h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I think most everyone on here knows I am bipolar. I have been on the medications Zyprexa and Prozac for several years now. They have, by and large, worked well to control my mania and depression. However, I am increasingly discontent with their side effects. I have high triglycerides - Zyprexa can increase triglycerides. I have difficulty concentrating on the Zyprexa, especially when I am driving or trying to do my artwork. I've only managed to do one painting this year so far, and I would love to become much more prolific with my artwork. I've had LOTS of trouble with my sleep cycle for the last several years, and have only started wondering in the past couple months whether this could be due to my medicine. I have so much trouble waking up when I get up, and a lot of trouble getting to sleep when I am tired. This makes my sleep schedule go in circles like a malfunctioning merry-go-round. I am considering now that the Prozac may be causing the insomnia at night, and the Zyprexa may be causing the difficulty waking. My doctor and therapist agree this is a possibility.



So, I am thinking of trying a brand new medicine called Abilify. It was developed to treat schizophrenia, but doctors have started prescribing it for bipolar disorder as well. It was developed in Japan, and has only been on the market for two years. It works differently from any other antipsychotic. Other antipsychotics work by shutting down dopamine receptors. Abilify keeps the receptors open, but makes them behave more normally. Abilify is thought to increase activity in those parts of the brain that are underactive, while simultaneously decreasing activity in those parts of the that are overactive. There are also some anecdotal reports that it works almost as an antidepressant, giving the user more energy. (My doctor disputes that though) Abilify does not increase triglycerides, and does not cause weight gain. Some people feel really sleepy on Abilify and have to get off of it, but other people have had their sleep schedules normalize. I'm hoping for the latter! I have a friend who has just started Abilify, and while she is having some trouble getting stablized on it, she does seem to be able to concentrate better.



So this is the game plan. Starting on the 16th, I cut my Prozac in half. I stay on the half dose for 2 or 3 weeks. Then I add Abilify to my meds. I take Abilify and Zyprexa for a few weeks, then start cutting down on my Zyprexa. The goal is to get off the Zyprexa completely, and to go as low as I can on the Prozac without getting depressed. It's going to be scary switching meds so drastically. I could have nausea, restlessness, headaches, or extreme sleepiness. If I get too manic or depressed, I may have to go in the hospital. *bleh* Another thing that makes it harder is that some of my family does not approve of the change. They say, "You are doing so well right now, why rock the boat?" Thing is, I think I could be so much better. I think it is worth a try. I would be glad for any hootoo feedback and/or expressions of support.

JEllen

I don't know much about this besides what I just read in your post, but I think you're doing the right thing. If you think it might be better for you then 'rocking the boat' is a risk worth taking, isn't it?

& & & everything else!

Yes Ellen, I agree with Lady Pennywhistle...it sounds to me like you're doing the right thing. The Prozac & Zyprexa could be the problem...or at least their side-effects could be. Certainly hope the Abilify is an improvement.

Let's hope for the best!

Hi Jazz! Hi Lady P!

Hi JEllen! *waves*
I actually won't be online for much longer, I'm leaving work early today to go get some sleep - had an assignment to finish last night so I slept about 2 hours. Looks like coursework is as bad as meds when it comes to disrupting sleep circles...

*waves to Ellen* I'm up rather early, but should be around for awhile yet. How're you doing Ellen?

Hi Ellen,

I think it sounds like you are doing the right thing for you. I think striving to make oneself better rather than staying where we are comfortable is admirable. I'm sure switching meds is NOT a simple thing, but if the abilify doesn't work for you, will you be able to go back to your current meds? I would think so, but it may be worth asking about. I've got my fingers crossed for you, but your positive attitude about this is even more powerful!!!!!

Do you have some pictures of your art on the web? I'd love to see some of it!!



Hi Jazz!!!
How is Edmonton this morning? My in-laws (in Barrhead) said it was really cold and might snow (though it would probably have to warm up to snow!) I can't fathom this right now as I've gone out the last few mornings at 6AM with no jacket. Shoot, is it rude for me to clutter JEllen's thread with chit chat? I'm sorry!

I'm doing pretty well Jazz. Got dumped by a fella, so I am kinda nursing a tender heart, but aside from that all is well. Saw the movie Love Actually and loved it!

Blaue, if you email me with your email addy, I will send you some of my artwork!

JEllen

That's never easy , but you sound like you're handling it well. Glad you enjoyed the movie.

Oh, and yes Blaue, I can switch back to the old meds if I need to.

~waves~

Just got your Cathedral... lovely stuff...keep up the good work, quality is better than quantity n' all that

Hope the meds work out for you

Hi Ellen

I wish I could be of some practical support to you over this med test, all I can say is it's always a crapshoot and if you're ever in any difficulty be sure and let us know. I think the best person to ask about this is Mikey, though I know she's got a lot on her plate right now.

One thought - there was a time when I thought I had bipolar, this was before a PTS diagnosis but during that time I got into contact with another sufferer locally, who suggested a mood diary with a +5 to -5 scale, for keeping track of how your moods are going and whether you're cycling more rapidly.

Maybe you've already got something like that, but if you had a day-to-day thread here, with a similar system -
to or something, it might help to have a more external appraisal of how things are going, and we can keep an eye out too.

Myself I've just spoken to my GP and he's agreed I can half my dose of Lustral (Zoloft) since I'm doing so well, and came off the tranqs abut 2 months ago. But he's made it clear I have to decrease slowly.

Above all you've got a network of support right here, so whatever happens keep us posted. I really want to see your art too, so I'll email you my address if that's okay. Take care and talk soon

Hello JEllen! Just remember I'm also here and rooting for you! And I also want to see *every* bit of art you produce! Your art always makes me feel good. The very best of luck trying out Abilify! I'll be hanging around here and seeing how it's working out.

- Willem

just sending a your way and hoping it works out for you.


Oh and Love Actually... that's double-plus-

Meds really are the lesser of two evils, aren't they?

One of the things that being medicated and having doctors and stuff around does is take away your faith in making good decisions for yourself.

You can, and it looks like you have. If you feel that a change in drugs is right, make the change! Only you really know how you feel, the various medics are just there to help you make your decisions informed ones.

I hope this works out for you. Keep the faith.

JEllen Best of luck.
I know you have wanted this and you are the best judge whether you are satisfied with your meds. Your parents do not know exactly how it is for you It is a huge plus they care and will be close.

It is always nice when the side effects work for you rather than against. That would be the best outcome possible so I am concentrating on that thoughtIt is possible with success you will be opening the door with information for millions more to try it. If you cannot tolerate it the negative symptoms will be useful information for many others also

I recieved you artwork
What a joy to view! I LIKE it!It has the bright colors that I identify with you. The Title is perfect!

I think Krispy has a good idea.
Even your normal calnedar with smiley faces would work.
I have done that for years when tracking moods, PMS or medications.
I am sure you could have a lot of support if you did post your progress here.

Hi Ellen

I know I have not known you long,and we have only posted a few times,I dont know much about your illness,but I wish you luck,as for changing your medication,I think you should try,if you dont,you'll always wonder if it would have worked,so go for it and I do hope it will make you feel even better and Ellen only you know if its the right time for the change and how you feel.I wish you well sweetheart,


xxxxxSandra

Oh Ellen, it goes without saying (at least I haven't said it until now ) I'd also like to see your artwork at some point.

Send me your email Jazz, I don't think I have your current one! JE