introduction

You say you have bipolar II, meaning without the full blown mania. I have bipolar I.

The first crisis I had, I had a nervous breakdown, and was given stelizine (sp?), an anti-psychotic, which helped with the nervous breakdown, but was a hellacious medicine. It took away all of my feelings.

I was very angry at the time, so it took away that first. But it also took away any good feelings I might have.

What was your situation before they gave you medicine?

You sound like you're on a lot of medicine.

1.. Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant. Lamictal is used either alone or in combination with other medications to treat epileptic seizures in adults and children. Lamotrigine is also used to delay mood episodes in adults with bipolar disorder (manic depression).

2. Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant belonging to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Zoloft is used to treat depression,...

3. Seroquel (quetiapine) is an antipsychotic medicine. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. Seroquel is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children who are at least 13 years old. Seroquel is used to treat bipolar disorder (manic depression) in adults and children who are at...

4. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Wellbutrin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

So it sounds like you're on two anti-depressants, one anti-seizure, and one antic-psychotic.

You say, "I've just felt awful"

Have you been on any medicine regimen that made you feel OK?

And, "How do you guys cope?" I feel I'm on the right medicine, so that helps me cope. Then I try to stay positive that I can get through this.