Posted by swingsnroundabouts on August 23, 2002, at 9:59:43
In reply to Re: Bipolar and need help with so many meds, please » Mandy, posted by Ritch on August 23, 2002, at 0:14:09
Hi Mandy
Sounds like you feel like a rattling pill bottle! I have been there and know how this feels.
It sounds like your mood is low at the minute. Prozac does nothing for me personally. Venlafaxine (efexor) works but stops me sleeping. I'm now on mirtazapine (zispin / remeron) which is good for me (except for being continually hungry and having gained 14 lbs!).
It sometimes takes a while to get your meds right. I know that for me, efexor will get me out of a major depression, chlorpromazine will calm a manic episode, and that mirtazapine seems so far to be a good alternative antidepressant.
I don't take a mood stabiliser (advised not to) as I have very infrequent mood cycles - only one in 5 yrs. I have averted a manic relapse (I think) by taking chlorpromazine when I identified symptoms e.g. agitation, smoking more, feeling like I need less sleep, doing lots of activities (more than normal).
In the long term you will probably need less meds when you find out which work for you personally.
I hope this helps
poster:swingsnroundabouts
thread:117418
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020821/msgs/117503.html