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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Bauxite on February 8, 2006, at 0:08:56
Short story: diagnosed bipolar after "going manic" during the first week of my senior year in college last fall (major bummer). The whole experience was a bit of a trip for me, as I'd just begun to tap into that great reservoir of psychic/spiritual energy when they medicated me into a partial enlightenment but still relative emotional constriction imo. As a result of my yearning need to attempt another go at permanent zen, I got off my meds (lithium and Risperdal) like a moron after the first month. After crashing a month later and only partially succeeding at another try on lithium, I was recently switched to Tegretol (800 mg), Risperdal (2mg) and Remeron (45mg). I do feel a heck of a lot better, but those "upper levels" still aren't there. I've started on Tyrosine and Theanine per advice on the Alternatives section but neither seems to be doing the trick. Has anyone else had similar experiences and eventual success with marijuana (which I smoked in excees much of last year) or any other psychedelic or mind-altering substance? This remains somewhat important to me as I've very little physical sight and would like to regain the emotional sight I possessed oh-so-briefly five months ago.
Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 8, 2006, at 21:49:53
In reply to Help in the Ethereal Plane, posted by Bauxite on February 8, 2006, at 0:08:56
Bauxite,
The one thing that I've found with being bipolar is that I love the hypomanic high. Things are clear, there is an abundance of energy on many levels. Trying to achieve that is one of the reasons that many with bipolar go off of their meds.
Some drugs can mimic those feelings. It gets dangerous though, because they can interfere with the meds you are already taking. It is also possible to trigger another manic attack.
I wish there were a way to stay hypomanic all the time, but I haven't found it. Hypomania after all, is part of the disease, albeit a pleasant part.
Wishing you well,
--Dee
Posted by Bauxite on February 9, 2006, at 11:42:48
In reply to Re: Help in the Ethereal Plane, posted by deirdrehbrt on February 8, 2006, at 21:49:53
> Bauxite,
> The one thing that I've found with being bipolar is that I love the hypomanic high. Things are clear, there is an abundance of energy on many levels. Trying to achieve that is one of the reasons that many with bipolar go off of their meds.
And the main reason why I'll certainly try again in the near future.
> Some drugs can mimic those feelings. It gets dangerous though, because they can interfere with the meds you are already taking. It is also possible to trigger another manic attack.
Excellent. That's kind of the idea. I'm of the opinion that mental illness does not exist on a biological basis, considering there is no palpable biological test for it. This assumed, it is virtually impossible to accept the permanent use of neurochemically affective medications to treat a "disease" that only really exists in the heads of those peddling these meds. No confirming examination of the brain waves or MRi results of "bipolar" people has ever shown a reasonable distinction between their neurological activity and that of the general population. Therefore, if cannabis can propel me back to the level I was at last fall, and permanently at that, I fully intend on utilizing it to its fullest potential. Unlike meds, it is a means to an end, with a clear, measurable goal in mind. Once one achieves that goal, there is no more demonstrable need for the drug.
> I wish there were a way to stay hypomanic all the time, but I haven't found it. Hypomania after all, is part of the disease, albeit a pleasant part.
> Wishing you well,
> --Dee
>
Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 9, 2006, at 19:38:41
In reply to Re: Help in the Ethereal Plane, posted by Bauxite on February 9, 2006, at 11:42:48
Here are a some studies showing that there is in fact a difference in the brain structure between "normal" people and those with bipolar disorder.
These studies were done with MRI. There are plenty more available.
I'm not trying to tell you what to do, or what not to do, but there is a REAL difference in the brains of bipolar people and the average person in society. That's not to say that they can give you an MRI and *prove* that you are or aren't bipolar, but there are some significant advances going in that direction.
It's hard because what's going on is going on in the brain, and you can't just take it out and have a look.
Just because we don't have a blood test for it, or some other physical diagnostic tool doesn't mean it isn't real. It just means we don't fully understand it yet.
Whatever you choose to do, I wish you the best. I hope that you don't get put in a hospital against your will. I hope you don't get severely manic or depressed. I hope that what you do works for you.
--DeeSome references below.
http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/56/3/254?view=abstract
http://www.ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/152/8/1139
http://www.neuro.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/3/1/18
Posted by Bauxite on February 9, 2006, at 22:20:33
In reply to Re: Help in the Ethereal Plane, posted by deirdrehbrt on February 9, 2006, at 19:38:41
Just trying to give you a little hell :) Good links, very interesting. I was in fact admitted involuntarily (and, I might add, illegally), but I ascribe this primarily to bullheadedness and adolescent stupidity, not to my "condition". It's just weird getting high off of people for no good reason and my mind flew in completely the wrong direction as a result of it.
This is the end of the thread.
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