Are there people that suffer from bipolar that can't be treated with medications?

Question

I was diagnosted in 2006 with bipolar type 2. ( I suffer more from deppression than mania...and my manias aren't extreme, they are hypomanias...)

Doctors have tried SO MANY medication on me, I feel like a lab rat!

Either the meds made no improvement on me, or the side effects were to strong/or dangerous for me to continue them.

I've been on Epival (valporic acid) since january and I also take clonazepam before bed for my anxiety.

Things were looking good, then about a month ago, it's like my meds stopped working!?

I'm affraid of trying a new combination of meds (cause some have made me suicidal and violent) and I'm to a point where I'm wondering: Will the doctors ever find meds to help me??What if they can't!?

Most medication make me feel "drugged up" and I can't stay awake!

I can't afford to live this way cause I'm a single mom.( I can assure you all that I never harmed my child...my parents are involved daily in our lives and can attest to that...and my anger and violence is towards me...)

I am unable to work because of my bipolar (plus I have physical probelms such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian disease and chronic lower back pain...) * And I'm only 31 yrs old!! :S *

Everytime I feel like I've finaly found a solution to help me live with my illeness,it fades away...

I do my part by going to theraphy regularly... and I voluntarely went to two 7 weeks outpatient informational classes (to help me understand and live with my disease...)

I've identified my triggers, I've learned how to do mindfullness (to relax)...but it always seems like for every step I make forward, I'm pushed ten steps back!!

Latelly, I noticed that my bipolar was worst when my "female hormones" were shifting (like in my ovulation, my PMS and my messes)

Is there anyone out there that lived/or is living something similar to me?! And if so, how do you keep sane?! How did you get better??Is it normal to have meds work for a while and then stop helping out!?

I know I'm asking alot but, PLEASE HELP!!

BTW: I'm unable to take "the pill" to stabilize my hormones...I react badly to those meds too!!

Answer 1

The short answer is yes, there are people who can't be treated with meds.  But that's usually because the meds cause a toxic reaction.  My best suggestion would be to talk to your therapist about writing out a WRAP plan which stands for Wellness Recovery Action Plan.  The other thing I would suggest is to try to find a support group.  It helps to be able to talk to people that are going through things that are similar as you.

Don't know if that helps but I hope that it does.  

Answer 2

You are not alone. I too have the same condition as you.

The only advice I can give you on here is to just 'hang on'.

You will find something that will help you.

Feel free to email me and I will try my best to help you.

Believe me I do know what you are going through.

A dear friend of mine has helped me realise that it isn't the end of the world and you WILL be ok.  

Answer 3

To answer if there are people who meds do not work for, yes. This is for every illness, not just bipolar. But this is for a very few number of people.

I am not a psychiatrist or any type of MD so I can not suggest any type of medications. I do see that it seems that there is a few different medications that you can try.

Anti depressants are used most of the type with bipolar II. These will help keep your moods some what stable.

A lot of times two or more anticonvulsants are combined together to help with mood stabilization. Mood stabilization is what bipolar diagnosis' need to help them function. Many times they will also control impulses which can help people function in the world.

Is it normal to have meds work for a while and then stop helping out!?

This is normal for any type of meds. With psych meds it happens suddenly much of the time. When it does it is recommended that you get into you psychiatrist's office and talk about them not working.

Best Wishes!!!

Answer 4

you are not alone I know I won't be any help, but I was diagnosed as bipolar and was prescribed meds, none of them worked either they made me suicidal, or the sides were too unbearable, although the one med I thought actually was working Klonopin made me angry when I first ststartedaking it I noticed that I would be less shy and for once actually felt good about myself until I noticed that I became a jerk and stopped taking it. the one thing that has worked for me is exercise, I go to the gym 3 days a week and it makes me feel better about myself and anytime I have an unwanted thought I try to block it, to h**l with those meds they suck