[pacman_789]

Well, I've reached that point again. I'm back on one of the only medicines that definitely controls the manic stages of my illness (Lithium). As it went last time, I felt really good the first week, but now the dreaded zombie effect has kicked in. Will this ever go away? I finally reached the point of acceptance that I need to remain on a mood stabilizer, but looking for some hope that I will feel emotions again. I just feel so "blah" today, no motivation, no cares, just apathy in general.

[Jedi67]

I've been feeling quite blah and apathetic as well lately. I'm on Geodon, Buspar and Lamictal and I'm darn sure I get the zombie effect many times. sometimes more often than not, like I'm just going through the motions and I don't care about anything. also, I don't find pleasure in anything I used to enjoy. anhedonic, I suppose. my PDoc has brought up Lithium on several occasions, but never put me on it. there are times I wish the zombie effect would diminish, but I need the mood stabilizer for sure.

[pacman_789]

Originally Posted by Jedi67

I've been feeling quite blah and apathetic as well lately. I'm on Geodon, Buspar and Lamictal and I'm darn sure I get the zombie effect many times. sometimes more often than not, like I'm just going through the motions and I don't care about anything. also, I don't find pleasure in anything I used to enjoy. anhedonic, I suppose. my PDoc has brought up Lithium on several occasions, but never put me on it. there are times I wish the zombie effect would diminish, but I need the mood stabilizer for sure.

I guess a lot of the meds have that effect, but for me it seems to be worse with the traditional mood stabilizers. But, it's all about weighing the pros and cons. For me, Lithium and Depakote work much better for mania than do the antipsychotics, while they don't do as much for depression. I'll choose the depression over mania any day, though. I actually wondered if you had ever tried Depakote when you posted about having a lot of energy and not being able to sleep. I've read it is really good for rapid cycling, and it kicks in fast for me (makes me feel kind of groggy and tired).

I understand what you mean by zombie effect, but I can say that I clocked plenty of time while on Lithium when I didn't have it. Some when I did. I guess I'm saying that sometimes it just takes a phase to move on. I definitely don't think being on Lithium is a zombie effect forever guarantee by any stretch.

I hope you feel a little better soon!

[Jedi67]

Originally Posted by pacman_789

I guess a lot of the meds have that effect, but for me it seems to be worse with the traditional mood stabilizers. But, it's all about weighing the pros and cons. For me, Lithium and Depakote work much better for mania than do the antipsychotics, while they don't do as much for depression. I'll choose the depression over mania any day, though. I actually wondered if you had ever tried Depakote when you posted about having a lot of energy and not being able to sleep. I've read it is really good for rapid cycling, and it kicks in fast for me (makes me feel kind of groggy and tired).

my PDoc and I are going to discuss depakote at my next appt. I've been on geodon a long time. I believe it may have run it's course. didn't know it was good for rapid cycling. definitely will mention that at my next session.

[pacman_789]

Here is the article I read (there are others, too) that supports Depakote for rapid cycling.

Medscape: Medscape Access

[Moose72]

Depakote was my first med for bipolar. I gained 50 pounds in short order.