[gravyyy]

Hi all,
Just wanted to write and introduce myself. I am new to the forum. I am 24, recently (within the last 6-8 months) diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, I'm having a heck of a time with medications and balancing bipolar disorder with my career and school. I am seeing both a T and a Pdoc and really am struggling. My T suggested I try to find an online forum/chat room to connect with others so that's why I'm here. It seems the best out of all the forums I've checked out. So, hi everyone, thanks for reading my post, and I hope to get to know some of you a little better. Thanks
Suzanne

[lenjan]

Welcome to PC!

I think most of us here are trying to balance the work or school and life pieces. To add finding the right meds into the mix makes it that much more stressful. I'm struggling with that myself right now, but I have a couple chronic physical conditions that really limit which meds I can take.

Hope things even out for you soon!

Candy

[gordian_knot]

My wife was just diagnosed with bipolar II with psychosis a few weeks ago so we're learning as we go as well. What medications are you having troubles with? My wife is taking Lamictal (Lamotrigine), Risperdal and Seroquel.

[gravyyy]

I've been on lots of meds in a really short time. Right now I am on Trileptal, Abilify, and Lamictal (I just started the Lamictal a few days ago though). My bigggest problem is with depression... horrible near crippling depression this weekend which is why I started the Lamictal. Nothing has seemed to help with the depression. I am less irritable and I feel more stable with the other meds, but still depressed. Just frustrated overall with the whole process!!

[gordian_knot]

If you just started the Lamictal, I'd give it some time, like two or three weeks. One of Lamictal's rare side effects is rashes, and doctors start you off on a very low dose and gradually increase it to avoid that side effect, so it wouldn't have started to take effect yet. I know it's frustrating as hell, especially when your depression puts you in a pit and you can hardly see light above you. It worked miracles for my wife, though, so hang in there.

Check out this link for more information about Lamictal.

[gravyyy]

I know about the Lamictal... I actually read research reports of people not experiencing effects until the maintenance dose is reached which is like 7 or 8 weeks after it's started. SO I know I'm in for a rocky couple of months still. Hoping I can stay out of the hospital and keep working both my jobs and continue to be "normal." Thanks for the info.
Suzanne

[fraction]

I hope everything works out for you.

It can be hard trying to balance work and school at the same time. I think it can be possible with support from friends, family, online people on a forum or a therapist.

[DaveyJones]

Hi...

Don't worry too much about the Lamictal... the incidence of the rash (Stevens-Johnson's, I think) is like 1 in 1200... I've been taking it for several years without problems.

I tend to suffer from "crushing" depressions too. You just have to keep working with your pdoc 'til you find something that works. (I have had pretty good luck with Seroquel).

You have to know that even when you get a good "cocktail" of meds going, your stability will still vary from time to time, a result of stress, I think. I've been trying to deal with school, but even a part-tme load at a community college is proving to be a challenge, I washed out of fall semester... Though I'm taking quite a lot of medication, I still have to deal with volatile moods...I've been pretty manic this evening (hey, it's 2:15!!!), but I was down in the dumps lately, no energy. BUT, I'm still here and kickin', so that's good!

Good luck, and I hope things go well for you!

DJ

[MyBestKids2]

Hi gravyyy

Welcome to PC. This is a great community with lots of caring folk. Looking forward to seeing ya around!

Take care,
Dee