A Reader Question for Julie Fast
I just received a comment from Reanna about her rapid cycling that won’t stop. I have been there so I understand! She asked a question about bipolar disorder treatment. Here is the question and my answer:Julie,Reading your posts has been very helpful–thank you! I have been having a horrible time with “mixed episodes” in where I will be up for a few hours, then out of no where, boom, I am down, then up, then down! My dr. ordered blood tests, but any suggestions on coping methods until the tests kick in?Reanna
Hi Reanna, Oh yes, I certainly understand. I have done that rapid cycling. It’s hard to get all of the terms straight with this illness! When you go up and then down- that is rapid cycling. A lot of rapid cycling. We are similar. I can have five or more mood swings a day. I always say it makes me feel like a rag doll someone is throwing up in the air over and over again!A mixed episode (also called dysphoric mania) is not up and down in discrete mood swings- it means that you are depressed and manic at the same time- which is also called dysphoric mania. The best way to describe this is that instead of the rag doll being thrown up and down, it’s begin yanking from all sides. It hurts inside and out!
It’s interesting that you’re getting a blood test- that is always important. It is used to rule out thyroid problems as well as to check the levels of meds you may be on such as checking lithium levels. There is no blood test for bipolar disorder. One day there will be!Also, if you have rapid cycling like this- it’s rarely a good idea for you to take anti depressants- and if you ever do, they absolutely must be with a strong mood stablizer such as Lithium, Tegretol or Depakote- or with an anti psychotic such as Zyprexa, Risperdal or Serequel- you can take them with Lamictal- but Lamictal is often not strong enough to hold back the rapid cycling caused by anti depressants. Also, anti depressants in people with rapid cycling have a chance of causing suicidal episodes. I just went through this with Zoloft! I’m glad you have a doctor to help you with this!
These drugs help- but they can have a lot of side effects- so the right combination at the right dose is essential.As for tips, I really love my Health Cards Treatment Plan, but as you are going up and down so much- I think that Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder is your best choice for now. It has a lot of explanation, but also a lot of tips. It’s an easy read. Remember, even if you just implement a few changes- you can get a lot better. I use my treatment plan every day- and I stay well enough to have a good life. You can defintely do the same!
Julie
There is more information on rapid cycling and mixed mania in the categories to your right.
Julie:
Thank you for your prompt response and advise. I already take 900mg of lithium daily-reason for blood tests. It just seems the ups and downs are happening so much more often than before. I do a “gratitude box” every day, which has inspirational slips that I carry and read every day, but lately it does not seem to help. I am feeling almost desperate to just have one day without all these ups and downs. It has been going on for about 3 months now. Any ideas on how long this emotional roller coaster is going to last??