[Rebecca1]

Has anyone noticed that mood stabilisers have made them more productive and mentally alert? For example, in my situation when I think I’ve had hypomania, and I think I’ve been affected by the distractibility even between episodes, I’ve really struggled think concentrate, but I am currently a few days into using Depakote and am functioning at a level I had functioned at before I had my worst what I think were mixed episodes. Thanks

[Fuzzybear]

Hi

I have not been prescribed a mood stabiliser. (I am currently reluctant to consult a doctor due to personal reasons). I have been prescribed Seroquel and several (many) other meds which have not been particularly helpful. (I do not believe I was given sufficient time to discuss my symptoms... that is probably one of the reasons that maybe the ''wrong'' or 'sub optimal'' meds were prescribed. More recently, I have become allergic to many psych meds.

Thank you for sharing your experience and for the positive, hopeful post

[*Beth*]

It sounds like your medication is doing what it's supposed to do. Excellent!

[Soupe du jour]

Rebecca, that is great news!

I think that stability is often the number one reason people with bipolar disorder become productive, with clear-thinking, again. As for whether moodstabilizers (like Lithium or an anticonvulsant like Depakote) or an antipsychotic are to thank, I guess depends on the person, and maybe other factors. Most people blame depression for lack of productivity/slowed thinking, but I completely agree that hypomania or mania can ultimately do the same. Some people just mistakenly think they are more productive and clear-thinking when hypomanic/manic. Or even if they are to a certain degree, in the end something usually falls through the cracks or is problematic. Hypomania/mania are not considered dysfunctional moods for nothing.

[daladico]

YAY!!!!!
I’ve found similar... now that I’m more stabilized on a different antipsychotic, I’m finding that I’m more productive, my mind is more clear, and I actually need LESS sleep! Life is way easier and It is wonderful!!
I’m happy for you 💛💛💛

[bpcyclist]

Oh, for sure. Lithium really helps me. Depakote, too.

[Bipolarchic14]

Lithium has helped me gain some traction but Lamictal really didn’t do much. It actually made me worse.

[wolftrap]

Oh my gosh, mood stabilizers have allowed me to live, literally and figuratively. I have bp1, severe anxiety, and some kind of personality disorder that we don’t seem to understand. Without lithium I was completely unproductive. There is a period of my life that I call the lost years - I have no idea what I did other than just exist. With lithium, I slowly became a productive, involved human being again. Without lithium my mind was always racing and I was in a euphoric state much of the time. My mind was so distracted that I couldn’t accomplish anything. So, short answer is yes, mood stabilizers make me more productive!

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Bipolarchic14

Lithium has helped me gain some traction but Lamictal really didn’t do much. It actually made me worse.

I'm curious to know in what ways Lamictal made you worse?

[wolftrap]

Yes, I'm also curious about your experience with Lamictal, as mine has been positive, but my sister's has been negative.