Bipolar Disorder Support Group

I also haven't been able to find a mood stabilizer that works, and I can't take any anti-depressants or anti-psychotics as they make things worse. I have many med allergies which limits my options. I find klonapin helps a bit and I am now trying ECT. I have had 3 treatments so far, and I think the ECT is helping. I would recommend you get a 2nd opinion or even a third. There are lots of other options besides lithium and depakote. I hope you find something that works for you.

Find another pdoc. Anyone who says that this is the way you were born then should have his license taken away.

hi, im a rapid/ultra rapid cycler, i tried lithium and it didnt work, tried a few others to the same end - my pdoc tried me on lamotrigine (400mg) and it works fine most of the time, i have to use it with diazepam during the day and with zopiclone of a night - if i go into a manic phase, i have to switch the zopiclone for olanzapine 7.5mg and add the diazepam and take both at night. dont know if this helps - people say exercise will help, but i have had a hip and knee rebuild so excercise is too painful.

i must add that im only 37! a bit too young for my liking for a hip and knee rebuild - but then the kick boxing wouldnt have helped, it was fun while it lasted! so yes exercise is good for de-stressing but be careful you dont do too much!

I posted similar question as well. Let me know what you find out LOL! I have decided to get a new DOCTOR who will work to help me. YES it is the way you were born, that is what bipolar disorder is, brain issue in the old lobe. I have always been labled MOODY since little kid. But that is not who God meant for ME to BE ... I am not Moody, I am bipolar with a disability to regulate my own mood, but I am still primarily me. Help is out there, we just have to be proactive. Generally I hear you just have to have a specialized psychiatrist who will work to find the right treatment whether that be one drug, a combination of drugs, non drug therapy etc. etc.

I know that I was born this way but so were most all bipolars...so???? And??? Treat the illness!!! I think it's altogether possible to find the right cocktail it takes work. I am mixed with rapid cycling. I take Zyprexa, Lexapro, Trileptal, Topamax and I recently added the nonsmoking med Chantix to quit smoking and it has an antidepresant effect except when I am in the throes of a huge depressive episode. Then it just curtails it to a minor episode. Otherwise , I'm just hunky dory. I can't skip meds. When I do, I pay the price.

I started taking Lithium 5 months ago and the 3rd week I stopped cycling..hahoo! Too bad it hasn't helped with the depression though.