Bi-polar and ADD symptoms

Goodness knows someone out there has been through this before...and although my experiences are minor compared to many, I could really use a little advice!  My bi-polar disorder was diagnosed six years ago, along with anorexia, bulemia, OCD, and panic/anxiety disorder, all of wich had been evident for 7 years prior to their diagnosis.  Along with some counselling for the eating disorders, I'm still searching for the best 'chemical cocktail' to deal with the symptoms of bi-polar because I tend to react adversly to a lot of meds.  The latest mix, started in November, is Wellbutrin, lithium (low dose), and Ativan as needed. 

Normally I'm very high functioning, but lately (the past year or two) everything seems to be sliding a bit.  It's now to the point where I wake up, go to work for 15-17 hours, and go to sleep.  I've gained 20 lbs, lost interest in almost everything, abandoned my social life entirely, and although I've been working ridiculous hours, feel like I'm not accomplishing anything at all!  I'm constantly getting distracted, not able to concentrate, procrastinating, and really, really foggy. The normal procedure at this point has always been to either change meds (suspecting negative side effects) or up the dosage, but after 6 years and a hundred different doses and combinations, I'm losing hope!  The only thing I've found that helps with these symptoms is highly illegal (although I limited myself to very, very small doses and didn't have bad withdrawals without it, I'm not going to risk the consequences, and I'm also aware of typical 'self-medicating' tendencies.  I don't touch the stuff at all now).

I know it can take a very long time to find what works best, but I'm actually wondering if this could be related to ADD or some other CNS disorder.  I have a fairly good rapport with my doctor, but I'm always paranoid about sounding like a hypochondriac I and don't want to waste his time, so I hesitate bringing this up with him.  I also know the chemical properties of many ADD meds are similar to my self-medicating favorite and I don't want to seem like a junkie asking my doc about trying it!  Can anyone share their experiences with Adult ADD, bi-polar, or whatever else might be happening here?

I'm a woman diagnosed with both bipolar d/o & ADD.  I'm betting that we've been thru a lot of similar experiences, as I've been battling both all my life, with a diagnosis in my 20's.  I also suffer from anorexia, although I'm currently not "practicing."  I've tried just about every med there is & I thought maybe if I share what i've experienced, it might help you a little.

Right now, i'm taking anti-seizure medication for the bipolar (Lamictal & Abilify), Cytomel, Cymbalta, propranolol, Ritalin LA & Xanax.  I know that sounds like a lot (& it is!!), but as long as i've been careful about the choices i've made in my life lately (such as NO alcohol) and have followed up w/ my drs & therapist, i've been fairly stable.  I think if you talk to your dr about the ADD, you'll find that he/she is more receptive than you're expecting.  The Ritalin does not have a stimulant effect on me, surprisingly--in patients with ADD, it has a calming effect and improves mental focus and concentration.  I've attempted self-medication in the past with alcohol and illegal substances, with no success (like you), and in spite of that, i've found that Ritalin does not trigger any type of craving for other stimulants.  The anti-seizure meds are also being used more & more commonly for bipolar & they've been the most effective for me.  I've tried lithium, seroquel & a trillion other meds, so i feel pretty confident in suggesting that you talk to your dr about the types of meds i've mentioned.

I hope this helps a little!!  I wish you the best of luck!

Lori