is it normal to feel drained when taking mood stabilizers??

[MrsCam]

hi all,

during my recent stay at perth clinic I was diagnosed with bipolar type 2. I was taken off my ad med and put onto a mood stabilizer. that was almost 4 weeks ago and since getting home a week ago I am finding that I get tired really easily by the middle of the day... its not a low mood exactly its just that I feel so drained that I end up wanting to cry... I know my iron levels are also low and am taking an iron supplement for that so that is probably not helping, but Ive had  anaemia before and it was never like this... 

just wondered if anyone else has found this when starting on a mood stabilizer??

[AGrace]

I've been taking a mood stabiliser since late last year. In the beginning it would put me out in minutes, after a couple of months I got used to it, I've since been taking a slow release version. I struggle to fall off to sleep but then it's really hard to wake up at my usual time. Are you taking it at night time? Do you take sleeping tablets as well? If so you might like to stop the sleepers. I usually get tired around 3. Sadly I don't think there's much that can be done about this. Does it help to get some fresh air? 

AGrace

[MrsCam]

Thanks for your reply

Yeh I take them at night and I usually fall asleep pretty quick. No sleeping meds at all... not sure if they are slow release or not, will have to ask my doctor next time I see him... tired & emotional tonight, burst int tears over a comment my hubby made on facebook even tho he says it was just a joke I still got really upset 😞

Will continue as I am for now, I guess its still early days really, especially with today being my first day back at work

[geoff]

dear Mrs. Cam, medication and tiredness can be very common for different people, and just as Amber has said she gets tired by about 3, and this is no different to myself as it's bed time for me.

It means that I don't have a social life, but I am passed that by now, I'm old at 59 years so it doesn't bother me any more, however I am single and it could be different if you and Amber have a partner/husband who does want to go out at night.

I would tend to believe that this medication is a slow release, but it's been awhile since I have taken them, but I know that low iron levels can also contribute to how you are feeling. L Geoff. x

[white knight]

Hi Mrs Cam,

I'm bipolar 2 also and very sensitive. Think sensitivity runs with the issue frankly.  Same here if I get a cool comment its like it sticks to the edge of my brain until I go through the routine of sadness, worry then upset then over it. whereby normally people would be upset at all or say a few words in reply and that would be the end of it.

Mood stabilisers have been the best thing for me after years of trying other AD's.  I take 2 tabs in the morning and one at night and they are slow release. I dont get tired at all on them.

Give them a fair bit of time and in terms of sensitivity try to ask for clarity as a habit. it can save a lot of heartache. It's been my challenge this months and it has worked ok