Depression

Ask about Abilify for mania with Wellbutrin for Depression

Abilify has controlled my mania for over a year already, and its one of those drugs that I havent had any adverse reactions from the medication! I also take Effexor XR--which is a wonder drug for me! I take it in the morning and it makes me feel a little like me again! I lost myself about 3 1/2 years ago! I have had over 20 ECT treatments for the depression and the suicide attempts! Now I am thankful I did not take my own life. My quality of life is not good, but not bad either! I think ibm somewhere in the middle--for now, its ok! I hope you find a good Dr. who helps you along your journey! Good luck, and i will say a prayer for you!

I have taken the gamut of bipolar meds over the years and don't think I have missed many. All seem to work for a while then they reach a point where they don't.

I am stable with Wellbutrin (no weight gain and no sexual side effects) and the Abilify. It actually seems to help me sleep.

But I don't want "normal" I actually wish I could be hypomanic all the time. It is the best "stable" for me... I have the energy and drive to get things done, less ideation of suicide because I feel happy, and not so much mania that I have the racing thoughts and can't sleep.

I sleep in "naps" now... about 2-4 hours each and they go on from all times of the day and night. I am fully awake.

beAUX

Bipolar people (like me) get to thinking they feel better so they don't need their meds. That's setting yourself up for a major manic or depressive episode. Keep taking them as long as your Doctor prescribes them.

But watch out for lithium. I took it for 25 years and now have 50% kidney function. Ask your Doctor for a different mood disorder med like Lamictal or Neurontin (Gabapentin is the generic, costs a lto less). Protect your innards, but keep on taking what keeps you balanced.

Sounds familiar! I wish there was a happy medium with the mania! Its a shame that when we are manic, all the bad behaviors come to the surface! Sure its great to get everything done that you want to, but its not fair to your family and friends the way you are acting out with the mania. I sure wish there would be a happy medium, but so far we are either stuck with depression and anger or we are flying like a kite! I didnt ask for this mental illness and I dont think its fair---life is not fair but we are dealt this disease, and we have to learn our way through it!

Have a good 4th of July---sfco----Sharon

I understand totally!! I was diagnosed six years ago and although being on meds have kept me out of trouble and I've held a job for over three years, I just don't know who I am anymore. The feeling of super-confidence is missing, I'm a space case and don't even know what I do and don't like anymore. It's tricky!

The "old" you is probably all the mania you enjoyed. I didn't know I had bipolar until I was 45. All those years I was on a low dose of anti-depressant- discovered at age 32- that I had major-depression. I guess I masked it until I couldn't stand the pain anymore- but it wasn't really masked as I destroyed my marriage. My friend works in a psychiatric hospital and taught me much about the illness/disorder. I didn't know that the anti-depressants were causing pushing me into the manias. She also told me that she recognized when my "bipolar" was talking and when it was me. I wish my husband or family understood that. But these words to the outside world will only be used as "excuses". It took me 18 months to get stabilized after getting off the 75 mg Effexor for 4 months. Now I take a cocktail of meds- Depacote, Lamictal, and Effexor. I still have breakthroughs- but that's because I don't have good sleep hygiene. It's like being in a john boat after a speed boat has gone by- I just ride out the waves. But sometimes others get the effects too.