When is it time to switch meds?

Hi all. I'm new here. Last year my DR told me I have bipolar disorder and looking back at my life and my horrible mood swings I can definitely see that. Also, my little sister has it. I have been on Effexor for 2 years (the first year was thought to be hormonal mood swings/PMDD) and last year Abilify was added. First off Effexor seems to help. I seem more stable when I'm on it. I don't have so many ups and downs. However I HATE when I miss a dose. I know I'm not supposed to but I have 3 kids 5 and under and some days it gets a little nuts. If I go 24 hours without it in my system I feel like I'm extremely hungover and my whole world spins a bit. It's an awful feeling and it scares me that a medication is messing with my brain that much. I've gone through a lot the last few months. We've moved (husband is in the Army), we're stuck in a temporary tiny house for 4 months until a house that fits our family opens up (next month thank goodness!), and I've gained 20 pounds in just 4 months. I don't know if it's all that that is making me depressed. I'm sure it doesn't help. But I am seriously starting to feel depressed. I can't get up in the morning. I just want to sleep. I just feel like I'm sinking lower and lower. I haven't missed any dosages lately so I'm just wondering if I need to get in to see the Doc and get meds switched? I'm on 150mg of Effexor and I don't know if I want to go any higher. The drug seriously freaks me out. Is there another med that would be better that I should ask about? I honestly don't know if the Abilify does anything. When I first started taking it I would forget here and there and noticed no difference in my mood. I just don't know if I should hold off on worrying about med switching until we move again and see if I brighten up or if this is attributed to my bipolar depression coming out and I need to be seen. I would love some opinions and also med suggestions. Thanks in advance!

You sound pretty down.
Effexor is part of my breakfast of champions. Your doctor will know best if it is time to change it, or just give you more.

How grown up is your oldest child? If you left out a loaf of sliced bread and jam, could he fix toast and jam for his brother and sister?

Are there any "mothers and tot" sessions at the local rec centre where you could have a swim and a sauna while your kids are looked after in a play room? Or a nearby church might have something similar... Tea for the moms while the wee ones are supervised in a different room?

Three kids under 5 is a handful for anyone, let alone someone with mental illness. But you can do it. And if you can't, other arrangements can be made if you end up in hospital for a few days rest.
That was what my friend's doctor called it when she was hospitalized for a week. Brief hospitalization was pivotal in her recovery and starting a new life.

Take care,

Thanks for the reply. My little ones are 5 year old twins and an almost 4 year old. Not quite old enough to do toast on their own but they are slowly playing on their own and letting me sleep in here and there. Sleeping in = 7am. LOL The twins start kindergarten next fall so I'll have a little more time for "me time". Hoping to get some exercise in and give me some of those happy endorphins. I guess I should make an appointment with the Doc and see what she thinks. Thanks again for your reply.

Honestly, you will probably be a little overweight for the most part until you find a drug that doesn't make you so hungry all the time. It is because no matter how much you eat, you still get hungry. Also, don't worry about the drugs at first, after a few years, and when you find a drug, (yes you must experiment) that works the best for you, you will not have any complaints that you have now. I really hope that you can find the drug for you that works that way. The drug that works that way for me is Risperdal. I stay within my weight range, and I am not drowsy.

So hang in there. Find that drug!!! that works!!!

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