Bipolar 2

I just concluded I have bipolar 2...it explains the episodic depression and the occasional (fun) days of hypomania. I also have ADD, which explains why adderall has a calming and focusing effect. Caffeine, oddly enough, will without fail induce some form of mania in me if given in sufficient dosage. I am working with a pharmacologist and a therapist to try to deal with this. As far as I can tell, neither anti-depressents nor your standard bipolar mood stabilizers seem appropriate (I know celexa made me a lot worse and didn't help at all). I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions about some potentially helpful medications? I tested gabapentin and it seemed to help but it was only for two days. Thanks everyone...this is sort of a new thing for me and I'm still not sure how to deal with it.

Peace to you all.

Hi ChromeCobra,

Welcome to HealingWell and to the bipolar board.

I am concerned about what you're asking. First, I can't answer what drugs might work -- there are dozens, literally -- and they all work for different people. But I'm worried about your post.

First, why did you say you've concluded this diagnosis? Have you been diagnosed by a doctor? I _really_ don't recommend that. Bipolar can share symptoms with so many other mental disorders: depression, for one, but also personality disorders. I am bipolar 2 and I can assure you that hypomania is not fun. It's different for everyone, I know, but fun is not a word I usually hear.

Also, why do you say the standard mood stabilizers don't seem appropriate? Have you been on any? If you are bipolar, one of them will help you. The first one you try might not, but one of them will. The standard treatment for bipolar is a mood stabilizer, so you have to work closely with your doc to try and find a med that works for you. Why did you only take the gabapentin for 2 days? Neurontin is a drug that needs to be in your system for a few weeks for it to show any real changes, so 2 days doesn't really count. You need to give it a chance to work. Or if you didn't like it -- try something different.

Tell us a little bit more about yourself and maybe we can be more help.

Thanks,
serafena

yea, you really need to work with your pcd and a pshycatrist to figure out exactly what the problem is and go from there.

if you take any meds at all you need to take them for a few weeks or even months before they start to work. when i was diagnosed with bp2 i was given lemectil...it took almost 3 months for me to get up to full dose on it (has to be taken gradualy) and my life was a horribly chaotic mess during that time; but on the 4th day of being at full dose...i can't even begin to describe how wonderful it was to be so stable; even my husband was amazed.

lessons here...get a professional diagnosis; work closely with your doctors; and be patient.