Antipsychotics: I have been experiencing rapid cycling for months.

Hi hoff .... your Rx's sound like mind. I do think Lamictal is good for now - my only problem with it is that dryness of my mouth .... I guess all things considered, that's not a big deal. I'm also on Wellbutrin and Klonopin - Wellbutrin seems to have no adverse side effects, but as I said in a previous note, the Klonopin side effects - specifically - poor balance, falling, unsteadiness - is worrisome to me. They're all listed on the papers I get from my Pharmacist. I'm not young (73) and I sure don't want to break a bone. My Rx is for 1-1/2 AM and 1/2 PM (don't remember the mg.). I've eliminated the 1/2 in the morning and I'm moving around as I do my work, much more slowly. I've written to him to tell him what I've done so I'll have to see what he says.
abby

Hi dear!! Yes, I agree with the unsteadiness and fear of falling. It is scary. I take the Klonopin pretty much when I feel I need it. Because it makes me tired in the morning and work part time, I dont take it in the morning. But sometimes I take it after I get home and I’m stressed out. I’m pretty certain that your doctor would approve the change you want to make. However it’s always prudent to talk him. Please be careful walking. I’m going to have a hip replacement sometime when I can’t bear walking anymore. So I know I try to be careful indoors and out. It was very kind of you to send me your email. I hope everything goes well for you and have a very Happy holiday! Blessings

@amberpep

Hi, Abby. I've been taking Wellbutrin and Klonopen for 12 years now, 450mg of Wellbutrin and 1 Klonopen at bedtime and a second if I need it. I tried cutting back on the Klonopen once, but it really messed with my sleep.

If I have balance problems, it would be because of peripheral neuropathy. I wouldn't necessarily blame the Klonopen, as lots of things can affect our balance. Until you figure out the cause, you might consider using a cane or walker. I know. We don't want to go there, but it could be a temporary solution to keep you safe.

Cutting back on the Klonopen can be a real challenge, and would have to be done in very small increments and over an extended period of time. Keep us posted how it goes.

Jim

As to the harmfulness of anti psychotics-I was put on an array of them for 8 years and was told I had no choice. Was kept in the metal health system for 8 years with threats/guilt trips/manipulation/lies. I was on such a cocktail I am amazed I was even able to function. Even was guilt tripped into having a Vegas Nerve Stimulator which was one of my worst nightmares. I told the doctor I did not think it was a good idea as I could not wear a battery operated watch. I was accused of not wanting to get better!!! It continually reset and a maintenance check was done and there was nothing wrong with the device.
Will not go into all of that as it is behind me now. I had it removed in 2010. I will no longer be a guinea pig!!!
I am now seeing a qualified therapist with good boundaries and has some experience working with PTSD. Validation I am not Schizophrenic just in case another MD wants to put me on an anti psychotic as I do not need them. Good chance that those nasty drugs did damage as the neuropathy started with the introduction of these and the VNS. Side effects I was told. Have been off of all of these for over 4 years. Am I still having side effects????
Dismounting soap box once again.

I'm bipolar 2 - got off Saroquel, changed to Lamictal and much better. Still take Welbutrin every AM as I did with the Saroquel but no more am brain fog and stupor. It takes a long time to get your dose of Lamictal to the effective amount and the same amount of time to wean off Saroquel but it's worth it. Prob 90-120 days of slowly shifting. I'm happy I'm off the Saroquel. I had been on it for 4 straight years and it was starting to affect my short-term memory big time and i was like a zombie til noon every day. I still take a very small dose of kratom powder each am rather than coffee because it focuses my mind without giving me anxiety or jitters like coffee.

Hi, @mizmaui444 - I can imagine it is good to feel like less of a zombie now being off of the quetiapine (Seroquel).

I'd like to invite @hoffman and @amberpep @peach414144 @parus to return to this discussion and offer any thoughts about your experiences with bipolar II and/or transitioning to lamotrigine (Lamictal) from quetiapine (Seroquel). I'd also like to encourage @lingram @hopeful123 @barnowl53 @brittanyann576 @renwald to join this discussion

You mentioned that the quetiapine (Seroquel) affected your short-term memory during the 4 years you were on it. Now that you are off, have you noticed changes in this?

Hi again hoffman ..... I feel for you friend. The last time I went to my new Psychiatrist (I moved from MD to VA and had to find a new Psychiatrist), he upped the Lamictal slightly. I do think I'm feeling less of the "up and down". But the winter garbage is still there and I suspect will never change .... I isolate, don't answer the phone or door, only go to the store, and pretty much stay hidden away. I'm going to my daughter's for Thanksgiving, which I dread ..... my X will be there, and all the rest of the family, and pandemonium, noise, and on and on. I'm going, taking my pies,eating and splitting quickly. I just don't want to socialize. I love my kids, but they just don't get it. I don't think someone can get it unless they've been through it. I've got Bipolar 2, so it's not quite as severe .... early on my doc. had me take Seroquel too, and I thought I was in some other land ..... it really messed me up, to say the least. I know this isn't much help, but just know that I care, have been there, and now that winter is here ..... it'll only get worse, at least for me. I think I should have moved to FL rather than next to the Blue Ridge Mtn. Please keep in touch .... send me a private note if you want ..... do take care of yourself.
abby