med?

Did your Pdoc offer a very short term Benzo to take the edge off?

[CloserToTheMid]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

How long ago did you start on the new med?

Did your Pdoc offer a very short term Benzo to take the edge off?

Almost 2 weeks. He's strict about that drug. Plus I have a history of abusing drugs like that. I'm clean 2 years. I feel that if I could sleep better tonight, tomorrow may suck less.

[wildflowerchild25]

I am also on vraylar and it did not help my hypomania. I didn't get relief until we added depakote. I'm not sure the vraylar is actually doing anything but since I'm stable again I don't want to mess with it.

Maybe trazadone or something like that for sleep?

[wildflowerchild25]

Double post

[CloserToTheMid]

Originally Posted by wildflowerchild25

I am also on vraylar and it did not help my hypomania. I didn't get relief until we added depakote. I'm not sure the vraylar is actually doing anything but since I'm stable again I don't want to mess with it.

Maybe trazadone or something like that for sleep?

Thanks, wildflowerchild for responding. I'm anxious about sleeping pills. I have a bad history with them. I'm going to experiment with taking my meds a little later.

I did some self-care and I'm feeling better. My wife says she thinks the med is starting to help. She's usually right!

May I ask how long did you take vlaylar before you added the depakote?

[Faltering]

I hope Vraylar works out for you. I'm taking it and I'm feeling okay on it so far.

I ask my doc for olanzapine when I'm going manic. I can't stay on it because of massive increase in appetite, but it works in a pinch. Shoots me right out of the sky quickly.

Maybe your doc can give you something if you call.

My other thought is for you to get signed out of work. My regular doc will do it for me w/out saying anything about my diagnosis and he's not a psychiatrist so my employer won't know anything. But that is limited to 2 weeks I think.

[CloserToTheMid]

Originally Posted by key tones

I ask my doc for olanzapine when I'm going manic. I can't stay on it because of massive increase in appetite, but it works in a pinch. Shoots me right out of the sky quickly.

Maybe your doc can give you something if you call.

My other thought is for you to get signed out of work. My regular doc will do it for me w/out saying anything about my diagnosis and he's not a psychiatrist so my employer won't know anything. But that is limited to 2 weeks I think.

The day ended up ok. I took a swim at lunch. Some music therapy. Shut down Facebook.

I disclosed at work a few months ago. They've given me leave without notice when I need it. Pretty cool. This is a good suggestion. I did ok. They've given me permission to use this site for support at work which helps. If stuff starts happening I'll leave.

That is super. I'm glad you have that support at work!

Hang in there; it sounds like you might be at that point where the new med starts working

[CloserToTheMid]

I took a couple benedryl last night and it's done me a world of good (sleep). I think the meds might be kicking in finally. I feel much calmer. Hopeful. Thanks for all of your support!

[Sunflower123]

I'm glad you're starting to feel better. I hope it continues. It's great that your work place works with you.

[CloserToTheMid]

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

I'm glad you're starting to feel better. I hope it continues. It's great that your work place works with you.

Thanks! I guess I was at the tail end of this. One day is not really a good measure, but I'm optimistic.

I have a great employer. It was kind of funny when I told the lady (been working here like 50 years) that I had a mental illness. She couldn't look me in the eye, she got all excited and flustered. This had clearly never happened. But man, she went to work and did everything by the book. She was discreet. With my consent she informed my superiors of my accommodations. Everyone's been so cool. She treated me with kid gloves for a few weeks. I bent over backwards to try to seem normal and she relaxed. Bless her heart, she did her very best.