Bipolar Support Group

Hi again,

I'm just wondering if anyone can let me know what they think of my current predicament?

My doctor informed me a few years ago that I am Bipolar, but she was quick to inform me that I am only a 'little but bipolar'. What the heck does that mean?

I am currently taking 20 mg. of Prozac daily to treat it, but am wondering if that small dose even makes a difference. Does that seem normal to anyone?

I am thinking of quitting my Dr. and going off my med. I also have Hypothyroidism and will continue to take my thyroid meds. Oh, I also take Adderall for ADD.

I would love any feedback you could provide.

Thanks!

Mary

Most doctors that I've talked to agree that administering an antidepressant (like Prozac) without a mood stabilizer to a bipolar patient is likely to cause mania. Understandably, this is not good. I wonder why your doctor would put you on an antidepressant without a mood stabilizer if they do think you're bipolar?

In any case, if you don't feel like you're getting the results you want from a medication or medications, you might need more medications or a recombination of current medications. The possibilities are endless, but only a professional can suggest a combination that might work for you.

JennyT makes a lot of sence, I am blowed if I can spell your name, sorry.

Jim Phelps mentions well, a little Bipolar in his Bipolar Spectrum notes. ie on his site.

I have a problem with someone being "a little bipolar" I would ask your pdoc just what he/she means by this statemnet.

I would question his/her diagnosis of ADHD. Mind you it is possible to have both Bipolar and ADHD.

Suggest to him/he that you and she go back to square one and look for a correct, or as close as you can get diagnois.

JennyWren

I wonder if by saying you were "a little bit bipolar" she meant that you're cyclothymic? Also, by "doctor," do you mean a general practitioner or a psychiatrist? If the former, I would see a psychiatrist for a full evaluation. If the latter, I would recommend finding another psychiatrist *if* you feel uncomfortable with her and think that additional meds might help.

As far as cyclothymia is concerned, it is considered to be a mild form of bipolar in which a person experiences mild hypomania and mild depression. Some people with cyclothymia do not take meds or seek treatment because their symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with normal everyday activities.

It might not hurt to get a second opinion.

Good luck!

Mnoriega (interesting name)

I don't think "a little bit bipolar" is anything like "a little bit pregnant."

The lesser forms of the disorder are, like neon said, cyclothymia or Bipolar II instead of the more serious Bipolar I. If so, then Prozac would help with depression if you experience that, and the Adderall is sort of designed for Attention Deficit Disorder.

I've often thought you could tell alot about someone by snooping in their medicine cabinet, but I'm sure the FBI already knows that.

I like to Google my meds. You might learn interesting stuff about both Adderall and Prozac. I like to know if the dose I am taking is in the low, middle or upper therapeutic range to treat stuff.

I've wished I could trade in my diagnosis for one that is "a little bit bipolar." You may be luckier than you think, but like you, I'd want to know what's what. I think you are entitled to know.

Post edited by: scooby, at: 03/26/2009 17:04