Re: New Meds Question

Hi all,

TL;DR, is it possible to be manic and want to save your money, and honestly, how do I know if I'm happy or manic? I feel like overall I know what mania is, but how do I know if I'm just happy because the meds are working?

The long story:

I have new medications for bipolar, PTSD, and anxiety, and I am wondering if it is a normal sign of mania to want to radically save money? Normally, when I am manic, I do a lot of shopping, but with this new medication, I feel inspired to save everything I can which is not normal for me.

There are some rational reasons for this: I overspend and want to learn to stay within a budget, I need to save several thousand dollars for an emergency fund that I depleted AND for a new car AND car insurance, and in a couple months I am officially hiring my sibling to help me with a project which costs quite a bit of money.

But I am taking the money saving very seriously including food expenses, normally I don't give a second thought as to what I buy but now I'm being very careful.

Another thing I wanted to ask about is I've struggled with depression and dark thoughts for most of my life, and to take medications that make me feel happy (with newfound energy) is rather unnerving. Like I have to constantly question whether I am happy or manic, so that's why I'm posting.

Sadly I am a loss here. Are manic episodes all of nothing or are there degrees of mania? Your being thrifty in the situation you describe seems very rational to me, but since I suffer unipolar depression I am hoping those members here with your illness will see your post and respond with something really helpful. Sorry I could not be helpful to you !

I getcha. Im aiming for a middle calm.

Simple meals.

Lark, if you are concerned why not call your doc who prescribed the med and ask them?

Do you have any other symptoms of mania? Racing thoughts? Lack of (need for) sleep? Impulsivity in other areas?
Could just be happiness if you don't have any other symptoms

I am seeing her in a couple weeks to give her feedback on the meds, but I get so nervous about new medications I thought I'd ask here. I am charting how I feel and I'm good about being honest with the doctor.

My worry is that nothing will ever help my depression. Last time on the Wellbutrin I experienced mania right away and lost a lot of weight in the course of a month; this time I don't feel the same mania and I have an appetite, but I do feel a change in mood, it's just hard for me to tell if it's because I'm happy or manic.