Rapid Cycling

[Nikki2226]

Has anyone had experiences with rapid cycling, with cycles that last hours or days?  I was extremely hyper and had racing thoughts and was elated the other day, then I felt ok but lazy for a few days, then depressed for a couple of days and super tired, and now I am extremely irritable and I keep getting mad and yelling at people and just about everything.  Yesterday I started digging my nails into my skin without even realizing it because I was so upset that  my husband invited a co worker to lunch with us and I didn't want to deal with people at the moment.  I went and drove out to a roadside park after lunch and just sat there because I was too upset and scared to go back to work.  I feel like I am losing my mind.  Every day is completely different.  My psychologist said he is still trying to sort out whether I am just extremely sensitive or if I have ultra rapid cycling.  I thougt he may have misdiagnosed me as bi polar after I first saw him a month ago but now I am pretty sure there is something wrong with me.  How long will it be before the lamictal I am taking starts taking effect?  I am still working up to a theraputic dose.  I am at 50mg now.  I am worried about my job because I deal with customers all day and I keep being sporatic and rude to people and it is not fair to them or to my boss.  I get really upset when there is too much to do or too many people around and feel overwhelmed and start getting nervous and jittery.  I'm thinking about quiting but I need the money and I don't know what else to do that doesn't involve people.  My job is not that hard.  In fact it is the easiest and most pleasant job I have ever had but over the last few months I just can't handle it.  I can't handle anything anymore! Not my marriage, my job, my house, my friendships, nothing.  I just want to stay in bed because I'm scared to see what the day might be like.

[utpeanut]

Hey, I'm only 13 (almost 14) and I am taking Lamictal, Seroquel, and Strattera.  It took me a while to get used to all of the medications (Lamictal in particular!) and I have been taking them for about 5 years now. I still hate taking them and I still think that something is wrong with me, but I take them anyway. Good luck! (and I know what you are going through!)

[marsha_ann]

Well ... I guess I was wrong about Austin being Bipolar.  But I'm not a doctor either.  

He had a 9 day, 8 night hospital stay, and he finally got released today.  He was discharged with these diagnoses... Conduct Disorder, ADHD, major depression, Psychosis.  He's on Prozac 20mg & Vyvanse 50mg.   He seems to be feeling much better, and was eager to get home & play with his cousin next door.  He told me on the phone that things were going to be different & better now.  And that he understood now why we sent him to stay at the hospital, and he's not mad at us about it.  I'm SO glad he is feeling better inside !!!  I just hope we can keep the defiance down to almost nothing from now on.  

[Nikki2226]

I hope the hospital stay will help your son out a lot.  I'm sure it will.  Having people to focus on simply helping him get better is the best thing you could do for him.  Prayers and good wishes are being sent your way!  Oh, and stay warm! I know I hate the cold.

[marsha_ann]

I took Austin to Brentwood (hospital) Monday morning.  He threw his rage tantrum Sunday night ... so I guess he got it out of his system.  He was quiet on the way there (playing his gameboy).  But after about 30 minutes of being there, he started acting silly.  I guess he was having a manic mood swing.  After he ate some lunch there, he started being really silly !!!  Laughing at everything.  Laughing so hard he couldn't hardly breathe.  Of course, I laughed some at him too.  It was really strange... but I'd rather hear him laughing than yelling at me !!!!  He got a little moody/crabby about 30 minutes before I left, but he never threw a fit.  

I was there from 10am to 2:15pm.  That's how long it took to do the assessment & check him in.  It was insane !!!  It was freezing cold in there.  Even the workers had on long sleeves or jackets.  Austin's croc shoe strap broke Sunday, so I went to Kmart after I left Brentwood to buy him some new croc-like shoes.... and I bought a lightweight jacket.  I took those back, then headed home around 3:45pm.  I didnt get home until almost 5pm.  It was a LONG day !!!!  I was so ready to get to sleep last night.

[determined2beatit]

I know exactly what you're going through!! I too rapid cycle many times a day and it's unnerving! All i can say is first be good to yourself. If you see a situation that will really upset you then try to avoid it. Like the lunch incident.You couldn't avoid it but I've got to the point where if I get that upset,I just make an excuse to leave and not put myself through it... if possible. if you don't feel well then try to give yourself space to handle how you're feeling.I also would avoid things like caffeine,that will aggravate your moods ect. When you feel this way EVERYTHING"S a problem, so try to not let things upset you knowing that if you felt better you might see it differently. Again, I have walked away or cancelled something or just didn't join a group ect. when I was feeling that way because I knew no matter what something would set me off and really you don't deserve to have to sit there digging your fingernails into your arm. Been there and wanted to jump out of my skin or rip something apart I was so irritated. So don't put yourself into these situations ,if possible,... until you feel better! You almost have to think ahead and be good to yourself! No one else is going through what you are and they have no idea. It's good your family is learning how things are. It takes time for people to have a true understanding. God, it takes us time to figure it all out!! Don't be so hard on yourself,it's not easy! Good Luck! The meds will help once you find a good mix!

[marsha_ann]

Thanks for praying for us !!!!  Austin is on probation (has about 10 mths left), and has weekly court ordered Anger Management counseling (but its not helping).  He sees another counselor too (through his pdocs office)... about once a week.  She's starting a group therapy this coming Tuesday.  Maybe he'll be able to listen to other kids his age that might be going through similar things.  

Besides all that, there's no other counseling.  I probably need to find some sort of support group for me to attend.  But I dont know if I have time.  Maybe this summer I can go to some meetings, while my mother-in-law babysits (she just retired).   I'd love to try some sort of "chill pill" ... but we cant afford any meds for me.  Austin has Medicaid ... so we dont have to pay for his meds.  

We're constantly getting onto our 3 yr old for copying Austin's behaviors.  He yells at us, talks back, and stomps around when he doesnt get his way.  It's exhausting dealing with both of them !!!!!