A wonderful drug for bipolar anxiety

My bipolar related anxiety was starting to overwhelm me.The social anxiety was so bad I was tempted to diagnose myself with AVPD[AVOIDANT PERSONALITY DISORDER] MY DOC PUT ME ON SERTRALINE and now I am a party animal. I swear that drug was a miracle drug for me. I would use my last cent to buy it. I know that different people react to drugs in different ways but i would encourage anyone to give it a go. PS It took about 8 weeks to finally hit the sweet spot so if you do try it be patient.

I'm glad you've found something which helps with your bipolar related anxiety, as I know how awful it can be. However, I'd just exercise a word of caution which is that in people with bipolar, antidepressants (especially when prescribed without a mood stabiliser) can be risky, as they can push mood up into a high, or cause more rapid cycling. Pre diagnosis, when on just an antidepressant, I've had them do this to me, and have also had pdocs post diagnosis warn me of this issue.

I've been on Sertraline myself, though, in combination with a mood stabiliser and antipsychotic, and it was a lifesaver, pulling me out of a lengthy and nasty depression I'd been in, so I know how helpful it can be, but it also has its risks.

I don't want to take anything away from your positive experience, sammymaguire, but something in the way you now describe yourself as a 'party animal' reminded me of my own (hypo)mania, which like I said, can be provoked by this class of drugs. Just be careful and mindful of your mood, sleep, energy levels etc. while on this med, and let your pdoc know if you experience anything which could be indicative of a mood shift.

Hope this helps and doesn't come across as preachy, as that's not my intention at all. I hope your mood's stable and long may it last. Take care of yourself and sending hugs, if wanted.

I agree with everything you say and should have said it myself.I am also on Abilify maintena injectons and they are an excellent anti manic drug which seem to be keeping me safe. Thanks for your advice.

You're so welcome, sammymaguire. It's reassuring to hear you're also on an anti manic med and that it's keeping you stable. Wishing you all the best and long lasting stability, which is as anxiety-free as possible.

Ennui wrote:However, I'd just exercise a word of caution which is that in people with bipolar, antidepressants (especially when prescribed without a mood stabiliser) can be risky, as they can push mood up into a high, or cause more rapid cycling.

The only med I've ever liked was when they had me on Effexor for depression before they figured out I'm bipolar. Everything since then has been a nightmare... but I really enjoyed my Effexor induced perma-mania....

Oh yes, I well remember these high-flying days. Under the influence and in bad company. The sensation undoubtedly was nice, and I've been wasting some time using that specific time as some sort of desirable status quo. Be careful! Easy come, easy go.

Sertraline is a great drug. It kept me from depressing for a long time. Then I stupidly interrupted it and when they prescribed me it again, even on a low dosage, my mood skyrocketed and they took me off of it. SInce then I've been either unmedicated or medicated with antipsychotics, which have a shitload of side-effects and for me it isn't worth it. It might be worthy for others though.
I wish I could go back to sertraline but apparently I can't.