Roll Call 98

Typically antipsychotics are the second line of defense for bipolar. But if you have a mild case of it it can stop you from going manic which means you will also feel less downs as a result. It's popular to be on a mood stabilizer plus a good antipsychotic. If you have depression, it's also popular to add an SSRI/SNRI antidepressant to the cocktail, but hacing a mood stabilizer in that cocktail is essential or else you'll go manic again and everything will fall apart.

Risperdone was the worst drug I've ever tried. I'm sorry your pdoc put you on it. Risperdone is so popular with doctors because its such a heavy drug that the doc can feel secured that it will stop symptoms, but the side effects, jesus Christ, they're endless in a lot of cases.

When I was on an antidepressant (SSRI which was called Lexapro, almost identical to Celexa) I was also on Geodon (antipsychotic) and the anti depressant still sent me spiraling into bipolar symptoms.

I would try Lamictal, it was way better than lithium my pdoc said it was better than Depakote. I also tried Topamax but that gave me mad anxiety and made everything taste like flat beer. Yuck.

My cocktail for a short awhile was Effexor(SNRI antidepressant) + Geodon (anti psychotic) + Lamictal (mood stabilizer). The Effexor was always at too low a dose to do anything though, I never raised it because the lamictal helped so much with depression.

thanks newtus!

I take my meds every day but they don't really Do anything anymore

I'm sorry they don't seem to be working.

The risperidone was several years ago with my old doctor who completely disregarded any idea of me being bipolar despite me expressing concerns. Also never recommended I see a psychiatrist either. In hindsight he wasn't a very good doctor.

I'm happy with my doctor now. He wasn't too thrilled with the idea of putting me on risperidone which is why he went with abilify instead. Also wasn't thrilled with putting me on depakote and was worried about the SSRI because of my history I mentioned. He cares. He's not just dismissing everything as a side effect or something. He thinks I might be at least bipolar with psychotic features.

I like him. I might have a bit of a crush on him tho

I really appreciate your advice and what worked for you. I'll definitely mention some of this to the doctor when I see him. Just sort of suggest hey could we do a c-c-c-combo of drugs or what the **** hahaha.

I hate having this roller coaster of emotions. Either let me stay hypomanic or let me be normal omg. I just hate being depressed so much.

It doesn't seem like there is much middle ground. Hypo mania or depression. Take your pick

I'd rather be hypo manic than depressed. I don't think I'd want to be completely manic.

anyone up

i am still up

my eyes are burning though and i dont know why

Me still up! Kind of tired but kind of wild at the same time.

I feel very awake right now

I did chug a bunch of alcohol earlier today. Didn't know if I should mention it.

I was feeling wild and then I did it. I didn't feel drunk or anything. If anything it calmed my mind my racing thoughts my bubbly rapid fire speech before I got too up there. It made me feel almost normal not crazy hyper.

When I feel depressed and I do it it makes me feel more outgoing and confident but eventually makes me sleepy and more depressed.

Think it's an interesting observation.

Alcohol is a depressant. Which is prob why you feel more depressed afterwards. Its a facade. It makes us think we feel better but its just hiding how we really feel.

Totally true.

I just thought it was interesting to see how it effects me when I'm hypomanic vs depressed.

This gabapentin is making me hypomanic

Its funny how most people on roll call are women

yeah thats interesting...

i was wondering where all the men are!

Women are more likely to talk about their problems than men are. Which is prob why the guys rarely post but the women are always here.

Purely psychosomatic!

that makes sense, newtus

Good morning. Getting the kids ready for school.
I'm working today that's about all I have going on. How about you?
Hope you all have a good day.

About to go to my program. I'm exhausted. Wish I could stay in and sleep like 3 more hours lol

Ugh I'm throwing up again. Going back to bed for an hour.

You may need an AP plus either an AD or a mood stabilizer......not everyone can get by with a single med.....

Waiting for the bus