New Treatment For Bipolar Disorders

This discusses the use of "off label" meds such as Topamax which has worked wonders for me and even causes weight loss instead of the usual weight gain. I found it very interesting.

http://www.toddlertime.com/med/new-bipolar-treatment.htm

Interesting article....thanks for posting that for us!!

Thanks for diving right in here Michelle. I think Terry's on Topomax isn't she

Good article Michelle. Thanks It's a learning process but I never new it could be like this

Yes I am on Topamax for the seizures and bipolar; I hope the med specialist keeps it that way

Got a call from Mom this morning that a dear BP friend of mine in the town we used to live in had committed suicide a couple of days ago. She had just seen her shrink last week...no warnings...no notes. Mom was so upset..as was I. This is what I tried to explain to my Mom is the biggest danger for BP's...we don't make big plans. BP's have the highest success (If you want to call it that) rate for suicide than any other mental health issue because of the impulsiveness of our disease. When I had my suicide attempt..the thought came to me so strong and overwhelming..I just acted on it. This is why it's so important to have a strong support system, be compliant with our meds, and to know our triggers and be aware. I won't let myself get into the danger zones anymore. I told Mom that I still will get very strong suicidal thoughts, usually when someone hurts me. There's no rhyme or reason to them, and I have to be very strong and do a lot of self talk through them. I'm wondering what other BPers go through?

I've had them Michelle and I spent days in a psych ward because I was so manic. I finally told my mom to take me. I used to cut but I don't do that any more. Ever since I got Spook, with Terry's help, I feel wanted and needed.


I'm so sorry about your friend Michelle. I'm learning the warning signs. And if I get the urge, I call my pdoc day or night. I just love her

I'm learning the warning signs. And if I get the urge, I call my pdoc day or night. I just love her [/quote]
No need to feel redfaced Baby Girl

I'm so glad you're learning the warning signs and that you have your Spook. My dogs are so important to me. They're like people sometimes, and they recognize my moods. I laugh so much at them, and when I'm down, I can hug them and cry in their fur.

When I'm down Bud has learned to get me a But out of the frig

Seriously, if anyone is ever suicidal or has the urge, I beg of you too call a hotline or take yourself to the ER. I've lost a buddy, gun shot in the mouth, and I still haven't gotten over it.

Doc Mike wrote:

When I'm down Bud has learned to get me a But out of the frig

Seriously, if anyone is ever suicidal or has the urge, I beg of you too call a hotline or take yourself to the ER. I've lost a buddy, gun shot in the mouth, and I still haven't gotten over it.

Great advice, Mike! Feeling hopeless is such a strong emotion and can hit people all of a sudden, especially people with BP. When I attempted suicide, there was no planning or pre-thought. It hit me and I acted. I've made so much progress in the 8 years since then, and have a contract for living with my doc. I take this very serioiusly.
I love you guys!

I am soo sorry about your friend; it is such a sad thing and you are so right about it being such a serious part of our disease.
I have live with such thoughts for so long; I tried once and failed. I decided that if I couldn't get it right the first time there was no sense in trying again. I still have the thoughts, but have found the strength and means to talk myself out of it for the last 12 years. Since Jack's been back in my life the thoughts are not as much, but still there. I just don't ever talk about them. They are my secret demons that I won't let out anymore. They are dangerous and scare the crap out of me. And in all seriousness, Hugz has helped me more than any doctor, group or anything ever has