Bipolar Type II Support Group

Good Morning from Sunny San Diego

I am 44 and recently diagnosed as bipolar after years of thinking depression was my only problem.

I am working with a Dr. but keep adding meds that aren't really working.

Today I am adding Nuvigil and if this does not work the Dr. says we are going back to the drawing board moving in a different direction. I am happy for something to happen, but scared to death of what this change will do to me and my family life.

currently taking:

Lamictal 100mg

lexapro 20mg

cymbalta 120mg

trazodone 150mg

Has anyone made a big change like this?

I'm assuming that he is prescribing the Nuvigil to wake you up. I take Lamictal and Lexapro and they work great for me. At first I thought the Lamictal wasn't doing anything, but when my psychiatrist started weaning me off, I got really depressed, so it really was working. Did your doctor put you on all these medications at once? That wouldn't be good because you don't know what is affecting you a certain way. I take 7 pills in the morning, 2 in the afternoon, and 3 in the evening. Being on so many medications is pretty common. I hope they start to work for you soon. It does take time to get into your system. How long have you been on medications? They take 2 weeks to a month or so, then you have to get to the therapeutic dose. I'm glad you joined, you will learn a lot about bipolar here and make many friends. Let us know how you are doing. Welcome to the group!!

Joy - I've been medicated for the last 20 years of my life. I have experience two breakdowns and am in the middle of my third. First diagonosed as suffering from depression. After a series of medications we settled on Wellbrutin, Lexapro and Trazadone. I can remember how great it initally felt. Like taking the first breath of my life. Ahh

I was hyper and full of energy but, easily irritated and didn't hold my tounge. I lost friends along the was and wasn't able to form strong relationships at work or otherwise. I am educated and worked for forutne 500 companies but always struggled in every position I've had.

Bottom line...with the loving support of my husband, we are not stopping until I feel good. I hope I know it when I see it.

Thanks

Hi Jody - The support here is really a life saver - i hope things get better - I have never heard of Nuvigil - good luck and take care of you

Thanks R,

It's nice to have others to talk to. My husband is the best, but not suffering.

Jody

The Nuvigil is to get be back a little energy. I tried Abilify, ut had a bad reaction from it. If this does not work the Dr. says we are going back to the drawing board. I am already 6 months into disability and ready for a change.

Thanks

Hi Jody!

Just do as you are and keep your doctor informed on all that is going on and what you're feeling. That is key! Remember not to rush your progress because the meds do take a while to get in your system (I know you know that but sometimes I have to be reminded of that so I thought I'd remind you too). I was diagnosed in August and started my meds in September with more being added as I go in for each checkup. I'm at a pretty good point now but I could stand to have a bit more personality as I've kind of lost my humor for some reason.

Remember to thank your husband every day for his support. I see so many posts on here where the husband is not supportive (including mine sometimes) so make sure he knows you appreciate it.

I hope you start feeling better and more "normal" soon.

You are correct about the reason for the prescription. I don’t know how to post the meds that I am taking or they would be there for all to see. I am 44 and have been on medication for the last 20 years. We are trying to slowly get rid of Lexapro so that I can move on to Level 4, Tricyclic Antidepressants. I am aware of the time it takes for meds to settle in and we are not making any rash decisions. My Dr. is GREAT. Nuvigil just happens to be very expensive. $202 for a months’ supply

Currently I take 100 mg of Lamictal,

120mg of Cymbalta (60 in the a.m. and 60 in the p.m.)

150 mg of Trazadone and

20 mg of Lexapro.

Thank you for the Welcome!

Nuvigil didn't work for me so I went back to using Provigil. It may work better for you as it worked better for me. It's worth a try.