Mental Health Bipolar/Anxiety/ADHD - Desperately need some feedback on my new combo of meds!

[CrazyCockatiel]

Hey everyone, I really hope someone reads this post, I need some serious guidance.

I'll get right to it because this time, I need to get it right.
I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder a decade ago and was re diagnosed many times after that from various psychiatrists. I've tried many different combinations (not all at the same time) of Seroquel, Lithium, Abilify and Wellbutrin. Have been hospitalized three times for manic episodes. I've finally found a doctor who seems to understand the disorder in more complex ways. He has diagnosed me with ADHD and has also acknowledged my high levels of anxiety. He has prescribed me Lamictal (100mg which seems to be working), Vyvanse (70mg, but told me to dissolve in to a water bottle in equal parts and start off with 20mg - he didn't want me to be stuck with an ineffective dose for the rest of the month) and Clonidine (.2 mg at night).

I'm nervous saying this, but after a decade of extreme mental chaos, I feel clarity, calm, focused and hopeful. Everything seems to be ok so far and I'm working on developing a healthier lifestyle (eating healthy, working out and generally getting shit done). The first day I accidentally took 35mg and my family noticed that I was extremely chatty and productive and it freaked them out because I had been extremely depressed. The next few days I took the lowest dose of 20mg and things are much better, I'm more like myself.

Now that I've bored you to death about my medical background, the actual question is: Can this be a permanent, life long solution? I have no intentions of abusing Vyvanse (I've done my fair share of other drugs recreationally in the past) or any other drug for that matter. I just really need to regain control of my health and get my life back on track in a real and life long way. I drink twice a week (3-4 beers at one time) but that's about it.

I've been reading obsessively on Vyvance on blue light and other places. Many people say it's not a permanent solution to anything. Some aren't sure or maybe I just so desperately want this combination to work out. I know many children who are on it and have been able to regain control of their lives. If I maintain a low dose, can it work for me? It seems to be really helping me with the Lamictal and Clonidine. I have a supportive partner who is involved and there to help me figure this shit out once and for all. I fear if things go wrong this time, I won't be able to recover.

ANY advice will be greatly appreciated. Anyone who has had experience....knowledge.....anything. I can't afford to let my life slip away in front of my eyes anymore so please write back if you have anything to say.

Thanks,
CC 8?

 

[manicmama]

Your new doctor sounds like they are very knowledgeable and understanding and has actually listened to you - I would explain how 'stable' this current combo has made you and you're worried that it is not a viable long term solution and see what he says.
I'm bipolar and struggling to find treatment that works and is tolerable - however, clonazepam which I understood to only ever be a short term treatment is still working for what it is intended (anxiety) and racing thoughts (to some extent) after 12 months, and my care team have assured me that for as long as it is working I will be left on it - I just need to sort the rest put.
Speak with your doc, trial and error is key and if the worst is that it is short term the fact you have responded positively to this will give the professionals a good idea of what is likely to work for you long term.
Good luck!

 

[cbtodacb]

Mate I know the feeling of finding something which works and hoping soooo much that it remains effective. With our anxiety the lingering fear of it returning is pervasive. Hand in there bro and don't give up. As mentioned by others here, trial and error is key (even though it sucks having to wait through that trial and error time)

 

[MonaLisa]

Hey, I think you should not worry about things like that. You are happy now, right? Try to enjoy your life without the stress and distractions, and the feeling of impending mania/depression. Allow yourself to embrace your present state of mind instead of focusing on an uncertain future.
I have the same tendency to jump ahead of myself. I also am bi-polar, adhd, and severe GAD (with psychotic tendencies). I really snapped only a year and a half ago, always a depressive person, but now manic too. I take Wellbutrin, Deplin, Lamictal, and Latuda. I am feeling better than I have in years. So, since I am feeling so great, I decide that I don't need these drugs. My doctors won't support that decision. I am still on the drugs, still feeling great, and still I want to stop all treatment. I can't though. It isn't time yet, I have only been taking these medications for 5 months and we are moving into autumn, a time when most people find their symptoms surge.
Even though we are coming at the same issue from different sides of the fence, the advice remains the same. Just enjoy feeling good.