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@lisalucier

I wanted to introduce into this discussion @mrser52, who mentioned a bipolar 1 disorder in another Connect thread.

A number of you have posted about your bipolar disorder and things that have been helpful to you with this diagnosis. Wanted to check in with some of you to see how things are going. I think your responses will be helpful to many in this discussion.

@tdib - have you found a medication that has helped you? You'll note @luckyjoy also was asking about a medication that might help most. luckyjoy - have you by chance found something that works well to control your symptoms?

@sdixon - have you experienced any more of the hand and arm shakes, or have they continued to stay away? Have the lithium, fluoxetine (Prozac) and trazodone improved your symptoms from BP1?

@healthytoday - how are your bipolar symptoms lately? Are you currently taking medications, or managing with other strategies? Any suggestions for those looking for the right medication(s)?

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Replies to "I wanted to introduce into this discussion @mrser52, who mentioned a bipolar 1 disorder in another..."

Unfortunately I experienced tremors and shakes for the time that I was taking lithium. I felt ridiculously better mentally, but physically I just deteriorated. I couldn't eat barely anything and....it was just (mostly) all bad. So I had to take myself off of that. And then, idk how else to say it, dark thoughts came back almost immediately and very potently. However, I can work when on no meds, and not when I'm on those meds. I wish this had worked better. I've been bipolar for a long while, but only aware that it was bipolar recently. Lithium made me feel the best mentally I have ever felt. Ever. In my life. But I wasn't able to survive physically on it. I hope that since I can get my benefits back soon, that I can maybe find another medication that doesn't harm me so much in the side effects. I cycle quickly again now. It's more extreme and frequent, but I'm learning how to deal without meds. and with a mental illness I don't fully get....and that I still resent more than a little bit, I figure I'm doing all right.

Sorry I don't have a more sunshine and roses answer for you,