Bipolar medications

UncleChet

So, 3 years ago, I was diagnosed with hypermanic bipolar disorder. This helped me figure out some of the things that I've done wrong (or atleast provided a scapegoat). Anyway, I'm looking for information on meds. I've been on Zyprexa for about 3 years and decided to stop it. The apathy was too great, and it had a severe depressive effect on me. That and I put on 25 pounds. Currently I'm trying Abilify but I'm not sure it's going to work out. It has a pretty severe side effect of insomnia. After 4 days with about 6 hours total sleep, I called my Dr and requested a sleep aid. He prescribed 10mg Ambien (not CR). I took one last night and was graced with about 4 hours of solid sleep. Not much but it sure was nice. Abilify has some other oddities for me as well. I'm "buzzed" pretty much most of the day, but I dont' have the racing thoughts or other issues usually associated with my manic/hypermanic episodes. So it's Kinda nice, but at the same time I needs me some sleep.

So, anyone else dealing with bipolar disorder and have any thoughts or suggestions on meds? I'm not asking for "pretend your a doctor and prescribe me something". My Dr's pretty cool about trying new meds. He even told me it could be hit or miss untill I find what works for me, with side effects that I can deal with. So, what're you on? How's that working for ya?

Shogun

I'm not bipolar but I do have severe insomnia. I have tried Ambien, Lunesta, and something else I can't think of the name of. My suggestion is to try the gambit of sleepaids as you very well might respond differently to one compared to another. For me often times ambien would not have any effect but Lunesta works every time.

Speakeasy

It's anecdotal, but my ex's boyfriend accidentally overdosed (and died) on Xanax last night, so if I do look for some medicine, it won't be that. I might be needing something, so I'll be looking at this topic as well.