Effexor for Bi-polar??

I have BP II and used to take Effexor paired with Depakote. I was originally prescribed the effexor for depression and anxiety and was later diagnosed with BP. In all honesty - the effexor worked for me when i needed it, but I wouldn't recommend it for people with BP as a first choice. I was in such a state when I first started it that anything would have been a positive change but knowing what I know now about my diagnosis I would have tried other options. For me, finding the proper dose of depakote was the most important since it doesn't have a lot of side effects and keeps me on an even keel so I'm less reliant on other medication.

I discontinued the effexor, with GREAT difficulty after my pdoc and I had agreed that I had reached a point where I didn't need it and it was worth the effort to try to go without or use another med. I'm currently on a single dose of depakote and its working well.

The effexor worked really well for me with the anxiety and the depression, and is generally well tolerated, but it easily sends you into a manic mode if you're not careful, or don't react well to it.

Too, you might get some more info from your doc on her comment regarding the seasonal connection to Bipolar. Most people with Bipolar are ultrasensitive to the seasons but you may find that other treatments for SAD, (i think that I read you are using a full spectrum light), might help make any meds you are currently taking, or might switch to in the future, work better.

Good luck and take care,

Putter

Rianna,

If you're having trouble getting ahold of a full spectrum light you might try getting outside as often as you can in the daylight. Along with all the research showing that full spectrum lights are highly effective, there's a lot of evidence to suggest that getting out for a walk in the daylight is just as effective, if not more. I've read lots of studies that indicate the effectiveness of full spectrum light, but also indicated there can be more theraputic light available on a cloudy day in the winter time than what can be produced artificially through a SAD light.

I was trying to get a SAD light, but decided to hold off after i've been able to get out walking on my lunchhour and it seems to be really working. I do however use a dawn simulator to help keep my clock on track since without its impossible for me to get out of bed in the winter.

Good luck with the insurance,
Putter

 visited pdoc & therapist.   I was put on min. dose of Effexor XR 37.5 mg---along w Seroquel.    Initially OK-----but, some days my anxiety feels very HIGH.   Like an engine on "High idle".     Some nites I wake up-hyperventilating (I've had this happening for over 20 yrs)---BUT since on Effexor...when I DO wake up---the anxiety is terrible.   I started the Effexor on August 24 (Which means i've been on it 4 months)-----OK

  I'm thinking about talking to my therapist & pdoc next week (I have appt w BOTH)----about POSSIBLY going OFF of the EffexorXR.   I hear so many horror stories about going off of this---BUT--I AM only taking 37.5 mg.

#1)  MY QUESTIONS: Could the Effexor XR (37.5 mg)----be causing this feeling of "anxiety"???

#2) Would it be a big problem getting off so small a dose of Effexor?? (I could use some words of encouragement) How long would it take??

#3) Can Seroquel ALONE act as a "mood Stabilizer"  (I'm on 100 mg at bedtime)

 Any words, comments, & shared observations would be appreciated.....Thanks--Robert