» Side Effects

Confident & Comfortable With Me

Nicole — Mon, 24 May 2010 18:08:25 +0000

OMG, I’ve been soooo busy it’s hard to get everything done! I was in Las Vegas this last weekend for a wedding. I had a ton of fun and discovered something new about myself, I can have fun with out getting drunk! When you’re on a lot of medication you need to be very careful in regards to alcohol. There are some medications, Tegretol is one of them, that you shouldn’t drink while taking, period! Then there are some you can have a drink with but you must remember that the side effects will intensify with alcohol, if you’re not sure about your medication please contact your doctor or pharmacy. I’m not going to lie I had a couple of drinks (when I say a couple I mean a couple) but nothing out of control. I’ve learned to be confident and comfortable with the CrazyInHeels gal that I am and I have the most fun when I’m myself! When you drink too much you can feel depressed, tired, and sick (just to name a few). Who wants to feel like that?! I’m in a good place right now and I want to stay that way! – XOXO CrazyInHeels

Doc Appointment

Nicole — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:15:52 +0000

I’m on my way to the doctor, thank God! Hopefully she has a miracle drug that will pull me out of this “funk”! Perhaps it could be one that doesn’t have any side effects?!!!!! Please, someone, make that happen! – XOXO CrazyInHeels

Good For Today

Nicole — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:42:42 +0000

Feeling good today but I’ve still had some anxiety that presents itself in the afternoon?? Can’t figure out where it’s coming from so I’m assuming it’s comin straight from the big guy upstairs… meaning, I need to make some changes in my life. What that is, I’m still trying to figure out. Maybe the anxiety wont come today since it’s Friday?! I still haven’t had any side effects from the new med Saphris, so far so good. My medication cocktail consists of Lamictal, Saphris, and Adderall XR. These medications work together to make me as “normal” as possible. For today I’m doing great! – XOXO CrazyInHeels

Increasing Meds

Nicole — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:50:38 +0000

I’m a few weeks into my new medicine and feel like I’ve only reached a half way point. I’m not feeling 100% myself. We’re approaching the Holidays fast and I need a pill that works ASAP, I don’t have time to waste. It can be so frustrating tyring to find a pill that works let alone the strength that you need to get to, to make you feel better. I’m trying to be patient but it definately gets frustrating at times. Sometimes I wonder if I even remember how it feels to be normal. Am I ever going to be happy being normal when I know how FABULOUS it is to by hypo-mania?I’m going to increase my meds yet again and I’m expecting to have the side effects again as my body gets used to the dose. I hang onto the fact that happiness is within reach. -XOXO CrazyInHeels

Getting Through The Side Effects

Nicole — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:25:56 +0000

If you read the list of possible side effects from a medication that you are about to take, you probably wouldn’t take it. Are all the side effects worth the hopefully positive effect the pill will have on you? My body is still trying to get used to me new med Tegretol. In the 28 yrs that I’ve been alive I have NEVER had any side effects from any medication until now. I’m just trying to make it threw the day without throwing up, falling over being I”m so dizzy, and funtioning with a full hlown headache. I’m hoping tomorrow is better. – XOXO CrazyInHeels

Side Effects Continue

Nicole — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:29:43 +0000

Today I suffered from even more lovely side effects. I was extremely dizzy, had a headache, and was sick to my stomach all day. Popping pills and feeling like hell. I’m hanging on to to the fact that the meds will kick in soon and the side effects will fade. My happiness is within reach, I just need to hold on for a few more days. – XOXO CrazyInHeels

Side Effects

Nicole — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:25:10 +0000

Why can’t I just take a medicine that works but without the side effects. The Risperdal that I’m on until the Tegretol starts working is making me eat EVERYTHING that I see, and I’m not craving the healthy stuff. Right now I want to eat pizza, cookies, donuts, chocolate, candy, bread, chips… basically everything that makes me gain weight! I’ve gained four pounds in the last two weeks… OMG!!! Why does there have to be side effects?! I sometimes actually have a thought in my brain… “Would I rather be skinny and crazy or normal and gain 20lbs?” What’s a girl to do? I know my sanity is crucial but I also have to fit into those skinny jeans I bought last week! – XOXO CrazyInHeels

Interesting Facts & Statistics

Nicole — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:58:12 +0000

It is estimated that about 1 per cent of the population suffer from bipolar affective disorder at some point in their lives. Some people will experience just one or two episodes, whereas others will have many episodes of depression or mania. It occurs in both sexes and often first appears in the age group 18 -24 (stats from Royal College of Psychiatrists) http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/manicdepressivepsychosis.htm
For those who come from families with a history of the disease, the likelihood that future generations will be diagnosed with the disease increase by more than half. Researchers have been seeking a genetic link to the prevalence of the disease in families, and some progress has been made in studies of gene and myelin development within the central nervous system. Other studies have shown that over one half of patients diagnosed with a bipolar disorder have a history of past substance abuse, especially the use of cocaine. http://ezinearticles.com/?More-Interesting-Facts-About-Bipolar&id=559372
According to the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the age of onset for bipolar disorder is 18 with the median onset age being 25. However, the medical community is now reconsidering this as more and more incidents of childhood and infant onset are diagnosed.
Both men and women experience equal incidence of bipolar disorder, however, women tend to experience rapid cycling bipolar disorder more often while men tend most commonly to experience traditional bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million American adults, or about 2.6 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year.
The origins of bipolar disorder are not fully understood. Most agree that a variety of chemical, genetic, and environmental issues combine to trigger the disorder. Bipolar disorder also often coexists with substance abuse, although it isn’t clear whether the link is genetic or not www.associatedcontent.com
Bipolar disorder is more common than most people know – it is estimated that one percent of the adult population suffers from bipolar disorder. This means that out of every 100 people you know, one has bipolar disorder. www.associatedcontent.com
Bipolar disorder is not a phase. You (or your loved one) will not snap out of it. Natural or homeopathic treatments will not cure bipolar disorder. If you suspect that you have bipolar disorder, it is imperative that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Bipolar disorder is not curable, but proper treatment can make the difference between an unbearable existence and leading an active, productive life. www.associatedcontent.com
More than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with the illness or with unipolar major depression, indicating that the disease has a heritable component. (National Institute of Mental Health)
Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world. (World Health Organization)
Consumers with bipolar disorder face up to ten years of coping with symptoms before getting an accurate diagnosis, with only one in four receiving an accurate diagnosis in less than three years. (DBSA, 2000)
Nearly 9 out of 10 consumers with bipolar disorder are satisfied with their current medication(s), although side effects remain a problem. (DBSA, 1999)
Consumers who report high levels of satisfaction with their treatment and treatment provider have a much more positive outlook about their illness and their ability to cope with it. (DBSA, 1999)
Manic depression is likely to run in families and, in some cases, is believed to be hereditary. Researchers are still undergoing intense research to identify a gene that may be responsible for this disorder. http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mental_health/mental_health_about/mood/bipolar_disorder/Pages/index.aspx