Need advice

Hi all,

I really need some advice. First off I want to say that I'm not diagnosed bipolar, but I think I probably am, at least somewhat. Anyway, about a year ago, I stopped sleeping. I'd lay in bed all night and just wouldn't fall asleep. I'd try to nap, and nothing.

After about six months of this I was a complete wreck. I couldn't think through problems, bought thousands of dollars of stuff I didn't need or want and was, frankly, ready to kill myself.

One of my doctors referred me to the ER at this point. I refused treatment, not because I didn't need it, but because I was in the process of moving and didn't want to be hung up on two leases (again, bad decisions). They did prescribe me some Seroquel, however, and told my GP to refer me to a pdoc. The pdoc appointment ended up being months away and eventually fell through, so my GP took over prescribing.

At first, the Seroquel was great. I slept great, started exercising and got in shape and was able to roll with punches instead of dwelling on stuff. People commented about how even tempered I became.

Now, I'm realizing more and more that I don't feel normal, I just simply don't feel. I can't read books or comics because they just don't hold my interest (I used to be able to read a novel in a week or a stack of comics in a day). I can't play video games because I just can't focus enough to play well. I watch TV because its on, not because I really care. I forced myself to watch the world series, and felt nothing when my team won. I haven't cleaned my apartment in weeks. I don't think this stuff is normal.

I do go to the gym almost every day because otherwise I'd be bored out of my mind. I'm not sure which is worse, not being able to sleep or feeling lobotomized. Is this normal with Seroquel/antipsychs? I don't have a pdoc, though, so I'm not sure what to do.

BP

Sounds like your dose is just snowing you under and your just flat.

I personally feel that GP’s just don’t know enough about psych meds to be treating someone long term unless it’s a garden variety depression that the person is responding well to medication.. you seem to have more going on.

I suggest you get an appt with a Pdoc so you can fully evaluated and treatment can be started.

I also feel seeing a Therapist is just as important as taking meds , regardless of what “ label(s)” you get.

It’s all about making life style changes and living a full life with whatever mental illness you have take up the smallest part possible.. learning coping skills are a huge help.

Medications can only do so much anyway.

I agree with Christina. You need to make another appointment even if it’s months away. Have your doctor handle your medication until then. With little bipolar and other issues it almost always involves an antidepressant or mood stabilizers. Seroquel is an antipsychotic medication that is used for psychosis, sometimes as a mood stabilizer and sleep. I’m not a fan of its use for sleep. I think used that way it’s over prescribed. There are real risks with seroquel yet any doctor feels competent prescribing it.

I want to echo the good advice of @christina and @sarahsweets. I agree you certainly need a psychiatrist, given the level of complexity of issues you are now dealing with. Serious sleep issues are a major problem in bipolar disorder and it can get complicated quickly. For example, it's great that the Seroquel will help you sleep. It's not great that you are a zombie the next day. That needs to be sorted out. Maybe a different dose of Seroquel. Maybe no Seroquel and a different med or two. Maybe you need also to be on a more traditional mood stabilizer as well. Who knows? Someone needs to help you work all this out.

If you do have bipolar disorder, then it is likely that you may have ongoing sleep challenges. I know I certainly do. It is very frustrating I am currently on Zyprexa again because I hadn't been sleeping really at all for weeks. It just came out of the blue. Anyhow, it helps me, but I am very tired during the day. So, this is just a short term emergency measure for me. We will have to find another way long-term.

Anyhow, get yourself in to see a psychiatrist ASAP. In the mean time, I would avoid alcohol. No caffeine after 3 o'clock or so. No energy drinks. Be sure the room is dark and quiet. See about getting yourself a weighted blanket, if you haven't already done that. They can be helpful.
That's what I got. Hang in there. There is help for you. You just need to see someone with some expertise. All the best.