Bipolar and recently ADHD

[Find_balance82]

Hi there, looking for insight on lifestyle habits to better manage bipolar and ADHD disorder.  Taking 600mg of lithium and 30mg of vyvanse.  Wondering what nutrition choices, sleep patterns and work loads people adopt to better manage there experences with or without the medication.   Also looking for information on dealing with anxiety as a result of school stress and side effects from medication. Thanks

[ppmguy]

im adhd ocd/ bipolar1..  difficult to treat!!!
i was started on zoloft and took raises in dose to 100mg. i started getting worse.. sandman gave me some helpful links. turned out i had bipolar co disorder. i was in a perpetual manic flare. my pdoc wanted to raise my zoloft to 150mg, so i fired him. i asked my pcp to rx seoquel, while i went cold turkey off the zoloft. it worked well 50 mg at night to sleep, and 5 mg buspar twice during day. we decided to add modafinil for adhd. not perfect, but i am productive again.

[Sandman2]

Glad to hear.  Thanks for the update!!!

[CRSeaside]

I like a combo of yoga & meditation. I also think exercise is important, I swim 3 hours per week.
I take 20mg Vyvance with .025 mg Klonipin. For about a year now.
At night Geodone and adivan.
I have a little trouble falling asleep, so I'm thinking of adding melatonin
I use this to manage my bipolar and ADHD. Maxy

[Sandman2]

   Congratulations.   Not many people will always take the time to do the research.   Have you tried the high protein breakfast yet?

[Find_balance82]

I reviewed the 10 new ways to study with ADHD, from additude and found it very useful.  This weekend I slept as much as possible and can see a differnce in my mood.  I slept in however on both saturday and sunday totaling 12 of sleep each night. I feel groggy today but I thinks it due to sleeping in on the weekend and not getting up at my usual 6am wake up time.  Got %100 on my test today based on the information studied yesterday so that definitely reiterated the importance of sleepping for memory function. Appreciate insight.  Look forward to seeing my performance as my routine becomes more and more structured. Thanks.

[Sandman2]

   Try a high protein breakfast and see if that doesn't make a difference.  Just buy some of the high protein powders.  V should last about 10 hours.  If it does, you don't need more.  Increasing dose really only increases length of effectiveness.  Well, and you could over do it, and get overmedicated.  You did show some slight signs of that.  I can give you a site on that.

[Find_balance82]

Side effects form lithium alone included:  Tremors, lazy-lathargic, lack of drive, no motivation and slow concentration.  I've been on 600mg of the last year and was taking 900 before.

Side Effects from Vyvanse:  Dehydration, talking out of line, uncontrollable excitment and taking on to much.

Since being on Vyvanse my lithium side effects have subsided, all i notice is occasional tremors.

I notice the side effects from my Vyvanse are significantly worse when under slept, dehydrated, caffinated, even small portions of alcohol and hunger.  

I've been taking vyvanse for 3 months.  started at 30mg then 40 after 2 weeks.  I just lowered it to 30 mg last week as a result of high anxiety.  I hardly notice the 30mg.  However I trust that with a disciplined routine of regular meals, exercise and sleep I can raise my dose back to 40mg and ultimately get more out of my life.

I've never been a disciplined student and procrastinate all the time.  Possibly a consequence of ADHD.  Thus i spend my nights studying when i should be sleeping.  I don't think im an efficient reader, I need to read text over and over before it registers. My massage therapists has given me breathing lessons and explains oxygen stimulates memory the more you breath the more you remember.  I put this into play and my memory definitely improved, anxiety disolved.  I would think sleep plays a big part in memory and levels of anxiety. Perhaps the vyvanse stimulation gets me so focused my breathing is shortened and anxiety develops.  

Since taking the Vyvanse I find it easier to get up in the morning.  I'm more focused switched on and attentive.  My drive is empowering and my self confidence has improved.  

I'll have a look at those sites tomorrow.

[Sandman2]

   sleep is super important.  Make sure you are getting a good nights sleep.
   A high protein breakfast will make Vyvannse work faster and last longer.  Use a liquid supplement if you have to.
    Pretty good link of study tips for ADHD - http://www.additudemag.com/slideshow/58/slide-1.html?utm_source=eletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=December
    And an interesting one on anxiety which also applies to adults.
           http://www.additudemag.com/slideshow/109/slide-1.html
  Hope this helps.

[Sandman2]

     Actually have links to many things that people with adhd can do to help themselves.  I will start sending those to you.  Wondered what side effects you were seeing on your meds.  If it was from the Lithium or the Vyvansse.
The Vyvannse should be helping with your school anxieties.  Have you been on it long?