I have bipolar disorder. Ask me anything.

[Tobin S.]

Last edited Fri May 3, 2013, 11:16 PM - Edit history (1)

I used to post about mental illness in the lounge often, then we got the Mental Health Support Group and I've kept most of that stuff there since then. FYI, there is a new mental health group called Mental Health Information. It's more of a stigma busting group than a support group. It could use some traffic.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

1. how much are you spending out of pocket per month for your maintenance drugs?

[Tobin S.]

5. Fortunately, $30 a month right now.

That's with the benefit of insurance coverage. One of the drugs I take used to be very expensive, and my prescriptions used to be $100 a month for my share. I had to pay for it out of pocket on a few occasions and it was $300 for a month's supply. I later learned that in the months before it went generic it was going for $700 for a month's supply. Now the drug is available as a generic and I think without coverage it would cost me about $50 for a month's supply.

I take ziprasidone, lithium, and bupropion. All generics and all $10 a piece through my insurance.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

8. good to hear. tell Jen - Hey for me

and hugs for you both

[Tobin S.]

10. Will do.

[struggle4progress]

2. Can't you build up your bipoles by lifting weights or something?

[Tobin S.]

6. Nope, them suckers droop and no amount of pumping iron will help them.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. Good to see you tonight, my dear Tobin!

No questions from me......

[Tobin S.]

7. Good to see you, too, my friend.

[Loryn]

4. What kind of medication do you take?

If you don't mind me asking.

[Tobin S.]

9. Ziprasidone 160mg a day. Lithium 300mg a day. Bupropion 150mg a day.

Those are all generics. The brand names for ziprasidone and bupropion are Geodon and Wellbutrin, respectively. You might recognize those. The lithium and bupropion dosages are actually fairly minimal, but the ziprasidone dosage is at the maximum recommended daily dosage. It is an anti-psychotic and is also used to treat acute mania, and that's where the greatest share of my troubles were before treatment.