by dingbat13 » Tue May 25, 2021 12:38 pm
I have had bipolar mood disorder since my teen years. I was not diagnosed until my early forties (I'm going to be 55 in June). My first diagnosis was depression, but I was having a problem with antidepressants not working well. When I took two different antidepressants, I had more trouble, and my PCP stated he thought I may be bipolar, and suggested a psychiatrist, who did come to the conclusion I have bipolar mood disorder. After trying a few combinations of medication, we found that Geodon, benztropine and wellbutrin worked for me. The first med prescribed to me was Lamictal, and I had an allergic reaction to it. The skin on my hands was blistering and peeling. My psychiatrist immediately took me off it. So if your skin does that, let your psychiatrist know.
I've been mostly stable for several years. Recently, I started having problems, but I couldn't figure out if I was manic or depressed. My psychiatrist added a small dosage of Abilify, which seems to be helping. I've been doing well emotionally for about a month now.