bipolar depression and getting off of marijuana

[CatWings]

I have been having some really weird ups and downs - almost like rapid cycling. However, the highs are kind of good, but in some way too much.

Was anyone here trying to self-medicate Bipolar with weed?

I think it was making my depression worse. Now the highs are a little higher than I would like.

I am on medication for this, however. So I have been needing to see how this stuff works.

I am also on Tramadol for chronic pain management. I do not abuse this though I am wondering if maybe its effects are stronger now that I am off of the weed.

I have the shakes, however, I feel so keyed up. I was pretty depressed just an hour ago and then all of the sudden I was high as a kite.

Maybe this is just my brain trying to "re-calibrate" itself all of the sudden.

I would think that someone with a real clinical mood disorder might have a harder time getting off of a drug or not.

I am on day 9.

[historyteach]

Hi, CatWings!
I have no personal experience to share with you, here.
What type of bipolar meds are you on?
And have you spoken to your doc about your concerns?

Others will be here to share their ESH with you too.
In the meantime, why not post on the bipolar thread?
You'll get to know a great bunch of people open and willing to share their experiences with you.

Shalom!

[CatWings]

What is ESH?

I have not spoken to my doctor about my marijuana use and don't intend to, especially now that I am off of it. But I have spoken to him about my depression.

I am on day 12 and the last two days I have been hit with crushing depression. I now see why I self-medicated with MJ and worry that I will have to go back to it if this depression thing because a permanent state again.

I think my initial symptoms of being all over the place were due to acute withdrawal symptoms, which have now subsided.

But I am willing to give it some time to find out.

I am picking up a new med, Risperdal to add to my Lamictal. I cannot take regular antidepressants due to bipolar mania when on them, so I hope this works out.

I will try the bipolar thread, though hopefully someone will have some shared experience with self-medication through marijuana.

Cat

[historyteach]

ESH is experience, strength and hope.

I'm glad you're talking to your doc about your depression. But, concerned about why you won't discuss your self medication with mj. Especially since you state you may go back to it!

I'm certain that you recognize any drug will interfer with the prescribed drug you are taking for your diagnoses of bipolar disorder. Your doc will not be shocked by your use of drugs; it's quite common to self medicate. But, it does add to the complexity of finding the right medications to effectively treat the problem.

You and your doctor are partners in your health care. And if you are not fully disclosing information that s/he needs to make informed decisions about your treatment plan, you are effectively tying his/her hands. And, making your suffering worse. I know that's not your desire. You want to get better. You want this living hell to end. And the end starts with trust in your health care provider.

I'm glad you'll be over to the other thread. See ya there!

Shalom!

[CatWings]

Actually, I am not going to go back to it. I think that was a weak moment. There is a very good reason I am cannot discuss that with my doctor, but going forward I am sure things will be easier.

I was never doing well with my conditions before the marijuana anyway, but I don't want that way of life back. I would rather
all this other stuff be on the up and up.

Thanks!
Cat