Hi,
How are you today?
I was talking to my friend Stef the other day. She is a teacher in high school.
She was telling me that there are so many rumors around her school that circulate among the kids.
She says that it starts with one kid telling another kid who tells another kid who tells another kid
who tells another kid.
After a while one story winds up turning into something totally different.
Sounds kind of like the old “telephone game” we played as children, doesn’t it?
I see this happen with bipolar disorder as well.
I see people who heard from someone who heard from someone who heard from someone that a certain medication for bipolar disorder is bad.
I’ve also heard the opposite.
That someone who heard from someone who heard from someone that a certain medication for bipolar disorder
is good.
Well, which is it? Bad or good?
It can be so confusing, can’t it?
If you listen to someone else, instead of your own doctor, who knows what’s best for you,
you might do the wrong thing for yourself and your stability with your bipolar disorder.
I usually hear these things at the support groups I volunteer at.
This person thinks that their medication is the greatest, and that everyone should be on it.
Well, you should be warned about this, because what works for one person doesn’t work for another person, and especially not for EVERY person!
And this person definitely shouldn’t be saying something like that.
And, again, the opposite is true.
Maybe one person had a bad experience with a certain medication.
So that person tells everyone they talk to that this certain medication is bad.
Not just for them, but for EVERYONE!
And that NO ONE should take this medication!
This is one of the things I teach in my courses/systems – that only your doctor is qualified to prescribe your medication, and that you shouldn’t listen to anyone else tell you what is best for you.
SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
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HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
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Well, first of all, what this person is doing is wrong.
And second of all, what if this person tells that person, and that person tells another person, and so on and so on?
Pretty soon, what might be a good medication for someone, they’re refusing to take, just because this one person said it’s a bad medication!
You can’t just take one person’s word on a medication.
What works for one person may not work for you.
And what doesn’t work for one person may work great for you!
You just have to check with your own doctor.
Remember that these people are only people with bipolar disorder.
They are NOT doctors!
Have you ever had this experience?
Have you ever heard someone do this?
Have you ever listened, or seen someone else listen?
Tell us about it below.
Post responses below.
Thank you for all your daily support. My daughter was diagnosed with bipolar disorder two years ago. I get so much insight through your emails and website and have shared so much with my daughter.
Keep up the good work!
My husband has bipolar disorder and was seeing our regular MD for it for the past 7 years, and tried many different medications. When the mediciation he was taking stopped working we thought it was time to see a physchiatrist. Now this doctor put him on Neurotin which is an anti-convulsion meds. sometimes used for Bipolar. Well the dose was not working so he increased it, again and again. My husband is now taking 3200 mg. which from everything I read is about 3 times higher then most people take. This doc. insists it’s going to work just give it more time. Two months have gone by with no results. I suggested perhaps this is not the one that will work for my husband that what works for one doesn’t always work for all. The doctor just to be clear the physchiatrist insisted this is going to work. I think he is putting my husband at risk with this type of thinking. In my opinion it is time for a new doctor.
So even a doctor should know that whats good for one is not necessaryily good for another or vicea versa.
Thanks Dave for letting me speak out here.
I made the mistake of asking my NP to switch my antipsychotic, because its manufacturer was being sued. So, she weaned me off Zyprexa and on to Seroquel.
BIG mistake. The first 3 months I was on it were a literal HELL. I couldn’t think; I could hardly get out of bed to do ANYTHING. I went back to my NP, and she said, “Do you feel ‘drained’?” I said that was the PERFFECT description. She said that SOMETIMES Seroquel CAN work that way on SOME people, and we changed, and went back on the Zyprexa. I’ve been FINE ever since.
Dave makes a VALID point. Just because there MAY be something a little “off” about a medication, doesn’t mean you have to change it. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – go with what works for YOU, not your neighbor. Usually, your psychiatrist knows you well enough that they are able to prescribe the RIGHT “cocktail” that will work for you…
BIG HUGS to all bipolar survivors and those who love us. May God bless you real good. I pray for my country.
This is so true! I stayed away from lithium for 2 years after listening to others. I finally agreed tp try it after many unsuccessful medications. Can you believe it? This has been the best drug for me so far.
Ann, some people say Neurotin is a placebo. I took Lithium for 15 years and was switched to Neurotin 6 or 7 years ago and my side effects trimmers, weight gain, et al , subsided. I have more hypo mania now then the years I was on Lithium but when I’m “normal” life is better without the side effects.
I have a lot of professional and family support and that is what saves me. Following great doctors advise.
That’s my story.
acg
Hi David
I know something that is good for everyone and has no adverse side effects………………………….the Holy Spirit. Give Him a try. I did and I have been free of all psychiatry since 1995.
Every blessing.
Jacqui <
Hi Anne,(acg)
I’m not saying Neurotin doesn’t work for many, but my husband doesn’t happen to be one of them or at least it doesn’t seem that way yet. Are you taking anywhere near his dose of 3200 mg? The high dose is what worries me.
Thanks.
Dave;
Their is NO MEDICINE for the treatment of BP, BP the Disorder is entirly Iatrogenic via Polypharmacy as ALL know.
The “Medications” you PUSH are ALL BAD, ALL cause Brain Damage. To the Frontal lobe, the Hippicampus, the Cerebrium. Damage to these areas, CAUSES BD which manifests itself in ALL the behaiviours listed in the self written, ever Growing Ever changing “psychiatrists” Bible, the DSM.
Proven Scientific FACT Davo.
WHICH “MEDICINES” HAVE YOU TRIED dAVE, & FOR WHAT pERIOD?
AS ALL WHO PUSH YOU ONLY EVER REGERGITATE THE PROPAGANDA FED TO YOU BY YOUR EMPLOYER THE DRUG CARTELS.
GET A LIFE.
Anne:
The “psych meds” are “trialed for 4 to 6 Weeks ONLY. The results are Kulled & “Tweeked”, so as to show “benifit” slightly higher than the Placaebo. Yes Placebo, if only they pushed the Placebo, for the Mind is so Powerful it can heal all.
The Power that created the Mind Body & Soul, of course that same Power can Repair or Destroy it.
The Drug cartells Pay Millions for Fast “approval” those who sit on the pannel to “approve” these Vule TOXIC chemical concoctions are Paid A Huge sum, & work for the Drug Cartells, thus all is “approved.”
When the Mainstreem is alloe=wed to properly test the Drugs, the “New Safer” ones PROVE to be Far more DETREMENTAL to the whole Organism at FAR lower Doses than is “Recomended theripudic.” (That is what we R called in “psychiatry” Books.
Suzanne:
I agree Seroquell is far stronger than Zyprexa, therefore FAR WORSE. It is NEWER.
There are 2 Families of Drugs used in “psychiatry.” TRANQUILIZERS “ANTIPSYCHOTICS” AND ANTICONVULSIVIES. Which a quack “psychiatrist” wanted me to take to cover the tremmour from an OD she had me on of Lithium, 2000mg Daily.
Elli Lilly Zyprexa manufacturer was sued for LIES.
The whole GENOCIDAL CULT which calls itself “psychiatry” is FRAUDULANT. THE DRUG CARTELS JUST SUPPLY THE TRILLION $ DEMAND…
Hows this for a “co-incidence:
Lillys 2nd biggest earner are Diabeties Meds, Zyprexa is PROVEN to CAUSE Diabeties, as well as BRAIN DAMAGE!
I know Good Fellows, I have been Force Fed this ROT for 9 Years, my mind was GONE the 1st day on the TOXINS.
Cannot think, read get out of Bed…
That my dear is what TRANQUILIZERS R FOR.
ALL R affected the same.
What do all of you mean by right cocktail, their ALL tranquilizers!
Wake up, thats the OLD “Chemical imballence” NONSENCE.
Big Hugs Suzi.\
ANN:
None of it is ANY Good for the “consumer” or the Nation.
You see Love in order to get out of the institution, or to have the Garbage lowered. We MUST AGREE with the quack.
“I was wery unwell….. I am much better now….. Thank you.”
Thats it, their proof. They record it. You will NEVER leave ANY psych institution B4 they record this.
QEB (Who benifits):
The one to make the “diagnosis & the Drug Cartels they serve.
Why cannot the Drug Cartals make a drug that makes folk feel good?
Obviously MORONS NOT Chemists industrial or otherwise. It could still Kill the Mind, but hey?
Kate:
David Oliver has NO insight, he studies only Propaganda, he is only here to push “his books” & the “psychiatric” Cult of Genocide he follows, oh & to push Drugs for the Big Guys.
SIMPLE.
HI GUYS AM BACK………….
Been camping al speak tomorro cos am naked
Take Care Linda.
I’m being billed by Leverage $19.95 a month on my credit card. I’ve written them asking that they cancel whatever this represents. I haven’t a clue, but I am becoming irate. If I’d received anything I could return, I’d do it.
As soon as I receive some sort of satisfaction I’ll probably cancel receiving your daily message even though I find much of what you have to say helpful.
delphine
Since his last big episode just over a year ago, my boyfriend has been on zyprexa in addition to lithium and effexor, which he was taking before. Since then he has gained 3-1/2 st in weight and seems to have lost any interest in having any sort of fun. He never wants to go out anymore or do anything interesting. Zyprexa has considerably lowered his libido, though we still have good sex occasionally (I suppose I should appreciate quality over quantity). I’m frustrated with never socialising together. He has a terrible anxiety and fear of going into another (manic) episode. The worst thing is that since taking anti-psychotics he has a lot more (thankfully short) depressive episodes. His doc and psych say that zyprexa is working fine for him. I see him more often than his doc or his psych do, and know that he is not happy. Or does it improve over time? He has been on lithium since he was diagnosed with bipolar 10 years ago.
Dave, I doubt that this will be posted, but again I shall say what is on my heart. I am a long time survivor. I sucessfully dealt with my illness for 30 years with maybe 10 flair ups during the entire time. I think I was hospitolized once during that time. I was in and out of the unit within a day or two. Living with manic-depression is no picnic. Even with medication, if the right coctail can be found, you must be very vigilent with your wellness routine. There is no majic pill that will make you “normal”, whatever that is. God made us special for a reason, we just need to find out what that is. Trying to fit into a round peg hole when you do not and cannot fit, hurts! Find your nitch in life. Something special you are talented at. When He allows special people to be gifted with Bi-Polar, he also blesses them with some kind of extraordinary talent. Find out what it us….get training if necessaary……….then go out and bless this world with your special talent. God Bless and keep all of you supporters and survivors. I pray you all find ways to cope with this. Life is meant to be savoured, not endured. Go out there and savour life. Thanks for letting me say my peace to all. tina
Hi Dave
What I don’t understand is people who have to same bipolar like me, I have bipolar 1, why the meds depend on the person. If it’s the same disorder would not you think that the same meds would work for people with that disorder. I have wanted to know this question for two years and no one can give me an answer. If someone knows and can explain the reason please let me know.
🙂
i my self went through many meds to get my adhd in control, i find the same with my son. if we switch a med its only done on weekends so i can watch carefully how he reacts
hear in florida we recently had a seven yo commit suicide who was on bp and adhd meds. i was horrified! the boy was abused and in foster care so he was not supervised like he should have been. im sure his crack mom and abusive boyfriend will sue to get money which makes it sadder,
Im so glad I have a great school ,Dr. and counsiler to help me. Not to mention all your e mails for support THANK YOU!!!!
What’s even worse is for family & friends to make comments like:
1. I’m more Bipolar than you.
2. You don’t have anything wrong, you just want attention.
These comments come alive in our heads & cause us to start thinking that maybe we are okay & don’t need our meds!
STOP – it’s because we ARE taking our meds and the meds ARE working; if not – the other person could not make those comments.
They are trying to describe us as acting like “normal” people do.
HELLO – isn’t that the goal? So keep taking your meds.
Maybe those making the comments should seek professional help to rule out an illness causing them to feel this way
Hello, family. My name is Lynn and I’m a recovering alcoholic; I also live w/Bipolar II Depression on a DAILY basis. There is alot of talk around the A.A. rooms like,
‘you’re not sober if you take (blank) medication,’ and the like. Some members, unfortunately and sadly, have listened to this, and have made the ultimate sacrifice, by taking their own lives. I’ve been diagnosed w/major depression and been on meds since ’92. My treatment team designated me as Bipolar II in the last yr., cuz of the frequency of my hospitalizations, and how suicidal I was this last time: I ‘ALMOST’ lost my will to live. I read ea. and every of these emails, and have rec’d much support from them. I respond when something ‘strikes a chord,’ as it did tonite. By the way, I’ve been sober since 10/22/79, and, if I weren’t sober, I could have been successful in taking my own life, by now. Being sober enables me to keep a ‘daily conscious contact w/a Power Greater than myself,’ and be able to handle my bipolar illness, One Day @ A Time. Thanks for letting me share. Keep up the good work, Dave and team, and glad you’re feeling better, too.
Lynn Sawyer
Assume people in support groups have the best intentions. It’s human nature to want to save someone else the suffering you have endured, or to share information that helps you.
In fact, unqualified medical advice is everywhere. It is not just another “bad behavior” to attribute to folks with bipolar disorder.
It is critical to remember a physician is the only person qualified to help people with a medication regimine, yes! But the key is that the listener screens any information he hears, not that the giving of advice is “wrong,” or that it should be censored.
Lastly, keep in mind that the physician writes the prescriptions, not the patient or anyone attending a support group.
There is no logical link between some support group members “bad-mouthing” a medication and a tragic, all-encompasing rash of refusals that keep people from getting the medicine they need.
Even if someone were absolutely convinced, based upon what a handful of people said in a support group meeting, that they should/should not take a particular medication, the person can’t just go get medicine on his own anyway, right?
And if a medicine is working for that person, he is unlikely to be affected by someone else who says it’s no good.
Any psychiatrist will stress that no medication should be stopped suddenly, or without consulting him or her first. So even in the event that a person feels very, very strongly that they should stop a presumably “bad” medication they are already taking, most patients already know not to do so on their own.
If the psychiatrist suggests trying a medication that has been “slammed” in a support group, the two should discuss these concerns. Typically there is a trial period with any new med in order to observe any side-effects and to evaluate its effectiveness.
But I don’t believe those who advocate one medicine over the other are doing something that should be forbidden. Such topics are indeed raised because folks want support, as well as wanting to help out.
Pushing the idea of a good or bad medication oversteps the bounds, but it doesn’t cause people to forgo needed treatment. No one in a support group has the power to make someone lose out just because they expressed an overzealous opinion.
well i was recently diagnosed with bi polar and i have my appt. to talk to a doctor aboat getting me on medication. I am to so confused on weather to take them or not one person say to go ahead with it and the other says dont do that to myself. Im starting to doubt my illness and think that maybe im not bi-polar its just the things that i have been threw in my life causing me to act like i do. i have been to hell and back! so i am so confused about the whole bi-polar issue and taking medications.
I have tried them all…all of the antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazapines, mood stabilizers…all of them. None of them really work. The only difference between the drugs is the side effects.
I have found that Oxycontin, Percocet, which are opiates,have greatly reduced my physical and emotional pain. However, I have to take more than what has been prescribed. I fall asleep driving, my judgment is impaired, but they work..believe it or not Now, I have stated mixing the drugs with alcohol, which intensifies the effects of the pills. My doctor told me that I will end up dead over a unintentional drug overdose, but, as I told him, “all the better.” Accidental suicide sounds okay by me.
hi david, how are you today??
i enjoy your daily e-mails…very little new information, very GOOD reminders, and your upbeat attitude helps me everyday. i have been “at this” 39 years. it took almost 11 years to get a correct diagnosis. you & i have been down many of the same roads.
i want to address your e-mails about medication. you are spot on! i NEVER discuss which meds are “working” or which were giving me side effects KNOWING it may not work well forever OR may be completely different for another patient. the PEARL OF WISDOM i got from a phychopharmacologist (psychiatrist w/current pharmacists’ license) was “when i get a patient with such chemical sensitivity i try real low doses. it’s amazing how many times i’ve tried that and actually got theraputic serum levels.” A LIFE SAVER FOR ME!!
thought i’d pass it along with kudos for the work you do. i have some idea of what you’ve been through.
keep on truckin!
-m.r. from TX