Bipolar Support Group

I was diagnosed with Bipolar II, six years ago, but was abusing alcohol and other drugs and just thought it was misdiagnosed. Now, my Psych is saying I have Bipolar I. I am high functioning - in a moderate state of hypomania. I was prescribed 300mg of Lamictal. I take 100mg. I survive on 5hrs sleep and don't feel tired. My point is, I know I'm not compliant and I'm now going to take the right amount of Lamictal. Everytime I go out with friends I end up binge drinking and after a few days I crash. I only drink when I am making impulsive, stupid decisions. I hold down a good job and schedule my way around these times.

My doc has just prescribed 450mg of Lithium Carbonate. I am so afraid of this drug. I think my lifestyle is healthy enough to combat weight gain, I run every morning etc, eat well. My concern is it will sedate the f' out of me and I won't want to run or get up for that matter.

I think honestly I'm afraid to even out. Finally. Does it make you really tired in the morning? Will you put on weight no matter what? My physical health is so important to me. At the expense of my mental health. The idea of ingesting a metal is absurd to me. I am still struggling with the diagnosis. I want to think it's just substance misuse but I think it's the other way around b/c i don't drink normally. It's all just so crazy!

Welcome, and most of those specifics need to be discussed with your doctor. However it's great to share and get perspective and to know it does get better. Mthe drinking part is part of my story, and for the pat 15 years has always made things worse, much worse. If your health is important then known taking prescribed medications makes a lot more sense than alcohol. Imdomunderstand the pursuit of relief to the gates of insanity. I too hold a great job and am smart enough to know better, but intelligence has never played into this malady for me. Stay in contact and again, welcome.

I was petrified to take lithium but I really believe its the only thing keeping me out of full blown manic episodes. I've lost weight with lithium. Intake 1200 mg daily extended release. It too done getting used to buy its helped me so much.

Lithium was good for me, it really had me quite stable for a bit. If you decided on Lithium you would need to really watch any alcohol use because it dehydrates you and increases the Lithium in your blood stream eventually giving you lithium toxicity. I would talk to your pdoc frankly about your alcohol use so he/she can advise you on whether Lithium is a good alternative for you.

Thanks guys, I don't drink alcohol regularly, maybe once a month but I admit i do binge with friends when i do, the stereotypical stupid Australian drinking culture. AA seems a bit much. Anyway, I do worry about my liver/kidneys/Thyroid more than any weight gain. I have long periods of being ok and then the doubts creep in that I even need meds, let alone lithium. The scattered back and forth on this is frustrating! Anyway, I'm sticking to my lamictal, it's worked a treat and I have stopped the Lithium, yes, I think I'm Dr Zon. Now I have to wait for my psych in a couple of weeks to shake his head at me. I don't know why I feel bad when I say this drug isn't working for me..

Before they diagnosed me they told me i have to get sober and clean first and I did eventually which was hard because i was abusing the booze and drugs for so long. I had to make a total life style change. But so glad I did it. yrs later I am alcohol/ street drug free. I get what I need with my meds to treat my bipolar/anxiety disorder. The balance has taken time. I was so used to the ups and downs. I don't hang with people who drink. I spend time alone and I actually like it. I have a few good friends(no drama)and have found that is enough. The meds I take can cause weight gain but i have always worked out and watched what I eat and I have not gained weight. Oh and I can work better than I ever have and have plenty of energy. Good luck.

Come join us in the Bipolars dealing with alcoholism group, even it it is just binge drinking you deal with:

http://www.mdjunction.com/bipolars-dealing-with-alcoholism

Yes, I agree with tinlizzy. Be sure to be honest with your pdoc about your alcohol intake, because that impacts meds and will help your doctor figure out what is going on.

I have come to love being stable and have found real life natural "highs" to replace drinking.