Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Happy New Year

I am going to have a year of possiblities. I am going to manage this illness as successfully as possible.

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Reader Question on Lamictal (Lamotrigine)

Hi Julie,

I just read all the blogs and comments on Lamictal (and the generic Lamotrigine) and they really answered a lot of questions for me. First off, and I know you’re not supposed to do this, but my daughter had some left over meds when she tried it, so I used those up before I refilled my prescription. I noticed a couple of different things that happened to me while taking her prescription, but I blew them off not even thinking about them until I read the blogs. The first one was a twitch I got in my left hand when using the computer mouse and the second one is the rash that I got on my chest just above the breast. I am very thankful that you talk so much about Lamictal side effects. The only thing is these symptoms [ Read More ]

I love sunny weather instead of darn and dreary depressing weather!

I’m in Florida

What a wonderful place with wonderful weather. I am certainly having a good time. My mood is stable and I look forward to each day. This has to do with the friends I’m visiting and … the weather. I leave next week and I’m literally dreading going back to dreary Portland, Oregon. It’s really a problem.

It’s not only seasonal affective disorder, it’s the gloom of it getting dark at three when I have to work on my own. Does this make sense? I will not leave Portland as its charms far outweigh my dislike of the weather, but I have to follow my own ideas and get ready for the inevitable. I just put a SAD article on the blog- you can read it a few entries below. I will follow what it says!

I’m actually teaching a class on how to prevent and manage SAD when I get back to [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder and Sleep: Football, friends, brain chatter and Ativan

Sorry guys, I am going to be a broken record for a few days about my travels and how they affect bipolar disorder. I’m on the East Coast and wow, I have had sleep problems. Last night I stayed up late (midnight) to watch the football playoffs and when I finally got to bed I had visions of Payton Manning (quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts) throwing the ball all night. Then I heard words from the game and words from the conversations with my friends. I really love being with people, but I easily get overstimulated. It’s not good for me.

This brain chatter is like having a train go through my head. It just won’t turn off. I have a section in my book Get it Done When You’re Depressed called Expect Brain Chatter. I just read that strategy again. It’s true- the running commentary in your head that keeps going even when you’re [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder Medications: Lamictal (or should I say- generic Lamotrigine!)

Well, I have been traveling for a week- first to Texas and now in Florida. It has been great, but I have had a lot of sleep and medication problems.

I am really uncomfortable as I write this- I have what I call the Lamictal twitches and I feel like I’m going to crawl out of my skin. I hate it. I’m pretty sure I took my dose this morning, so this is odd. It’s amazing how uncomfortable these side effects can be. It’s hard to live with sometimes- but the Lamictal is worth it for me.

Actually, I should say Lamotrigine as I am now on the generic. Who knows if the side effects worsened because of the medication change. I have not seen a change in my moods, so that is all that matters. There is a big discussion on the generic Lamictal on the blog- if you go to the [ Read More ]

Bipolar disorder and Finances: Look at your financial picture today!

Here is a truism: Avoiding the letter, doesn’t make it better!

I’m referring to the bills that may be unopened in a drawer or in a pile on your table. It can be so scary to face reality financially. I highly recommend it though- it really is better to know what you’re up against than to imagine what you’re up against.

I have lost a lot and I mean a lot of money by not taking care of bills or other financial business before it’s too late. I am getting better at this. I look at my account online. Sometimes I cringe- but I want to be aware of my financial situation so that I can stay stable. Also, I want to be able to think rationally when I wake up too early and start to worry! When my bipolar gets bad and I feel overwhelmed, I can miss deadlines- and this costs money so [ Read More ]