Hi everyone, much love to you all. I've been diagnosed with all kinds of things over the years, but predominantly bipolar. However, I don't get the manic highs (which is obviously good), just the crashing lows. I never know how I'm going to feel each day I wake up, so I'd say it's more like Cyclothymia.
I'm currently on 60mg Fluoxetine and, apart from feeling a bit numb at times, it's really not helping. I still cry a lot and feel massive despair.
Personally, I feel like I need something to get me through the lows when they happen, rather than something that is supposed to keep me steady, but if anything, stops me feeling happy.
Has anyone been in a similar situation and found something that helps? I have tried Diazepam, but that also numbs me (although it does help with the anxiety).
I don't seem to be able to find medication that uplifts you, instead of trying to just counteract the lows. I know we're all different biologically, but I would happily take any advice!
Thanks so much x
p.s. I can't tolerate Sertraline or Mirtazapine, which isn't hugely helpful, I know!
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Jojozo
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It took me LOTS of trial and error with meds. I've actually tried the same multiple times. All under Dr. Supervision... Unfortunately I think they were too lenient...BUT that being said, even the side effects start getting easier if you need to try a different one, done give up just because one works for someone (or even at one time) doesn't mean it will work for you.
I'm on Pristiq, and Clonazepam needed for my panic and O.C.D. Has Naltrexone in the mix for a bit. Seroquel (spelling?) helped once, and I think Paxil? My BP is too low now but Clonidine for high BP helped with anxiety too.
It took a lot of trying but the combo I'm on now seems to really be helping. They just did a change up the messed with me pretty bad, because it still said I had High BP, and it lowered it I think, IDK. Slowly better though!
I'm bipolar and tried all the conventional antidepressants for decades to little effect. But I'm currently on Auvelity which just came out last year and it's the first drug that has helped. You have to be careful with Auvelity because it is not even approved for bipolar (they're not yet sure if it can trigger mania). But my doctor is getting around that by pairing it with Lamictal and monitoring it closely. So if you try it, be sure your doctor keeps one eye on the possible mania. Good luck with whatever you try.
Hi Jojozo,Thanks for your post drawing attention to people with same diagnosis having different chemistries & genetics.
I think the important thing is to keep at least one appointment with a psychiatrist every 12 months for a specialist medication 💊 review. I do this in conjunction with my kGP. There are so many new and emerging treatments to try.
Another thing I found useful is to keep an eye out for treatment trials to participate in.
As a participant, you get the best comprehensive medical checks and monitoring that should be the norm in usual health care but isn't.
I just finished one. Unfortunately, there is often a lag time between the trial and approval for the treatment from the regulatory authorities. 🐈⬛
Thank you! Are you in the US? I’m in the UK and it’s incredibly hard to get mental health care over here at the moment. I’ve ended up paying thousands privately, and sadly I’m still in the same situation!
I am in Australia so we have dual public and private insurance health systems too.In addition, we have a pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) which keeps prices reasonable but not always affordable.
I have been on as much as 60mg of fluoxetine although am now down to 20mg. Have you tried bupropion? I find 300mg of bupropion together with a small 20mg dose of fluoxetine to be helpful
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