Bipolar Type II Support Group

After about 8 months on two anti-depressents (cymbalta and trazadone) and continuing to feel worse than before I sought out additional help. I have been going to counseling for the past two and half months. I am still struggling. Having a hard time getting anything accomplished. Feeling irritable, anxious and depressed. On top of this i recently went to a pysch. She diagnosed me with Bipolar 2. I am still trying to wrap my mind around all of this. Currently she added a medicine, clonazepam generic for Klonopin 1 mg that I am suppose to be taking at night to help with the anxiety and sleep issues. I am finding I prefer taking it during the day to help relieve anxiety. I have been trying to research to figure out what "mood" stabilizer she is likely to prescribe. She wants to wean me off the Cymbalta slowly. I feel like the Cymbalta has made me feel way worse than ever before.

I am scared. I am feeling as though I am broken as though something is wrong with me. I am looking to find others who share in my experiences and perhaps those that have been battling this longer than me and also to see what MOOD drugs worked well for others, and common side effects. Any support would be welcomed. Thank you in advance.

novlov

Welcome to the group! Typically the first mood stabilizer that pdocs prescribe is lamictal. Trazodone is typically used for sleep and is not that good as an antidepressant. You're not broken, you're just on the med-go-round. It's very difficult and frustrating when meds are changed even if you know they aren't working or they are making you feel worse. I take clorazepate (also a benzo) during the day and a xanax at night. It does help a lot. Be sure to talk to your pdoc about how it helps you better during the day instead of at night. Perhaps you just need a shorter acting med at night like xanax. The good thing is you're diagnosed and you can move forward in finding the right meds for you.

Post edited by: InvisibleMe, at: 11/07/2011 03:55 AM

Thank you for the support and the information. It helps knowing that there are others struggling and offering support!! Again I thank you!!

Hi there. You are definitely not broken. You have a mental illness that is fully treatable. You are trying to find your right medication. I take Lamictal and it's great. Everyone is different in how they will react to each medication, so it's hard to say what will work for you. You will find that right combination in time though, don't give up. You will get used to the idea that you have bipolar in time also. Sometimes it's hard to accept at first. I'm glad you will be getting a mood stabilizer. Antidepressants without a mood stabilizer can push you into hypo-mania. You will find you share many experiences with others here and how they cope with it. It's a great forum with many friendly and caring people. Don't be afraid to jump right in. We are here for you and will help you get through this. I look forward to your future posts. Welcome to the group!!

I agree the antidepressant can push you to mania, be careful.

I just started Seroquel that works as a mood stabalizer and antidepressant,i herd Seroquel XR is more commonly perscribed now. I know it is so scary at first, but do know, things will get better. Once you find the right meds, its like night and day! Youll gain back the strength to start healing your self. we are here to help.

I used to take Seroquel for sleep was too scared of the side effects and weight gain. It's not an antidepressant, but a good mood stabilizer for some. I wish I could have stayed on it.