Rapid Cycling
Hi all,
I’m currently reintroducing my regular mood stabilizer, Lamictal, after a health issue forced me to change my dosages. I’m on about 35-40% of what I usually take.
In the past two weeks, I have experienced physical depression and quickly changing moods. From stable to anxious to hyper to depression, 2 or 3 times a day. Im exhausted. I am Bipolar type II.
Is it normal to experience these cycles when your medicine isn’t quite right? My disorder is defined by depressions typically, but was diagnosed after experiencing hypomania. I’m very uncomfortable right now, but am not in crisis. I know as I get back to my normal dose things will improve.
Just seeking validation, honestly. Thank you ❤️
@marytodd11
Hi Mary, I can't help with medication questions, just checking in on how you are doing now. Did you find some answers?
I couldn't really confirm medication questions, but I could share my experiences with my past medications. Hopefully it could help in some way by helping you not feel alone in those med problems. You did mention validation. :)
disclaimer: I am not a psychiatrist or a mental health professional. I propose expressing your concerns to one if you experience unusual symptoms. They are knowledgeable on the matter more than I do. :)
I did experience that too. Especially when my psychiatrist made me drink an unpopular mood stabilizer (forgot the name). i felt dizzy everyday, and my period stopped for months. I also gained weight. I have been eating like crazy. My sleep was too much since I also felt lethargic and unable to concentrate on anything even the most mundane tasks.
My latest one which is Litcab Lithium did the opposite almost all of my previous side effects. I got I felt blank for the first 2 weeks. i couldn't do work. But it got better after a while. But I had no appetite and I almost got dehydrated which caused me unexpected weight loss. But it went into hypomania for quite some time for me. I urinate frequently and my moodswings are crazy. I almost killed myself on a two-step stairs due to walking with weak muscles, causing balance problems (I hope I didn't scare ya here). My sleep has been whack this time, my mind goes from blank to speedy. Especially when triggers are present.
For Lamictal, I haven't tried that one since no one prescribed me that yet.
But since we have different bodies, it may or may not still vary. That is why, it might be better if we talk to our psychiatrists within the nearest session we can possibly book to address those symptoms :)
Hi I am rapid cycler too and I have been in a depressive episode for more than a week and it’s been hard.
i haven’t found right meds that suit me so it is exhausting
it’s been 5 years since I haven’t been able to work or study
will I ever get better?