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Hypomania only lasts a few hours

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Orange_Julieus
Orange_Julieus

I’ve recently been diagnosed with bipolar II after years of depression followed by an antidepressant-induced hypomanic episode. My psychiatrist has me on 50 mg Lamictal and 10mg Zyprexa (we’re trying to titrate the dose of Lamictal up and Zyprexa down). The Zyprexa was prescribed to me by my pcp before my first psychiatrist appointment to bring me down from the hypomania.

Most of the time the Lamictal has me feeling super apathetic at this dose. Sometimes, though, I have all the symptoms of a hypomanic episode (elation, goal-oriented activity, decreased need for sleep, grandiose thoughts), but it only lasts a couple of hours. Then I’m right back to apathetic for the next day or so.

This has happened multiple times since I started the Lamictal. Usually it happens at night when I try to go to bed and lasts until I eventually fall asleep (because even with the hypomania, the Zyprexa still knocks me out). Is this actually a hypomanic episode? Is it a mixed episode? Or is it just me being weird?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • elizabeth112
    elizabeth112 Orange_Julieus

    Posted

    I can't answer your question, I'm afraid, as I've only recently been diagnosed myself, but like you, I have suffered from and been treated for  depression-in my case for 18years- and anxiety with 80mg Fluoxetine daily with increasing agitation, irritability and relapses into severe depressive episodes 2 or 3 times per year.As I first sought treatment following my son's suicide, it was assumed I was depressed, but I have suffered from episodes of mental distress since childhood, though none of these have been taken into consideration regarding my diagnosis until now.  . It is only in the past couple of weeks that I saw a different psych., having suffered another psychotic episode, and was found to actually be suffering from  bipolar 2 disorder. It seems highly likely, given what I've read about the disorder and its correct treatment , that taking high dose Fluoxetine has  in fact exacerbated  hypomanic episodes & induced psychosis!  ! Was it Fluoxetine, by any chance, that caused your own hypomania episode, and if so, what dose were you taking daily? When you were eventually diagnosed, did your doc. stop your anti-depressant immediately, or titrate it down gradually? I've very concerned so would appreciate all information from people who have been/are in a similar situation to my own. 

    • Orange_Julieus
      Orange_Julieus elizabeth112

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply! I was actually started on sertraline at a low dose, which made my hyper and irritable, almost feeling “caffeinated.” My doctor then put me on a low dose of escitalopram (I can’t remember the exact dosage of either of these), which triggered a full hypomanic episode. My counselor called my doctor and he immediately started me on an olanzapine (Zyprexa). I made it to 10mg of that before I went to see an actual psychiatrist who prescribed me lamotrigine (Lamictal).

      I’m glad that they finally diagnosed you correctly. I hope that now you’ll be able to get the right medication for your needs. I think you’re right: the fluoxetine probably exacerbated your hypomanic symptoms. I hope everything gets sorted out! Cheers.

  • elizabeth112
    elizabeth112 Orange_Julieus

    Posted

    since my diagnosis, I've been reading up on various others' experiences, all of which confirm for me my doctor's warning,"There's no quick fix for this"- so it seems like a long road of trying different meds at different dosages lies ahead of me- disheartening, especially when I consider how much time's already been wasted, and I'm already pretty grey-haired! Hard to feel positive, but finding fellow travellers in similar situations to talk about worries with helps. Hope your own issues get resolved.

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