Triggering (SI) - Bipolar disorder

[Shutter_bug]

Hey

I'm 17 and recently (around 4/5months ago) been diagnosed with manic depression/Bipolar, and the Doctors put me on Citalopram.

More recently though, I've been getting side effects very oftenly (Not sleeping very well, dizzyness and real bad migraine) and I'm still feeling the urge to self-harm, and I have really graphic dreams about doing it, and others where I've been hospitalised and all sorts.

The medication doesn't seem to help with my mood swings? Is this right? I seem to swap and change from a manic and a depressive moment in minutes, and it could be going on for days.

I'm not sure what to do... Should I ask for different medication? or something to go with the Citalopram like Lithium/Valium?

I hope someone can help, I'd be really greatful Thanks xxx

[Fry]

Yes I think you should ask for a different medication. I avoid SSRI's completely because they make me manic (the medication you're on is an SSRI) they aren't usually advised to be taken for bipolar, on their own anyway.

Quote:

Lithium/Valium

..are completely different medications. Lithium would definitely be worth a try as it's a mood stabiliser.
Valium is very addictive though and won't work the same way.

[DannieGirl]

seroquel might be worth a try, it's an anti-psychotic but is used as a mood stabiliser too...

[Shutter_bug]

Okay thanks alot for the replies
I'll get back to my Doctor as soon as I can
xxx

[Fry]

You're welcome :)
Good Luck with it..

[FragileWings]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannieGirl

seroquel might be worth a try, it's an anti-psychotic but is used as a mood stabiliser too...

I agree.
This has helped with my mood, when it goes up and down.

You're doc probably wants to see how you react to the citalopram and such first to see if you react good or badly.

I hope you're ok.

[Shutter_bug]

Thanks Sky Fairy.
Yeah he said that he wanted me to go back in to see how I was doing with it, but I have been so busy I havn't been able to fit it in anywhere yet so at the moment I'm not actually on anything :/ Which is bad I know as I should be.
And yeah I'm okay thanks! :) I invited my girlfriend over later tonight so I wasn't alone and so that she could keep an eye on me :)
xxxxxx

[Shutter_bug]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sky Fairy

I agree.
This has helped with my mood, when it goes up and down.

You're doc probably wants to see how you react to the citalopram and such first to see if you react good or badly.

I hope you're ok.

P.s Do you take that medication whenever you feel up/down or is it just a once per day
thing? :) xxxxx

[FragileWings]

I take it daily once in morning and once at night, take it regularly to stabilise mood/thoughts etc.

[Shutter_bug]

Ohh okay I see, Thanks :)
I think I'd be better with something like that :)
:/ So shall I say to the Doctor that my moods are al ove the place? and then see what he says? :/ Sorry, I'm just so unsure, I just don't want to get refered or anything ... xxx

[88shelz]

tel the doctor exactly how you are feeling and how it disrupts your day to day activities

there are lots of meds out there and it may take a few tries til you find the one that is right for you

[star runner]

i completely agree with 88shelz. it's taken well over 2 years to find a combination that works for me. it's worth sticking with it though. my life has improved dramatically as a result. good luck

[Shutter_bug]

Thanks so much! Will do...
And yeah I know how long it can take, I was on Prozac for a while and then they started to make me feel so suicidal, but I'm glad I'm not on that any longer as I've heard so many bad things about that... :/
Thank you for all the support from everyone!
It's so great knowing that people are always out to help you here, 'cause Doctors/Therapists & sometimes family always there - but it's hard talking to them, though, there is no better advice than that of what comes from someone who's been there!
Thanks again! You've all helped a great deal! Have a good evening all.
Take care! X X X X X X