I am experiencing a manic period now. I feel great, have an amazing outlook on life, and everything is positive and good. My thoughts are very racy and I am exceedingly active: doing, speaking, and writing. This is the polar opposite of how I was feeling several days ago - a dark, sad depression with a lot of tears. I know I am still in this mixed episode that started nine months ago. Although I am feeling good right now, I know I am not in a stable place. I may have no warning and then be thrown back into another depressive state. I also know that this hypomanic state can devolve into mania with psychosis and paranoia. That's where my manic episodes take me. My doctor had prescribed Prozac for me to combat the depression. And it did resolve the depression but then after taking it for a few weeks it actually causes hypomania/mania. So my doc decreased the amount of Prozac I am on from 30mg to 10mg.
My psychiatrist told me that using Prozac or any other antidepressant is tricky for someone who has bipolar disorder. It can help alleviate bipolar depression (which is why he prescribed it to me) but it can also act like gasoline when a mood episode occurs. He is thinking the higher dose of Prozac is exacerbating the mood episode and causing mania. For today I will enjoy my good mood knowing that I am being compliant and proactive in treating my mental health.
Take good care,
Christine
"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." -- Arthur Ashe