BPD2 and me

[Journeywithoutmaps]

Hi all, posting for the first time but looking forward to getting to know you all.

Just a bit about me, I've just been diagnosed with bipolar type 2, I've had it for around 10 years but have only just been diagnosed. I can't describe how much of a relief it's been to finally get the diagnosis. It's been like having something or someone on my shoulder all the time, constantly pulling me in different directions. It has affected relationships and my professional life but I have really good support around me and am now feeling like I'm going to move on to live a much happier and fulfilling life.

I was diagnosed 3 days ago and have been prescribed a low dose (50mg) of quetiapine. I felt it the next day instantly, I was groggy but much calmer and fluid (if that makes sense), I've found the mornings a bit tough to get out of bed but I feel much better in myself and dare I say it, 'normal' (if theres such a thing).

I already feel like the dose may need to be increased but lots of the urges I had before have seemingly gone.

What's everyone else's experience on quetiapine? I know everyone's different but my current response feels really good so keen to know what others think.

Live long and prosper and be excellent to one another (bill and ted reference for you all).

Journeywithoutmaps.

[Brannagh]

I'm on 200mg as a sleep med for chronic insomnia. A friend of mine is on it for schizophrenia and says that taking too much makes him groggy. If it's making you feel better that's awesome!! The grogginess will probably ease back as your system gets used to to the dose. I've found that taking a B12 in the morning helps with my energy. Not sure if it would help with the grogginess but it might. Check with your doctor.

[Journeywithoutmaps]

Nice one, @Brannagh. What's the chronic insomnia like? What happens in your sleep routine?

As part of BPD I've been struggling with sleep for years. More that I wake up every night at 2-3am and struggle to go back down. I'm still waking up on the quetiapine but I go back down in the end.

Your right, my system is levelling off the grogginess but I think I'll need to increase the dose. There's definitely a half life to this drug.

[MAS_Nurse]

Love the handle; love your attitude. Welcome to the community who I'm sure will share with you; reading your account gives out honesty and positivity already. I know several people who have been benefiting from Quetiapine over long periods but only you know how your feelings are...calmer...fluid already. Keep us posted!

[Journeywithoutmaps in reply to MAS_Nurse]

Thanks! I certainly will! It's an interesting medication, interested to see how it develops over time.

[Sarah1111111]

I found it worked wonders for my symptoms but I out on so much weight I. A month I came off it, however I was on a higher dose than you. Glad it seems to be working for you I hope it really helps

[Journeywithoutmaps in reply to Sarah1111111]

Interesting..do you know why you put the weight on? Were you hungrier than normal? I'm a little bit bigger than I want to be right now so am worried about slapping a ton of weight on. I wasn't looking after myself as well as I could with the condition, you know, boozing more than I should and then eating badly. I'm kind of hopeful that with the condition being better managed that it'll sort of level out. I need to get back in the gym...

[Sarah1111111 in reply to Journeywithoutmaps]

no not sure. I think I did eat more, it was a bit like I lost my impulse control, which is normally very strong. it hasn't doen me any harm in the long run ive lost most of it again. just something to be aware of might happen.

[Journeywithoutmaps in reply to Sarah1111111]

Cheers Sarah, muchos gracias

[Struggling777]

Loved your positive post. I'm sure it's a great relief to know what you're dealing with. all best wishes to you

[Journeywithoutmaps in reply to Struggling777]

And you, Crazylazy (love the name by the way!).

[bodaciousbovine]

I'm posting here because I have really appreciated your posts and don't really have a way to contact you directly. I've heard of that medication before and decided that it wasn't for me. I've heard that medication can be used different ways. I have a chronic sleep issues, something I don't want to go telling any employer. I think I know what it is and it was missed. A sleep disorder. I was on the phone getting records for it during a hurricane*. There's no reason you couldn't have more than one thing that the meds would affect. In my case, the type of groggy symptoms you describe did not get better, so I had to convince them to make changes. Your situation might be different and I encourage you to speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. I am not a licensed doctor and cannot dispense medical advice. The information you must be reading is informational only and it's not intended to replace frank discussion with your doctor. Take it or leave it. I'm really glad there are people like you on this forum.

[Journeywithoutmaps in reply to bodaciousbovine]

Yeah man, I like your disclaimer. Pretty jokes. I upped the dose to 100mg last night, doctor told me to do so. Went like a charm and actually I feel great. For me, the doc got the right diagnosis and the medication is literally changing my life in such a positive way.

It's like I've been living life whilst being colourblind and then been given the tools to see every colour again. It's pretty amazing really.

Yeah, employers + sleep disorders = a tricky one.

Some employers are amazing but with any of these issues which are still stigmatised too much in society, it's really tricky, you want people to know so they can help and support but you also don't want people to think of you differently. I haven't worked out that line as of yet.

What do you do for work? Work night shifts? (That's a joke but again I don't know the line yet).

Have you tried any tools for it? These guys are a start up and seem to be smashing it. Started in London but as they got more venture funding moved their main operation to San Fran to hit the employer market.

sleepio.com

It's got a ton of evidence and the NHS over here have snapped up licenses, I think.

Check out dude.

Be excellent to one another

Journeywithoutmaps.

[Faceinajar]

Hi journeywithoutmaps ☺ Good to meet you ☺ I only joined recently myself.I was interested in your story ,as lately I've begun to see Bipolar tendencies in myself.Can you please define Bipolar 2 for me ? I came here looking for people to talk to about my condition ( M/E ) which , along with other factors, led to depression. I'm Very happy to say however that I am in an "up" mood atm.& Long May it last 😆.Look forward to hearing from you if you'd like to chat.Tc x