Bipolar/Mood stabilizing pills?

[hushbaby]

it really is beginning to hit me that i might actually have bipolar disorder. i always discounted it before because i thought people threw around the term too loosely (not in these specific communities - just in life in general) but after many episodes for the past 8 years, i really do believe i have it, or at least some variation of it. i am an arsty type, so the manic periods were great creatively and trying to get ahead, but now it's really starting to get in the way of my life because the manic episodes are starting to become less and less positive. i was wondering if anyone who is bipolar has ever taken any pills or medication to stabilize their moods and if it's helped them at all or if they think it would just make things worse? i also get terribly bad anxiety, so i don't know. any help is really appreciated.

[Rafiki]

Hey, first things first, good on you for posting this, it's good to get it out in the open & accept that that's how you're feeling. Secondly, before you even think about medication, you should go to your GP/family doctor & ask for a referral to a psychiatrist, or tell them you think you have bipolar disorder.

I have bipolar type 2 & borderline personality disorder (among other things), & I'm on a mood stabilizer, Quetiapine, to deal with those symptoms. Quetiapine is one of many mood stabilizers.

I'll stress it again though - go to your doctor & get it checked out if you really feel that it's a problem. Here on RYL, we're not doctors & the only way you're going to get the best information is by going to yours.

Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss anything, or add my Facebook account(s).

[hushbaby]

hi rafiki,

thanks so much for the response! i guess my main concern for even starting to get treatment is if medication or pills are actually helpful in stabilizing mood? are there any side effects? i do really like my highs at times. it's so liberating. would it completely cut down on those too?

[roiben]

The best thing you can do is discuss this with your GP and Psych. They can talk through whether you have Bi-polar, and if you do what your treatment options are, including the likely-hood of mood stabilisers helping and if there are any side effects.

I understand the urge to find out as much as possible, but surely it is better to seek help from the professionals first and then research the options they give you?

Roiben x

[Once A Fallen Angel]

Personally, I'll echo the others-- GP/Psych is your first port of call :)

[grannymusiclover]

I agree with the others-consulting a health professional is the first step. But, do educate yourself as much as possible, on any aspects of the disorder or its treatments which are of concern to you. I have been diagnosed as a Bipolar 1 for some 15 years now. It has taken a long time to discover the med(s) which works the best-sometimes it is a trial-and-error process. However, don't give up. Work closely with your doctor and be open about side-effects or other difficulties. I am using the mood stabilizer known as, Lamictal. It is most effective on bipolar depression, which is my predominant mood state. Each of the currently available drugs approved by the FDA for treatment of Bipolar Disorder-has their own peculiar menu of side-effects and benefits. Some do better on depression, while others target mania. This is why you need a competent physician, so he/she can do the sorting. And, the right med can only multiply your efforts toward symptom management and recovery. Best wishes.

[tifflehan]

Hi, I take carbamazapine for my mood, and also an anti depressant. I still have highs/lows but no-where near as bad as before the meds.