Meds..

This is my bathroom counter..

This is my “collection” in my closet..

This is all of the meds that I have tried and failed. I have tried literally every medication that has come out for depression and anxiety: Lexapro, Trazadone, Buspar, Buspirone, Viibryd, Xanax, Valium, Trintellix, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Seroquel, and now Vraylar. Nothing has worked. I am also Vitamin D deficient, which is why I take that supplement.

At my last therapy appointment, my therapist referred me to see their psychiatrist. At that appointment, the doctor started me on Vraylar. My family doctor also wanted me to take Vraylar, but my insurance wouldn’t cover it. It worked great for the time I was able to take it, but then my insurance said no, so she put me on Seroquel. Seroquel worked for a while (just like they all do), but then I was right back to where I was before I started them. My psychiatrist said that since I have tried and failed so many meds, that my insurance may cover it now. We shall see. Fingers crossed.

Vraylar is an antipsychotic, which is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar. I am not schizophrenic (as far as I know), but I do have Bipolar, so I am hoping that I have good luck with this medication. I found out that Seroquel is just a mood stabilizer, which may be why it stopped working. I have been on the Vraylar for two and a half weeks now, but I don’t feel any different. I know that it usually takes 4-6 weeks for medications to kick in, so I am trying to be patient.

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat: Schizophrenia, MDD, PDD, OCD, ADHD, Insomnia, and some others.

Antipsychotics are commonly prescribed to treat: Schizophrenia, MDD, Bipolar, Alcoholism, Insomnia, and some others.

I have disorders from both lists. At my last appointment, the doctor said that she thought I had Bipolar, MDD, OCD, PTSD, and Anxiety. I was wondering if I should be taking both antidepressants and antipsychotics together, but I read that it can disrupt the rhythms of your heart. I am going to trust my doctor and let her do what she thinks is best. I’m going to continue to go to therapy and talk to my therapist about my “problems” and go to the psychiatrist every other month and just try to control my issues the best I can.

Have you taken any medications for Bipolar? Which worked best for you?

What do you do besides medication to help with depression and anxiety?