Posted by garylee on May 13, 2003, at 11:43:30
In reply to Help! I think I may be manic!, posted by Katia on May 8, 2003, at 3:28:25
Hi Katia
It sounds to me like your experiencing 'Hypomania' not full blown Mania. I believe in full blown mania you would probably be becoming psychotic after two weeks of it, also I'd say you would not have be sleeping AT ALL. I have seen Mania, and it is not a pretty sight...
As I read you post I instantly thought Bipolar II, like myself, and most probably SSRI induced!
I was initially constantly depressed, with occasional good days (perhaps very mild Hypomania?). My first proper go at an SSRI was Prozac. After 6 weeks I felt it wasn't doing much so I started to taper off, then BANG! Hypomanic for 3 - 4 weeks. Then came the inevitable crash back down to earth...
From experience (and many other BPII's would agree) SSRI's and Bipolar II do not mix, and there is tons of evidence pointing to this. My older brother was tried on every AD there is, all of which made him worse. They then tried two at once (can't remember what they were), this made him the worst he has ever been, and he has not really improved since. They have definitely messed up his brain for the foreseeable future.
In my opinion try sticking to mood stabilisers, and avoid anything with Serotonin action. Lamictal would be the first to try, it was a life saver for me.
Anyway good luck.
Gary
poster:garylee
thread:225051
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030505/msgs/226324.html