argh...

Post Reply New Topic

I'm not sure what to say.

I'm just diagnosed bipolar, or possibly schizoaffective. Anyway, the doctor put me on some medication which really helped with the delusions, but has had to take me back off it, because of weight gain, and some other serious side effects.

She's also reducing my antidepressant, but keeping me on the mood stabiliser, which she's increased.

So, I'm coming off an anti depressant, withdrawing from one antipsychotic, and getting used to another one, and I'm feeling SO up in the air it's not funny anymore. I never get to a level mood, I'm always depressed, I'm thinking of death almost constantly, having terrible nightmares, and can't motivate myself to do anything. I'm putting a front up as much as I can, but even though I know intellectually this will pass... it's a bastard to get through.

*virtual hug*

Hi, mgran. I'm sorry you're having such a rough time at the moment.

I have a friend in a similar situation- he's tried three different atypical antipsychotics, and each has had difficult side-effects. The first worked brilliantly but caused a ferocious appetite and weight gain, the second led to dramatic sweating and dehydration, and the third made him sleep all day. He's currently back on the first one to get his condition stabilised for a while, but he's feeling very shaken and withdrawn (and constantly hungry). His situation is particularly difficult because he has several other serious health problems requiring medication, so there's also potential for drug interaction. Still, his psychiatrist is confident that they'll eventually find the right medication. Apparently there are many options, and most of them can work very well, although it takes time to get used to them and not every drug suits every patient, as my friend has certainly discovered.

I hope you start feeling better soon- I'm sure you will, but if you don't, keep nagging your doctor until she finds something that works for you, okay? All the best, Jenny.

Hugs. :O)

Thank you guys. This forum does help, because I know there are other people out there with similar issues, and they survive. It's hard sometimes not to feel helpless, but I know I'll get through it, eventually.