Bipolar Type II Support Group

Ive been having the worst cravings lately. They range from sweets and carbs to cigarettes and I dont evn like to smoke and actually for that matter I dont smoke period and I've done it lik once in my entire life. Ive been craving a cigarette for like a month now on and off and it really only happens late at night when I cant really sleep but sometimes it happens during the day when I feel like I havnt gotten enough sleep. Could these cravings be linked to my lack of sleep or is it jus regular stress? Do your meds cause you to have unusual cravings?

That is a very common side effect in some BP meds, they can cause an increase in appetite which if you feed into it too much could cause weight gain. Try to snack on healthy snacks to keep that at in control if possible. I didnt and gained 30 lbs in 3 weeks on Abilify. The smoking I dont know about but I stopped smoking for 3 years then got the worst cravings for them when I started new meds so anythings possible. Hope this helped some! Hugs Stacey

Unfortunately I'm not going to be much help with the smoking. I smoked for 20 years. After having quit for 4.5 years (and doing great) I started again 2 months after my diagnosis. I don't know if it was because of the meds or the stress. All I know is before that, I had no desire to start again.

Tracey

I actually do have real cravings that I didn't have before, and it started as a joke...Lance peanut butter cheese crackers. I LITERALLY have to have them every day. Thank goodness they make a low-fat version, because I wake up wanting them. Like I said, started as a joke, now an obsession!

i crave banannas but ima monkey and thats the way it's supposed to be ..i also crave pickles and rice pudding

I have gained weight on Abilify and there is a DENINITE INCREASE in my appetite! I'm starving as I'm typing to you and I ate like 3 hours ago ..sigh..

I have cravings for whiskey but only if I've been recently drinking... It's easier for me to simply not drink. I never have just a few drinks. When I drink whiskey I usually drink up to a pint sometimes less depending on the day. Although I was seen, by relatives, on two different nights, each night drinking a fifth. Something I've never done before. Very stressful week. Way too close to other family members with their own issues.

I crave alchocal and seltzer water. dont drink the alcohol but drink about two liters of seltzer a day.

Instead of fighting the carb cravings, try substituting healthy, whole grain snacks (not fried) and fruits and veggies. A little dip won't hurt either. If you can find (lite) popcorn in the mini size microwave bags (one serving) try them - they help me a lot. No butter though. I'm maintaining my weight on Abilify (even lost 20 lbs a year ago) and I'm not hungry because I eat (mostly) healthy foods. The occasional treat won't kill you - just don't go nuts. Hey, nuts are good too.

Cravings and increased appetite, cravings for alchol and cigars. All I think will help to relax me but don't to it for too long. It's hard to decrease the anxiety inside, or calm it. It calls out for many things, you deny it, it shouts. It almost seems like the anxiety is pushing us around or cravings. I am afraid to eat at times, because increasing my weight. I'll eat a reg. meal then i get anxious, bored, restless, and to calm down, after waiting it out I end up eating, what I should'nt. And the Anxiety is still there, and I am forever searching, asking "What do you want, What do you need to leave me in peace, so I can relax". Even with the sedative, I am still anxious inside.