Is it possible to be both depressed and manic at the same time??

Has anyone else ever felt this way??

This is how I feel... both at the same time....

Frustrated...
Abbie

Guess not...

thanks anyway

That is called a mixed state. Dysphoria. They are defined by the DSM in brief in your exact words practically.

If you are on an antidepressant (other than Lamictal which is a stabilizing agent) generally it is safer to lower them, because they are activating. Usually the treatment is to up the moodstabilizer you are on, add a stabilizer, or add an antipsychotic. the latter option works the best for me ... calms me right the heck down. the sooner you are treated, the faster you will respond.

The best stabilizers for mixed states are Depakote and Trileptal. Lamotrigine is a good adjunct also because of its antidepressant properties.

Fewer individuals in mixed states respond to lithium than to the above two agents, however, per my reading, those few who do respond to lithium fare better - symptoms are resolved faster.

As far as AP's... my standby is olanzapine (Zyprexa) for a short term treatment, but it should not be given if you are already at a risk for diabetes, and as it is, i only use it for brief periods because it does make me gain weight fast. Seroquel also works but not as well. in both cases, moderate to high doses are needed for acute and breakthrough dysphoria typically (15-20mg Zyprexa, 600mg Seroquel given at night, or 400 at night 200 am). Here Geodon is not available but i would think it should be effective and does not carry the high diabetic risk Zyprexa does. I don't know the dosages offhand.

I would discuss these various options with your doctor if you are not on such a regime already, or if you are on lower doses.

i do hope you feel better soon. Mixed states are the worst of bipolar. Be safe. Post when you can if you need to vent. I can appreciate the frustration... an understatement even?

~ waves ~

p.s. looks like we cross posted... sorry i wasn't faster... trying to give you some info here.... chin up... it WILL resolve. it WILL, ok?

Abbie,
What's happening today?
Did you call the pdoc?
Sometimes I used to call to INFORM my pdoc that I had made an adjustment.

I can't believe that I accidently deleted my post from last night.
I'm a moron.

Here's what I said last night.


Have you made a recent med change?
I remember that mixed is horrible.
I used to describe it as the energy of mania combined with the low of depression.
Often, as Waves suggests, it is caused / aggravated by antidepressants.
It is a dangerous state.
Get a hold of the pdoc or make adjustments.

Mari

I have this problema nd have been diagnosed as having Bipolar I, mixed, etc. What usually happens is that I get so many thoughts and ideas in my head that I can't think of things outside ofmy own head, it almost seems like a berserk TV going on and on fromc hannel to channel. I won't be able to sleep, I will feel hypersexual and try to do many things at one time, but never what I am really supposed to be doing. I get irritated with everyone around me very easily. At the same time I will start to cry for no reason, feel no energy at all - then lots of energy. Feel sad and like have a preoccupation with dying, and then suddenly feel like I could do anything.
It makes me feel crazy - except for when ithappens and I don't notcie the episode ocming on (like I didnt this time). It also happens a lot. I am now on Lamictal, wellbutrin, abilify and risperdal. I am wonder if I shoudl get my doctor to stop the wellbutrin, I wonder if its causingme problems. I also tend to get on forums and also e-mail people long e-mails. I dont usually ever go on forums...unless I'm mixed or manic... so I guess y'all can guess where I'm at today

Hi,
Abilify can do that too.
I think it can be dose dependent.
Have you called the pdoc.
A mixed state counts as an emergency as far as I am concerned.
M.

Abbie,

How are you doing? Any better?

would you check in if you can please?

I am worried. Mixed moods while varied in their severity and characteristics, can escalate rapidly into dangerous situations. I believe Mari was thinking of the "strict" Mixed Episode definition... with full blown mania and deep depression... depending on features it can certainly be a medical emergency.

I do hope you are ok. Would like to hear from you. Even just a little peep if you can manage it... or let us know how you are, if you can manage that.

have you talked to your pdoc about this (pdoc himself, that is, as opposed to his office personnel or answering machine)?

Here's hoping you are better, or at worst, holding your own.

~ waves ~

my computer keeps knocking me off of here...

I had quite a bit written.... short story... I'm still here... not any better but holding on.

You know I'm having modem problems, get knocked off all the time.

If you can Abbie, just hit the Thank You, so we know you have been here.



( I keep writting out my replies on notepad, then copy and paste..then..whoosh...offline I go......)

Hi, Abbie,
I'm concerned because I remember mixed being positively awful.

I'm glad you say that you are a bit better and I appreciate your posting.

I hope that you get "more" better very soon.
Call one of the docs giving you the meds. One or two of your meds is ramping you up. Your pdoc is your best bet.

Mari