[FluffyDinosaur]

I've been very disoriented these past few weeks and I don't know what to make of it. I feel like I'm never really awake, like I keep having flashes of dreams or dream-like thoughts interspersed with reality. Sometimes it makes it a little hard to remember what's real. Sometimes I say or do weird stuff that seems bizarre later on. I also keep forgetting things almost as soon as I think of them. Normally I have great memory and I can think clearly. Could this be due to meds (lithium, Seroquel, benzos), due to depressive symptoms, something else, ...? I haven't been hearing voices or anything like that. Any advice on clearing my head? Sleep has been an issue and it's hard to focus on anything.

[Yaowen]

Dear FluffyDinosaur,

What a wonderful screen name you have.

I wish I had some insight to offer regarding what you are experiencing. It must be very difficult to deal with these things you describe. I hope you find some answers and relief.

Sincerely yours, Yao Wen

[bpcyclist]

Just based on my own personal experience with them, any of those meds could potentially cause some issues along the lines of what you describe. Just been my course over the years. Have you been ill? Do you think your illness could be flaring a bit, too?

[FluffyDinosaur]

@Yaowen: Thank you for your kind words, that means a lot to me.

@bpcyclist: That's good to know that it could be the meds. I'll talk to my Pdoc about that. If it's any of the meds then the Seroquel would be my main suspect. If by ill you mean physically ill, then no, I haven't, except that I'm quite exhausted from the bipolar symptoms I've been having. In a sense it does feel as though I've been ill for a long time.

[bpcyclist]

I was in a hospital where hundreds of people were on Seroquel. Many of them liked it because it spaced them out, or, sort of made them feel high ish, I guess, or so they used to say.

I also feel like my lithium can do a bit of what you describe from time to time. I do. And obviously, we all know what benzos are capable of.

Hoep you sort it out soon, Fluffinator!!!

[*Beth*]

Hi FluffyD, Ugh. I so feel for you. I almost always feel the way you've described. I know I'm dissociative, it's true but I know meds can certainly cause the symptoms you have listed. And that really sucks.

[FluffyDinosaur]

@bpcyclist @BethRags: Thank you both, your responses make me more certain that this is med-related. I do experience derealization a lot, but that has never impacted my ability to think clearly so I don't think that's to blame in this case. I've spoken to my Pdoc today and we're going to change meds (which I already wanted to do anyway for other reasons) and try to get rid of the Seroquel. I've already been holding back on the benzos as well. I try to use them only when I really need them because I don't want to get addicted. Hopefully the med change will help!

[*Beth*]

I hope so, too. Keep us posted

[bpcyclist]

Hope that new med helps, Fluffy!!