[stahrgeyzer]

I get a severe bipolar cycle about once every 6 to 15 days. About once every 2 to 4 cycles it's strong enough to set me off on a suicide mission. I won't be able to go to a therapist until later this year at the earliest but I know a friend who might be able to get a hold of some prescription bipolar meds for me just until I can go to a therapist. Is there a brand someone can recommend?

[yellow_fleurs]

I am really sorry you are going through this. Is the reason you cannot see a therapist for awhile because of financial reasons, or scheduling (i.e. everyone is booked)? I wonder if you can get an emergency appointment somehow with a psychiatrist? Not sure about an online service for diagnosis, I think you would probably have to see someone in person. Have you been on meds before for bipolar? There are so many meds/ combinations it's something that you probably will have to work on with a professional, unless you know exactly what works and just need a prescription refill. Maybe you could see your PCP for something temporary? Wish I could be of more help, maybe someone else can reply who has more experience with this kind of situation. Of course, if you are unsafe you probably know you should go to the hospital, and they can straighten out meds there pretty quickly.

[stahrgeyzer]

I just thought online would be quicker and cheaper. That's all. What is PCP?

[cincidak]

Pcp is "primary care physician" everyone responds differently to medications. What works for me might not work for you. As far as controlling cycling I use Lamictal. I used to take Depakote, but it didn't help me. There are so many different meds your doctor can try. I was on Seroquel and it worked well. I'm on Geodon now, and it seems to control my manic symptoms. If you are feeling suicidal , of course go to the emergency room, or a crisis center in your city.im schizoeffective bipolar type one, with symptoms of OCD, and had so antipsychotics work well for me. You might only need a mood stabilizer. Are you able to afford a walk in clinic? They might be able to give you something temporary to try. Keep a journal of your moods though. If on meds you feel unpleasant side effects then call your doctor immediately and find out what you should do.

[stahrgeyzer]

Wow. So one brand of medicine might work perfect for one person with bipolar while do nothing for another person? Sounds complicated. I just want to get something to stop the cycling before I hurt myself real bad. I'll look around for a local MD Psychiatrist.

[~Christina]

Have you been diagnosed Bipolar by a Psychiarist?

Mood swings and all your other reported symptoms does not mean you definitely have Bipolar. Many MI ( mental illness ) have overlapping symptoms.

Are your mood swings out of the blue ? Back and forth ? Does anything “ trigger” them ? How long do they last? Are you on any other medications? Your last physical ? Do you drink? Or use street drugs? Is there a family history of MI ? If so what and maternal or paternal side.? Any recent weight changes, up or down? Can you read a book ? How’s your sleep ? Do you exercise ? If so how often and for how long ? Do you have supportive family and friends? When your feeling down how do you cope? Can you do personal hygiene with out a problem?

These are the types of questions a Pdoc ( Psychiarist) will ask you when trying to help identify what potentially is going on and how to start treatment.

[*Laurie*]

You MUST be diagnosed and appropriately treated by a medical doctor, preferably a psychiatrist. A "therapist" is not usually a medical doctor, and cannot prescribe medication. If you take some random medication not only are you risking your mental health, you could literally endanger your life.