The stress I've been under is really getting to me. I'm having symtoms that are strange to describe. Kind of worked up mania, paranoria, and depressed upon waking up from a night's sleep. I was like this last week also and ended up increasing my loxatane and then felt better in a few days. Last night I took a muscle relaxer it knocked me out before I could take my pysch meds. Getting to the pdoc is a problem and since I just got him I doubt he'll talk by phone to me. I know the routine though like I did last week with the increase. I just can't take all this stress I'm under. I'm fighting with my landlord and Voc. Rehab, broke up with the guy I was seeing, and a couple of friends have dropped out of my life. I had a good neighbor who use to come over every night and we had a good time and now he's not living here anymore. My pain sometimes keeps me from doing things. I'm sure the pain is worse due to the stress. There are things I can not say where I live and I need to say them to someone. I worry what is going to become of me.

befuddled2

I'm sorry you're going through such a rough time right now befuddled2. It stinks to have so much on your plate to deal with like it sounds like you've got. I hope things get better for you soon.

i am sending you hugs. It is awful to be lonely and because we are bipolar it just gets intensified. You are such a good person I think one of your goals is to cherish yourself! If you cherish yourself, you will send out vibrations to others and attract really somebody special to share things with.
Once you feel better, maybe there is some group you can join where the people are kind and giving like you and maybe you will find someone.
I am under a lot of stress too but I can hardly leave my apartment. Don't fall into that trap!
Bobby

Thank you Pam and Bobby.

Bobby, yes cherishing myself is one of my goals and I've got to learn to do that again. I miss going to my counselor I use to see but I gave her up when she talked to Voc Rehab when I did not know it.

I have a headache really bad today so I'll stay close to the house but hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to go to class. I also am thinking about going to the WW meetings.

befuddled

Dear Befuddled,

Trying to see the pdoc and modifying your med dose sounds like a good idea.

You've got a lot to deal with. I wish you could find more pleasure in your life -- more places to draw strength from.

Mari

Thank you Mari, the clinic's pdoc had me adjusting my loxatane anywhere from 30 mg to 50 depending on my state. I would probably have to get my current doc to prescribe it to me like that again as I've been on 30 forever it seems.

befuddled2

Dear Barbara, Maybe it is time to try a newer medication?
Do you think that your medication is not working well?

Quote:

Antipsychotic are classified as typical and atypical Typical Antipsychotics. These were the first drugs to treat psychosis and schizophrenia in the 1950s. They are also referred to as conventional ot first generation antipsychotics. Typical antipsychotics are very effective but have worrisome side effects especially tardive dyskinesia. The typical antipsychotics are relatively inexpensive and are still used. Typical Antipsychotics include: chlorpromazine (Thorazine) haloperidol ( Haldol) trifluopeazine (Stelazine) Thioridazine (Mellaril) fluphenazine (Prolixin) molidone (Moban) thiothixene (Navane) loxapine (Loxatane) perphenazine (Trilafon) mesoridazine (Serentil) Atypical Antipsychotics These are the newer antipsychotic drugs that are equally effective but have fewer side effects then the typical antipsychotics. They are also referred to as second generation. Clozapine was the first atypical antipsychotic introduced in the US in 1990. The risk of TD is said to be ten times less with these new medications. Atypical antipsychotics are the drug of choice in the US. They are very effective but are also expensive. They are the drugs of choice in the US. As time goes on however, we are learning that the atypical antipsychotic drugs also have significant side effects. There continues to be growing concern about weight gain, metabolic syndrome and endocrine changes. Atypical Antipsychotics include: ziprazodone (Geodon) risperdone (Risperdal) quetiapine (Seroquel) olanzepine (Zyprexa) aripiprazole (Abilify) is the latest antipsychotic medication to hit the market. It is said to be different from the others in that it balances dopamine levels in the brain rather then simply decreasing it.

Dear Befuddled,

Are you feeling a bit better from the increase in medication yet? Did things sort themselves out?

M.

Thank you Bizi for all the information. My new pdoc says since I've been on the same medicine for so long it would not be a good idea to change.

Mari, I am feeling better but more doped up. I didn't drive all weekend on count of being doped up but got out today, or yesterday rather. (Monday)

befuddled2