Bipolar Type II Support Group

Hi:

I am writing this because I need advice from people who have been in my position. I am a Trauma RN who has been diagnosed with bipolar 2, PTSD, anxiety and depression. I am also a recovering alcoholic. I am struggling to find the right combination of medications. I am currently on 40mg of prozac and 300mg of lamictal and 36mg of concerta. Please give me feedback on what has worked for you. I am having a really hard time right now even getting out of bed I am so depressed.

How long have you take the medications? They need a chance to get into your system. If you have been on them awhile now, they probably aren't the right combination. Lamictal take 6-8 weeks to get to full effect. The Prozac, probably 2-4 weeks. I'm sure the Concerta is immediate since it's a stimulant. I take the antidepressant Viibryd and it works well for me. Everyone is different though when it comes to medications. One may work for you where it doesn't for others. I hope that you can get to feeling better. Call your psychiatrist and let him know how depressed you are. He can help. You are going to get a lot of support around here. I hope you like it. Welcome to the group!

just starting tryin to navigate thru this. im here cuz my mother is bi polar. any suggestions?

What you do is start a new discussion. You go to the forums and say you want to introduce yourself, you go to introduction and then hit the start new discussion button at the top of the page. You will get more responses if you start your own discussion. I'm sorry your mom has bipolar, it's a hard illness to have. Welcome and you will get the hang of it here.

I agree with Joy that you need to have your medications reviewed as soon as possible. You shouldn't have to suffer like this. You can look at my signature to see what i am on, but again, everyone is different. I hope you are feeling better soon. We are here to support you!

Being a trauma RN is very stressful. You have to be constantly on your toes and any small mistake or distraction can cause irrevocable harm to the patient. I hope you feel better soon.

When was the last time you took a good vacation from work? Think of taking off a few days to recuperate. A few months ago I took a forced vacation because I had surgery. It did wonders for me.