Mood Swings / Balance

[Eye Stigmata]

I'm starting to wonder if I'm bi polar or not.
Right now I'm on an anti depressant, but it seems to me that my moods are still really up and down. Sometimes I'll go a week of being on cloud 9 and I'll be really productive and over achieve, and other weeks I still work hard and get all my house responsibilities done, but I feel like I have to motivate myself so much more to do it. I find often that I'll start my day being really happy, and the smallest thing can set me off and I'll end up being SO over emotional, sometimes angry. Other days I wake up totally irritable and then suddenly I change within a few hours and then crash again a few hours later. Some weeks I feel fine and healthy and other weeks I feel run down and have almost constant headaches and pains. I would say that more often than not I'm depressed, even though I'm on a strong anti depressant. I also take dex which is probably why I can fit so much into a single day. The down side of the dex is it lasts too long in my body and I end up not being able to sleep until 3 or 4am, sometimes I end up pulling an all nighter, and I find I won't even feel tired for another 2 -3 days at which point I just crash... very frustrating....

Any suggestions?!?!

 

[Banned]

Well, we obviously can't provide any kind of diagnosis here, but I would suggest talking to your family doctor first. I'm not sure how long you've been on anti-depressants but they do take time to start working. If you've been on them for awhile, the next step may be to consult with a psychiatrist or psychologist for further testing/diagnosis. I'd also recommend tracking your moods and medication to provide them with a little bit of history which will be beneficial.

 

[crzycadn]

What is "dex"

 

[Eye Stigmata]

Dex = Dexedrine

Dextroamphetamine is a psychostimulant drug which is known to produce increased wakefulness and focus in association with decreased fatigue and decreased appetite. Drugs with similar psychoactive properties can be referred to or described as "amphetamine analogues", "amphetamine-like", or having "amphetaminergic" effects. Enantiomerically pure dextroamphetamine is more potent than racemic amphetamine and has stimulant properties similar to racemic methamphetamine, though less potent and neurotoxic.

Source:
Dextroamphetamine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[David Baxter PhD]

dex = dexedrine, an amphetamine/stimulant typically prescribed for ADHD. Occasionally it may be used to boost an antidepressant.

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Whay are you prescribed this drug, Stigmata?

 

[Eye Stigmata]

I was prescribed dex for treatment of ADD. I had previously tried, Ritalin and Adderall. Neither of which seemed to work.
Since being on dex, I've also been put on Luvox to treat the side effects of the dex. Mostly extreme anxiety, which I had before but has been worse since being on dex.

---------- Post added at 12:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:15 AM ----------

Thanks Turtle..

I've been on them for quite a while now. I'm ashamed to talk to my therapist about whats going on with the meds. I don't want people to think I'm crazy...sometimes it would be nice if problems could fix themselves. Thanks for the advice

 

[David Baxter PhD]

I was prescribed dex for treatment of ADD. I had previously tried, Ritalin and Adderall. Neither of which seemed to work.
Since being on dex, I've also been put on Luvox to treat the side effects of the dex. Mostly extreme anxiety, which I had before but has been worse since being on dex.

Is Luvox being used for depression, or for obsessional anxiety or OCD?

 

[Eye Stigmata]

The Luvox is used for Anixety and OCD, not depression. The Celexa is for depression.

 

[David Baxter PhD]

The Luvox is used for Anixety and OCD, not depression. The Celexa is for depression.

Well, actually both Luvox and Celexa (they're both SSRIs) are beneficial for all of those things but Luvox is often especially good for OCD - hence my questions.

Given your diagnoses and medications, I think it more likely that the medications are inducing your mood swings, especially the dexedrine, rather than bipolar disorder. However, that's not a diagnosis or definitive conclusion, of course.

Have you discussed this with your doctors?

 

[Eye Stigmata]

I know they can both be used for depression...I just meant the primary reason was to treat OCD and Anxiety. But I see what you meant.
It's just very frustrating it seems like one huge chain reaction...

I haven't discussed it with my doctors, I just moved from Calgary to Ontario, and haven't been able to find a family doctor yet...and probably won't. I'll wait until I go home for a visit, I've had the same family doc for over 10 years, and she really knows my history.
I'm ashamed to talk to my therapist about the med situation...but seems like I might have to just suck it up.

 

[David Baxter PhD]

I'm ashamed to talk to my therapist about the med situation...

Why, if I may ask?

What general part of Ontario are you in?

 

[Eye Stigmata]

I have this big problem with how other people view me...I have very low self esteem and poor confidence in things I do. I know my therapist is there to help me, but I still feel the need to show that I'm doing well. I put so much expectation on myself with moving to Ontario that I don't want anyone to know that sometimes it's hard here. Not knowing anyone, being totally on my own, having none of my friends here. It's hard.
So I feel like a failure with the whole med situation, I feel like I should be able to fix it on my own...

---------- Post added at 12:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:53 AM ----------

I'm in Kitchener/Waterloo area.

 

[Banned]

I have this big problem with how other people view me...I have very low self esteem and poor confidence in things I do. I know my therapist is there to help me, but I still feel the need to show that I'm doing well. I put so much expectation on myself with moving to Ontario that I don't want anyone to know that sometimes it's hard here. Not knowing anyone, being totally on my own, having none of my friends here. It's hard.

When I first moved to Calgary I cried every day for six months and wanted to move back to Ontario so bad. What stopped me was that I reminded myself that I'd been focused on moving here for ten years, and I had to give myself at least a year to adjust. I told myself that if after one year I wanted to move back, I would, and I'd not feel guilty about it. So - it takes time, and the adjustment is hard, but it gets easier after awhile. And no, I never moved back to Ontario. Six years later I'm still in Calgary and I love it.

So I feel like a failure with the whole med situation, I feel like I should be able to fix it on my own...

Can you refresh my memory as to where you got your MD from? You can't solve medication issues on your own - you need a doctor to help with that.

 

[Eye Stigmata]

I know...It's a tough move, and I respect anyone and everyone who embarks on a new journey, not knowing the outcome. I do not regret my move...I know I needed to do this for myself. It's just hard sometimes not having anyone to turn to when I have a crappy day. And when my friends call I just tell them everything is perfect, because I put so much hype and expectation on Ontario "changing my life". But really...no matter where you are in the world, there you are. I know it will take time...It's just tough.

Your story gives me hope that maybe...6 months...a year...4 years, who knows - maybe I'll be in love with Ontario and never want to leave. I am happy here now, I'm just trying to work through all the hard parts.

Thanks for the inspiration

No MD....just foolish ideas :lol:

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Basic Needs Guide: Health

Waterloo Region is experiencing a shortage of doctors. We’ve included a list of clinics and health centres that serve people who do not have a doctor. Another option is the Ontario Telehealth information line. This phone line is answered by nurses who can answer your general questions and offer medical advice. To use this service call 1-866-797-0000.

Even though these services are helpful, you may still need to find a doctor. The Grand River Hospital has a Medical Resources Information Line at 519-749-4300 ext 2517, which is a recorded message that gives you the contact information for any area doctors accepting new patients. The Emergency Department of St Mary's Hospital has a similar written list that you can see by visiting the reception desk. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario can also search their membership list for doctors currently accepting patients, call 1-800-268-7096. Finally, there is the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce that has a waiting list for patients (call 576-5000). They will add your contact information to the list and when a new doctor moves to the area they may use this waiting list to develop their new case load

Urgent Care Clinics/Phone lines
Cambridge Urgent Care Centre
350 Hespeler Rd, Cambridge
phone: 624-2273

The Doctor's Office
University Shops Plaza II, 13-170 University Ave W, Waterloo
phone: 725-1514

The Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
80 Queen St N, Kitchener
phone: 576-5000

Ontario. Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Telehealth Ontario
phone: 1-866-797-0000

Urgent Care Clinic
385 Fairway Rd S, Kitchener
phone: 748-2327

Urgent Care Clinic
751 Victoria St S, Kitchener
phone: 745-2273

Waterloo Wellington Community Care Access Centre
800 King St W, Kitchener
phone: 1-888-265-8338, 748-2222

Weber Medical Centre
5A-1400 Weber St E, Kitchener
phone: 748-6933

Community Health Centres
Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre
59 Frederick St, Main Flr, Kitchener
phone: 745-4404

Langs Farm Village Association, Community Health Centre
Langs Park Plaza, 887 Langs Dr, Unit 1, Cambridge
phone: 653-1470

Waterloo Region. Region of Waterloo Public Health
99 Regina St S, Waterloo
phone: 883-2000

Woolwich Community Health Centre
10 Parkside Dr, St Jacobs
phone: 664-3794

 

[Eye Stigmata]

Woah... I've got a lot of calling to do.

Thanks so much

 

[crzycadn]

I can so relate to what you are saying. Like you, I moved across the country, and I have very low self-esteem and image problems. But, starting over is a great opportunity to do things different.

It was really hard for me to be honest with my case worker and psychiatrist that I have here, but not knowing anyone here except my sister has really forced me to deal with my depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder - whatever - and part of that was just to lay my cards on the table.

Also, this time, I am determined that my voice be heard in regard to medication and therapy. I will not allow anyone to push pills at me and rush me out the door because I feel inadequate and ashamed. Just because I have mental health issues doesn't mean I don't know what's good for me.

You are probably right - it is extremely difficult to get a family doctor in Ontario and hopefully you have a good therapist there that you can be honest with. I know the Kitchener Waterloo area pretty well and I am certain they have other mental health programs, support groups, etc. that you may or may not find useful.

 

[mimica007]

Have you tried to check your hormone levels? I had that problem. I realised it too late, and have already developed depression and anxiety, though i had issues before, but worked really hard by myself to find the problem, because everything else didn't work.

So i was already on medication for depression, but kept having those mood swings, big ones, couldn't have a normal life, so i went to a doctor and after i checked out my hormons i found out i had really low progesteron, he prescribed me pills to balance it out and i can tell u that did the work, but now i don't have the "up" period, when i felt really good, but also i don't have the "down" period, its basically the regular flow, which is good, i can lead a normal life, continuously, with smaller mood swing but nothing i cant deal with.. try to check it out, that could be the reason... also sorry for any wrong spelling, english is not my mother language...

good luck!

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Have you tried to check your hormone levels?

That's a good reminder.