[dejavu65]

I have been moved from one med to another to another in an attempt to make me sane once more. I was diagnosed with Dysthymia and Recurring Major Depression. In an attempt to find the right treatment, my doc noticed the highs I had. So now he is thinking Bi Polar. Go figure. Anyway ... I was wondering. Is the medication for Bi Polar designed to rid you of the highs? That is the only good in life right now. I do not want to get rid of that!

Any insight would be helpful. Current medication. Abilify 5MG.

[ladyjrnlist]

You have to moderate the highs in order to moderate the lows. They are connected. What goes up must come down as they say. And I miss my highs too, but I still get one every now and again.

[billieJ]

I too, suffer from major depression and dysthymia but my pdoc has noted the possibility of bipolar. I firmly deny this, the only highs I recall being similar to hypomania, but resulting from some combination of drugs, excessive exercise or rock music, plugged as closely into my brain as I could get it.

That being said, I have heard on TV that Abilify is a good adjunct therapy to antidepressant medication for treatment of depression, so that should not rid you of the highs. And I certainly appreciate how precious those highs are, although my experience with them has been relatively limited.

I believe that many mood-leveling drugs used to treat bipolar primarily target the highs, as these are most problematic for society at large. Psychiatric treatment, while necessary, benefits society as much as the individual, the primary benefit of bipolar treatment being that the individual gets to live at home, rather than in psychiatric facility. When we are depressed, we stay to ourselves, keep our mouths shut, and cause problems for no one but ourselves. We suffer silently. In manic or hypomanic episode, we act out, keep the household awake, wear amazing make-up and clothing combinations, tell people off at the shopping center, interrupt the church service, and generally bring all manner of attention to ourselves. This typically gets us a ride to the nearest state hospital, where court commitments are easy to obtain, and which creates a drain on state funds, as few people are willing to pay for a court-mandated hospital stay which ridded them of their excessive joy.

In short, I think that, at best, mood-stabilizing meds used for treatment of bipolar leave us feeling neither depression nor mania, in short, nothing at all. At worst they take away the manic side of the illness, leaving only the depression. I hate to sound cynical, and there may be a few meds which effectively treat bipolar, leaving an appropriate amount of happiness.

The best thing you have on your side is your excellent insight. Recognize when you are having a manic or hypomanic episode, and take care not to be interruptive, or disruptive, or to bring undue attention to yourself in any way. Notice when you are talking too fast or too much, and stop it. Dress appropriately, even when you feel like wearing 19 clashing colors and 50 pieces of jewelry. Enjoy your feelings of omnipotence, but do not share them. Keep your 75 ideas for sure-fire business ventures to yourself. Even tho it may seem possible to you, one probably cannot mine gold from a brick building. Keep in mind that you are probably not a movie or rock star, even tho you starred in your senior play and can play a few good riffs on the guitar. Remember that everybody, not just you, has a "special mission for God." Mania can be joyful [or full of anger, which is the down side], but once noted by others, it will get you placed on a mood stabilizer if you are willing, and in handcuffs en route to the hospital if you are not.

From one who understands. billieJ

[SunReach]

Hello dejavu, the only thing I have to add is that it will be helpful to observe the moods over a long period of time without changing medication too often because that can be very confusing. It's a good idea to keep a mood diary (you can download a blank chart off the Internet).
Your insight and ability to understand your body will be getting better and better, and along with the pdoc will definitely get you to something that works A little patience - I know it's annoying, tiring, (the list can go on and on) but you will get there
And remember, the good days don't have to be bipolar high days, which after all is not a 'truthful' high I wouldn't be afraid of a mood stabiliser if it turns out that's what you need...If it works properly it's not making you devoid of enthusiasm etc - just helps you regulate it and stops you from going insane!

Wish you the best

[sueqt]

the highs are beyond fantastic but it seems the older you get the trips to hell r worse & longer recently i have been trying for the right meds. abilify, geodon,lamictal, at this point none worked or i didnt give it long enough. am on lithium (forever) & effexior for now.

[blueoctober]

Meds for me haven't taken away all the symptoms, but my highs aren't as high and my lows aren't as low. My experience with meds is initially I was over medicated - this was necessary because of my mental state at the time (I was found attempting and was hospitalized where I was diagnosed). Since May 2010 I've been on a good med combo and I also live a healthy life (eating properly, exercising, no alcohol etc.)

Bottom line is what goes up must come down and often after a high the depression kicks it. I no longer like the highs and have never liked the depression. Stability is better than any high.

My suggestion would be to start tracking your moods. I use this one online:http://www.medhelp.org/land/mood-tracker

[venusss]

I believe that many mood-leveling drugs used to treat bipolar primarily target the highs, as these are most problematic for society at large. Psychiatric treatment, while necessary, benefits society as much as the individual, the primary benefit of bipolar treatment being that the individual gets to live at home, rather than in psychiatric facility. When we are depressed, we stay to ourselves, keep our mouths shut, and cause problems for no one but ourselves. We suffer silently. In manic or hypomanic episode, we act out, keep the household awake, wear amazing make-up and clothing combinations, tell people off at the shopping center, interrupt the church service, and generally bring all manner of attention to ourselves. This typically gets us a ride to the nearest state hospital, where court commitments are easy to obtain, and which creates a drain on state funds, as few people are willing to pay for a court-mandated hospital stay which ridded them of their excessive joy.

This is interesting perspective and I somehow agree that the definition of normal in our supposedly free society is scarily narrow. I try to keep thoughts what they are... just thoughts... because well, flying off to Lisboa is great in theory, but what would I gain? (But oh Lisboa, I wanna dance in your streets in pretty clothes reminding the Portugese that struggle is a joy).

and it's funny you mention clothes and make-up and acting somehow loud. Isn't that pretty cultural? I like to claim that i am Italian accidentally born in cold (weather and emotional-wise) part of Europe.

In short, I think that, at best, mood-stabilizing meds used for treatment of bipolar leave us feeling neither depression nor mania, in short, nothing at all. At worst they take away the manic side of the illness, leaving only the depression. I hate to sound cynical, and there may be a few meds which effectively treat bipolar, leaving an appropriate amount of happiness.

I do not believe in the medical model at all. While it may work for some, it should not be pushed on everybody. People should not be told they have to accept horrendous side effects of the "treatment". There are another ways and once one learns to be comfortable in their skin and separate thoughts and behavior... you can live.

Dress appropriately, even when you feel like wearing 19 clashing colors and 50 pieces of jewelry.

But I love my body glitter, my pink-leopard pattern tops, my skirts and my ancesories. Friends tell me I have style. And again... if I were in Harajuku, or even southern europe... I'd be just one of the crowd, lol.

Remember that everybody, not just you, has a "special mission for God."

see... this is another problem. You see see Jesus in your toast and it's swell and a miracle... but if I get into touch with my previous incarnations and hang with ghosts and write letters to Franz Kafka (as a true existentialist he does not reply and let's me ponder about what would he reply if he did)... well, I rather don't share these experiences too much.

[venusss]

Bottom line is what goes up must come down and often after a high the depression kicks it. I no longer like the highs and have never liked the depression. Stability is better than any high.

This is all relative...it comes to the questions of "would you rather live dull life and live till 90 or live intense life and die young".

Some people like risks. Some are bored with stability...and overall I believe stability is damaging... as we get bored and start looking for excitement.

For me it's more important to be able to channel it right, than be "stable". People love to take risks. Hence amusement parks, gambling, eating fubu fish, reckless driving... Should we try to stabilize all excitement seekers?

[Direction]

Originally Posted by dejavu65

Is the medication for Bi Polar designed to rid you of the highs? That is the only good in life right now. I do not want to get rid of that!

The goal is to limit how high and low you go as well as how often you may cycle. I've tried some different combinations, but really never satisfied with outcome. I've been working really hard on my WRAP plan (wellness recovery action plan), and I have had more success in that area.

[blueoctober]

Originally Posted by VenusHalley

For me it's more important to be able to channel it right, than be "stable". People love to take risks. Hence amusement parks, gambling, eating fubu fish, reckless driving... Should we try to stabilize all excitement seekers?

I'm glad that this has worked for you Venus, and I wish it still did for me, but my channeling no longer worked at 31 and I ended up being hospitalized.

[dejavu65]

Originally Posted by billieJ

I too, suffer from major depression and dysthymia but my pdoc has noted the possibility of bipolar. I firmly deny this, the only highs I recall being similar to hypomania, but resulting from some combination of drugs, excessive exercise or rock music, plugged as closely into my brain as I could get it.

That being said, I have heard on TV that Abilify is a good adjunct therapy to antidepressant medication for treatment of depression, so that should not rid you of the highs. And I certainly appreciate how precious those highs are, although my experience with them has been relatively limited.

I believe that many mood-leveling drugs used to treat bipolar primarily target the highs, as these are most problematic for society at large. Psychiatric treatment, while necessary, benefits society as much as the individual, the primary benefit of bipolar treatment being that the individual gets to live at home, rather than in psychiatric facility. When we are depressed, we stay to ourselves, keep our mouths shut, and cause problems for no one but ourselves. We suffer silently. In manic or hypomanic episode, we act out, keep the household awake, wear amazing make-up and clothing combinations, tell people off at the shopping center, interrupt the church service, and generally bring all manner of attention to ourselves. This typically gets us a ride to the nearest state hospital, where court commitments are easy to obtain, and which creates a drain on state funds, as few people are willing to pay for a court-mandated hospital stay which ridded them of their excessive joy.

In short, I think that, at best, mood-stabilizing meds used for treatment of bipolar leave us feeling neither depression nor mania, in short, nothing at all. At worst they take away the manic side of the illness, leaving only the depression. I hate to sound cynical, and there may be a few meds which effectively treat bipolar, leaving an appropriate amount of happiness.

The best thing you have on your side is your excellent insight. Recognize when you are having a manic or hypomanic episode, and take care not to be interruptive, or disruptive, or to bring undue attention to yourself in any way. Notice when you are talking too fast or too much, and stop it. Dress appropriately, even when you feel like wearing 19 clashing colors and 50 pieces of jewelry. Enjoy your feelings of omnipotence, but do not share them. Keep your 75 ideas for sure-fire business ventures to yourself. Even tho it may seem possible to you, one probably cannot mine gold from a brick building. Keep in mind that you are probably not a movie or rock star, even tho you starred in your senior play and can play a few good riffs on the guitar. Remember that everybody, not just you, has a "special mission for God." Mania can be joyful [or full of anger, which is the down side], but once noted by others, it will get you placed on a mood stabilizer if you are willing, and in handcuffs en route to the hospital if you are not.

From one who understands. billieJ

Are you "Manic" now ??? haha ... I loved this post. Well ... I am probably older than a lot on here but I too love my rock as close to my brain as possible. I have had many of the symptoms that relate to bi-polar for many years. Talking way too fast ... and way too much at times. I can not shut down my brain so I do not sleep. Lately I can be disruptive. And I seemed to be buying loud colored clothes ... an I am not talking the old persons loud clothes ... I am talking young loud clothes! But I have only had a few highs. Man ... after years of depression ... this was like the greatest thing in my life. Colors were brighter, the sky was clearer and brighter ... everything about me was great. I did not disrupt or hurt anyone or anything except my wallet. But it was well worth it. I just hope they are not killing the only good times I had in years.

[dejavu65]

Originally Posted by ladyjrnlist

You have to moderate the highs in order to moderate the lows. They are connected. What goes up must come down as they say. And I miss my highs too, but I still get one every now and again.

You are correct about coming down. And it was worse than most.

[dejavu65]

Originally Posted by SadRobot

Hello dejavu, the only thing I have to add is that it will be helpful to observe the moods over a long period of time without changing medication too often because that can be very confusing. It's a good idea to keep a mood diary (you can download a blank chart off the Internet).
Your insight and ability to understand your body will be getting better and better, and along with the pdoc will definitely get you to something that works A little patience - I know it's annoying, tiring, (the list can go on and on) but you will get there
And remember, the good days don't have to be bipolar high days, which after all is not a 'truthful' high I wouldn't be afraid of a mood stabiliser if it turns out that's what you need...If it works properly it's not making you devoid of enthusiasm etc - just helps you regulate it and stops you from going insane!

Wish you the best

Thanks ... I will look for the chart.

[dejavu65]

Originally Posted by sueqt

the highs are beyond fantastic but it seems the older you get the trips to hell r worse & longer recently i have been trying for the right meds. abilify, geodon,lamictal, at this point none worked or i didnt give it long enough. am on lithium (forever) & effexior for now.

I was taken off effexor when given abilify ????

[AbeIsAbe]

Originally Posted by dejavu65

I was taken off effexor when given abilify ????

Keep in mind that the combo that works for one, may not work for another. The key to the medications in the msg you replied to is Lithium, the mood stabilizer. The Effexor, I believe, is to assist with depression.

And if you experience mania while on Effexor, your doctor may have taken you off Effexor for that reason. I only say this as a possibility because I, for example, become manic when taking anti-depressants. Especially the same anti-depressant that I took for 6 years in my late teens, early 20s (odd how it never used to make me manic until now)

Anyway, like someone else said, have patience. If one medication doesn't work, try another. If you run out of medications to try, look into other practices. Keep in mind medications may not make you feel 100% how you did before the bipolar onset. DBT (dialectical behavior therapy).

I think I've gone off topic here. Just some thoughts to help.

[dejavu65]

Originally Posted by AbeIsAbe

Keep in mind that the combo that works for one, may not work for another. The key to the medications in the msg you replied to is Lithium, the mood stabilizer. The Effexor, I believe, is to assist with depression.

And if you experience mania while on Effexor, your doctor may have taken you off Effexor for that reason. I only say this as a possibility because I, for example, become manic when taking anti-depressants. Especially the same anti-depressant that I took for 6 years in my late teens, early 20s (odd how it never used to make me manic until now)

Anyway, like someone else said, have patience. If one medication doesn't work, try another. If you run out of medications to try, look into other practices. Keep in mind medications may not make you feel 100% how you did before the bipolar onset. DBT (dialectical behavior therapy).
I think I've gone off topic here. Just some thoughts to help.

No ... you are on topic. And the Effexor was for depression with suicidal thoughts.. I had been taking it for about 6 weeks. I was told that since we were not getting any better from this med then we would stop taking it. I just thought it was funny that I came off it to take Abilify and you were on both. I have read somewhere in here ... maybe even in this thread that Abilify is an enhancer to whatever else you are taking.
Thanks for the reply.

[William Werner]

You are correct. My first pdoc took me off my anti-depressant and put me on abilify and it made so paranoid I stopped taking it. My pdoc exactly that, abilify is an enhancer and should not be taken alone.

[Kmbpeace1171]

Originally Posted by dejavu65

I have been moved from one med to another to another in an attempt to make me sane once more. I was diagnosed with Dysthymia and Recurring Major Depression. In an attempt to find the right treatment, my doc noticed the highs I had. So now he is thinking Bi Polar. Go figure. Anyway ... I was wondering. Is the medication for Bi Polar designed to rid you of the highs? That is the only good in life right now. I do not want to get rid of that!

Any insight would be helpful. Current medication. Abilify 5MG.

Same thing happened to me I personally think being on an anti depressant causes mania and then we get diagnosed as Bipolar.

[Confusedinomicon]

It's proven that anti-depressants can cause mania in patients who are bipolar. x)

I have a feeling that it's all under one umbrella/spectrum.

[venusss]

Originally Posted by Confusedinomicon

It's proven that anti-depressants can cause mania in patients who are bipolar. x)

I have a feeling that it's all under one umbrella/spectrum.

but if they never took ADs... they would never have become manic...
hmm....