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Mood spectrum Depression, many questions :/

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Posted 2/24/2019 10:38 AM (GMT -5)
4 weeks ago - my MDD/GAD was rediagnosed as Bipolar Mood Spectrum Disorder. (Essentially this is Bipolar without Mania or Hypomania.)

I would have rapidly cycling depression and anxiety (10-14 days of feeling fine, then 7-10 days of feeling like hell) this cycle was pretty consistent.

I've been on Zoloft for 6 months but they added Lithium as a mood stabilizer.

The first 23 days on Lithium were great. I thought I was finally going to be ok. Then on Thursday the symptoms came crashing back. I am trying to push through without going back to the hospital but it is tough. Yesterday and today have been somewhat better but still a lot of depression and anxiety.

Any words of wisdom out there. Anybody with a somewhat similar diagnosis?

Thanks so so much
Posted 2/24/2019 10:50 AM (GMT -5)
Hi Goldengoose,

I don't have bi-polar as you do, at least not diagnosed with it. Though I think I can have anger issues from time to time. My sister is bi-polar though and my mother was. So it runs in the family.

If the lithium worked for awhile maybe you need more. Saying that like with antidepressants, often we feel good then need to adjust and add more. But you got a taste of feeling good for a short period of time. Maybe it can be better again. Have you talked to the doctor about it yet?

Do you see a psychiatrist? I have a psychiatrist and a psychologist for therapy. Both help so much.

I hope you feel better soon GG.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 2/24/2019 11:41 AM (GMT -5)
Karen, with Lithium they basically put you on a dosage that will get you into the therapeutic range (.8-1.2) since I am in that range I cannot take any more. My hope with the Lithium is that after 4 weeks it still needs more time to be fully effective. From what I've heard thats 6-8 weeks or even longer. (It works much quicker for mania then depression)

I do have a psychiatrist and therapist who are both a big help but recently my psychiatrist has been a little tough to get a hold of...
Posted 2/24/2019 12:10 PM (GMT -5)
That always stinks when it is hard to get ahold of a doctor. I take it that you are still taking the lithium then. I hope it works better again for you. Do you think maybe the Zoloft needs tweaking? Maybe that could help. I take abilify which is also for bi-polar. But it is a mood stabilizer for me and it helps me not to think a lot. Which is something I often do.

I really hope that your meds work for you. And that feeling good was a preview of what is yet to come. Hang in there. I am glad you are posting because it helps. I hope you get more feedback besides mine.

Have a good day!

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 2/24/2019 12:58 PM (GMT -5)
I'm currently taking the max dosage of Zoloft which I think may be making the condition worse. I believe once my psychiatrist gets me to the point of not having these depressive attacks be so bad he may try to taper me down off some of the dose. I think Lamictal may be the better choice along with Lithium due to it's ability to help with bipolar depressive bouts. (As it seems that the mood stabilizers may be what ends up working with me)
Posted 2/24/2019 4:44 PM (GMT -5)
Welcome GG

DOC may try some like lamictal or another mood stabilizer.

Right down how the zoloft makes you feel and the time table. If it gets real bed call the office and tell them you want to take half the does till you see the doc.

It is nerve wracking, but you must find the strength to be your own advocate!

Peace and strength
Trina
Posted 2/24/2019 5:46 PM (GMT -5)
I have posted on bi polar forum HT
Posted 2/25/2019 5:35 PM (GMT -5)
Thank you HT!
Peace
Trina
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