Living with Bipolar Disorder today is no different than say living with diabetes. First, it is very important to me to take my medication. It's not as if I become depressed in one day if I miss a dose, but like a diabetic that misses a dose of insulin, I'm playing catch up. Without a days meds, I can just "feel" it. If I do notice anything, it is usually anxiety and an unfounded kinda paranoia. I'm afraid I have left something undone, left the flat iron plugged in, left the oven turned on, or forgot to lock the door before going to bed: those types of things that you just can't shake. So, I DON'T MISS TAKING MY MEDS. Fortunately, I have never wrestled with not wanting to take medication as many Bipolars have- my meds are a huge part of my sanity. :)
It has taken many years and many psychiatrists to get to the right formula. The doctors had labeled me as drug resistant due to it seemed as nothing worked for more than 3-4 months. For years, down and depressed I would go. Changing the meds would come next, sometimes not for the better. During the worst of times, I slurred my speech, or was so drowsy I seemed drunk, or even had double vision so bad I had to patch one eye so I could function.
Thank you Dr Babu Rankunpali!!!! He found the cocktail that I have been on for 3 years now. Yes, I take a handful, but they work. Lamictal, Klonopin, Effexor, Topamax, and Abilify. My current doctor has stuck to Babu's theory. Make med changes VERY sparingly and slowly. Thank you too Dr Davis.
I can't say that being on meds is without its pitfalls. I literally can't read a book anymore. It puts me to sleep. And if I haven't had enough sleep the night before, I am so sleepy the next day, I can't stand it! Whenever I do a job that requires me to just sit and watch, I need toothpicks to keep my eyes open! Do you see a theme here......... the meds make me sleepy if I am not actively involved in doing something. The cure- sleep atleast 7 hours a night and stay busy!
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