[Fairy102]

Hi long story but I’ve been diagnosed with bipolar two, two separate times with two different primary doctors. While I have been on medication for a year now I had a long major depression a couple months ago. So I decided to see a psychiatrist for the first time. I’m nervous. Can anyone tell me what to expect or any tips to being able to explain my symptoms the best way I can?
I get nervous when I see doctors and my mind goes blank.
Thanks!

[xxenigmaxx]

My wife also has bipolar 2 with terrible depressions and psychotic episodes.. Her fix was lithium fluoxetine Lamotrigine and latuda.

Do not take any antidepressants that is not fluoxetine. Cymbalta made my wife suicidal

What are you currently taking????

[Guiness187055]

Originally Posted by xxenigmaxx

My wife also has bipolar 2 with terrible depressions and psychotic episodes.. Her fix was lithium fluoxetine Lamotrigine and latuda.

Do not take any antidepressants that is not fluoxetine. Cymbalta made my wife suicidal

What are you currently taking????

Wellbutrin is a great anti depressant for bipolar

[downandlonely]

I think seeing a psychiatrist is a good idea. I haven't found any general doctors who know much about psychiatric medication.

To prepare, it might help to write down your symptoms so you remember to tell the psychiatrist everything. Also, it's a good idea to bring a list of the medications you are currently on and the ones you have tried in the past.

Hope the visit goes well.

[liveforsummer]

Originally Posted by downandlonely

I think seeing a psychiatrist is a good idea. I haven't found any general doctors who know much about psychiatric medication.

To prepare, it might help to write down your symptoms so you remember to tell the psychiatrist everything. Also, it's a good idea to bring a list of the medications you are currently on and the ones you have tried in the past.

Hope the visit goes well.

That’s what I did and I still write everything down I want to say before I go to appointments.

[Fairy102]

Originally Posted by xxenigmaxx

My wife also has bipolar 2 with terrible depressions and psychotic episodes.. Her fix was lithium fluoxetine Lamotrigine and latuda.

Do not take any antidepressants that is not fluoxetine. Cymbalta made my wife suicidal

What are you currently taking????

I’m taking seroquel and just started lamictal. I tried four kinds of antidepressants including Prozac and had bad reactions to each one. So I can’t take any antidepressant nor do I want to. I’ve been on zyprexa and didn’t like how tired and fat I was.

Your first appointment will likely be about half an hour to an hour long and you're going to get a lot of questions about your symptoms, how you're functioning (able to work? school? social life?) and past (any trauma, drug use, etc). Like downandlonely and liveforsummer said, it's a good idea to write down all your symptoms and any medications you've tried and your reactions to them. I keep a list of all the meds I've tried including my reactions on my computer and add to it as needed.

People with bipolar really shouldn't take antidepressants alone, although a few of them can be a life saver when taken with mood stabilizers/antipsychotics. I think I read somewhere that SSRI's have a higher risk of screwing individuals with bipolar over (mania/hypomania, mixed episodes, worsening of depression) than other ADs.

Good luck! I hope your appointment goes well and your new psychiatrist is a good one.