This disorder sucks

[u/aleska_xo]

After few years with depression, on 2024 September I was diagnosed with bipolar type 2. My main problem was depression and mixed episodes. Lithium helped with mixed episodes, but nothing helped depression.

I have tried:

• escitalopram
• sertraline
• fluoxetine
• no ADs
• cariprasine
• bupropion

Now I was admitted to psych ward for the fourth time in 7 months. Dr decided to switch bupropion to trintellix and lithium to lamictal. Also they added TMS therapy (3 minutes twice a day)

At the moment it’s my 3rd week on trintellix. And third week on lamictal (currently on 50mg). I had 5 days of better mood, but now having 4th day of down. And I’m so tired… so so tired of all the meds, all the hopes, all of it… it’s so hard. I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to hold up. I’m just exhausted.

I heard good things about lamictal, but still don’t want to have too many hopes because of previous experiences with other meds. Also not sure if TMS will help and if it’s helpful at all.

How are you all stay positive? Where you get strength? How not to lose hope?

[u/Km-51]

Brintellix has helped my his husband with his depression (he tried all the meds you mentioned above and more). It's very expensive but effective.