[Razzleberry]

Not meaning to brag, of course, but I just realized this. I've been really happy for maybe a week, maybe a little less than a week. I have tons of energy. I blew thru a huge stack of paperwork at my job. I made a lot of really difficult decisions that I've been putting off for a while. I've been talking really fast, talking a lot. I have exercised nearly every day, mostly walking my dog. I just can't sit still very long.

I always used to be slightly 'jealous' of those who got the Euphoric manias, since I think it was always Dysphoric before. (not happy but just irritable).

It's highly likely that the Zoloft kicked me up a notch, which is great. I am only up to 75 mg on the Lamictal now so the Zoloft is probably still stronger (200mg of that).

I guess I should use this energy while it lasts. Study like crazy next week for my exam. I really need to pass, hopefully this doesn't mean I'm going to fall off the deep end the day of the test - that would NOT be good!!

[shaylahshmoo]

Sounds like you're on your way. Take it easy though but don't pass up the opportunity for some happy times. Good look with the exams!

[HALLIEBETH87]

lamictal rocks!

Do be careful of a possible "crash" at the end of a hypomanic or manic time. Happens to me suddenly with dire consequences. LOVE the euphoria, self confidence, energy & lack of sleep so I accomplish so much but last time I had 5 mos. of euphoria then suddenly crashed & overdosed. Still trying to get stable again & it's been a year and a half. Doc says I can't risk "enjoying" those manic times...--Suzy

[Razzleberry]

I couldn't sleep at all last night, yet another symptom. Only got about 3-4 hours of sleep, and not incredibly tired today.

I just really really really hope that I don't crash, especially next week. I am hopeful because I am slowly increasing the dose of Lamictal and hopefully that will prevent a huge crash. Cross your fingers.

So far I am loving Lamictal and I've only been on it for a couple weeks. Other than the price...it's a wonder drug!

[PsyChris]

Did this manic phase start with taking Zoloft?

Your Lamictal dose is being monitored by your pdoc right?

Bipolar people are among the most productive people on earth. For many however this "benefit" of Mania is often not worth the cost of manic depression. I'm glad your in a happy place right now. Just monitor your symptoms and keep your pdoc informed.

Amen, to that. I'd question taking an anti-depressant at this point. That could be throwing you into the mania. I'd think the doc would be monitoring that if he has you on Zoloft. Before I got dxed as bipolar I was being treated for depression & was put on Prozac--boy, did I go into a mania!! I thought, wow, these pills are great. They really work. I'd been in a deep depression & to go into this overload of happiness was like being on cocaine (experimented in high school--lucky I didn't get hooked--DO NOT RECOMMEND!!). --Suzy

[Razzleberry]

Yes, I think this was caused by the Zoloft. I first went to a family practice doc, because I couldn't get in to a psychiatrist or pnurse for several weeks. It was the family doc who gave me Zoloft - but by the time I got to the pnurse, it was clear I needed a mood stabilizer too.

Then I had issues with my insurance, and it took me a week to get approval on the prescription.

Long story short...that's why I am still ramping up the dose on the Lamictal, but I already have the target dose of Zoloft (200 mg).

Pnurse also gave me some Zyprexa samples to take at night for a few days. I don't think that is permanent, just to get me over this episode. I was really distraught at our appt. a week ago, but this week not so bad.

I am usually more depressed than I am manic, so that is the reason for the combo of anti-depressant and mood stabilizer. At least I think so. If I didn't need the Zoloft, I think she would tell me to get off it.