deeschmee Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 After multiple nights of racing thoughts and frequent middle of the night waking, I took myself (with the pdoc's okay) off Effexor. I had no side effects and actually felt much calmer after about a week. I am still struggling with insomnia and racing thought but I take Ambien as needed. I've always had trouble with mood stabilizers, they just don't work or I have an adverse reaction (Lamictal rash, Topomax made me hyper) and Effexor upset my stomach. Ever since being diagnosed with bipolar I've researched my past behavior and nothing points to mania. My old roommate told me I never did anything out of the ordinary, never lost a job, had arguments, got in legal trouble or stayed up late. In fact, I have never in my entire life been one who could go with little or no sleep. Just the opposite. First one to bed, last one awake. I associate more with anxiety and possible borderline ( expect for abandonment fears, although I was adopted so there are abandonment issues with that). Can the two be confused? And would bpd be treated differently? In any case, I'm off meds and am back to Sam-e and 5-HTP, and I really don't feel bad. I'm better able to focus on cbt and mindfulness skills as well. Do you think this is just a phase? Has anyone had a similar experience? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bpladybug Posted May 13, 2013 Share Posted May 13, 2013 I am not going to scold Dee. If you are bipolar than an episode of some form will show up. If that happens I hope you respond quickly w treatment. If you are not bipolar than you certainly don't need the meds, the stigma, all that goes along with BP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deeschmee Posted May 14, 2013 Author Share Posted May 14, 2013 Well so far Ive been off meds for a week and a half and all I feel is fatigue and exhaustion. I felt more "manic" when on Effexor. Do you know if bipolar and borderline are similar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luna- Posted May 14, 2013 Share Posted May 14, 2013 Yes, they are similar - can have similar mood swings, although generally BPD mood swings are rapid and BP slower, unless you're a rapid-cycling BP. (You can see how the symptoms can overlap). Maybe you are feeling tired as a result of having been "up"? Mood that go up must come down sometime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deeschmee Posted May 14, 2013 Author Share Posted May 14, 2013 Well for two weeks now I can barely get out of bed and my sleep is VERY disturbed. Fall asleep fine cant stay asleep even with Ambien. I'm thinking depression or sleep issues. Maybe a sleep study? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deeschmee Posted May 14, 2013 Author Share Posted May 14, 2013 Well for two weeks now I can barely get out of bed and my sleep is VERY disturbed. Fall asleep fine cant stay asleep even with Ambien. I'm thinking depression or sleep issues. Maybe a sleep study? Actually the lack of quality sleep is making me edgy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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