Posted by alchemy on May 14, 2010, at 19:50:40
In reply to Re: How long can this thing last?, posted by bleauberry on May 14, 2010, at 17:50:23
This is definitely very chemical. The other suggestions (reading, etc) will likely not be very helpful unless you get some medication that works.
In my opinion you have a bipolar spectrum problem. You do not need to have the happy "manic" phase to be bipolar. This is especially true for those with bipolar 2. Bipolar 2 is something that is a more recent diagnosis as psychiatrists realize there is a spectrum of bipolar illnesses. Agitation can also be considered the manic phase. I have never had the happy manic phase, I wonder what that would feel like.
I myself do not fall exactly into the bipolar 2 category, but my dr. said that is the closest disorder I match.
To me it is obvious that you "cycle" from the very bad to the not so bad. This requires a mood stabilizer. Let's hope that you have a good response to one right away. Then if there is some lingering depression, they may also want to put you on an antidepressant. But you probably shouldn't be on an antidepressant without a stabilizer.
Lamictal is the drug that they often first prescribe for the bipolar 2ish stuff. But of course that is only one option and it may not be the best for you.
I take Lamictal, Celexa, and Wellbutrin. I still have depression, but it is not as bad as it would be otherwise. And the SSRIs (like Celexa), would be making my moods more all over the place without Lamictal (a stabilizer)
I am so sorry you have gone through this. It sounds like you might have many more options to try. Take care
poster:alchemy
thread:947322
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100514/msgs/947457.html