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Feeling a bit too good after new meds

Asuka_02Contributor30 June 2025, 1:29 pm AEST

Feeling a bit too good after new meds

I live with Schizoaffective disorder. During a recent depressive episode I started on an atypical antidepressant. The next day after taking it I noticed a marked improvement in my mood and energy though I still felt slightly flat.

Yesterday evening I started feeling my energy increase though I managed to sleep it was quite broken and I was up earlier than usual this morning.

I've been doing more things than usual, and really positive and confident. Honestly I feel like I could achieve anything.

My roommate and support worker said I seemed a little elevated, but I disagree. My GP isn't concerned said it's better than where I was at and better than feeling flat, said to keep tracking my moods (which I had lasped with, thanks ADHD).

If I am elevated I hope it won't progress into mania. I'm looking for work atm, need to do a photo shoot, press release and marketing for a new single I have. So many things to do...

Has anyone had experience adding an antidepressant into the mix with the bipolar side of Schizoaffective? How did you mange the surge in energy and positivity?

I take a mood stabiliser and am in therapeutic range btw

7 replies

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In response to: Feeling a bit too good after new meds

rav3nSenior Contributor30 June 2025, 1:37 pm AEST

Re: Feeling a bit too good after new meds

hey @Asuka_02 welcome to the forums!

thanks for sharing, i'm really glad to hear that things are starting to look brighter for you. i don't have lived experience around bipolar and/or schizoaffective disorder myself but i'm sure the community will lend you some support soon.

sounds like there's lots on your plate work-wise, so please do take care. looks like you're working hard on keeping an eye on those mood changes and that your support worker and roommate are also looking out for ya! now you've got the forums community rooting for you too 💙

In response to: Re: Feeling a bit too good after new meds

Asuka_02Contributor30 June 2025, 1:39 pm AEST

Re: Feeling a bit too good after new meds

Thank you!

In response to: Feeling a bit too good after new meds

DimitySenior Contributor30 June 2025, 5:53 pm AEST

Re: Feeling a bit too good after new meds

@Asuka_02 I'm bipolar, with psychotic episodes. My psychiatrist says he won't prescribe SSRIs although I've had them in the past, due to risk of mania. Many years ago I did become psychotic on a MAOI. He's suggested a mood stabiliser also used as an anticonvulsant that's known to be beneficial for depression but I haven't tried it.

Well done for tracking your moods and checking in with your room mate and support worker.

For me sleepless nights are a red flag, and I do recognise early signs of disordered thinking. At that stage I can take extra antipsychotic PRN. If it continues I check in with my psychiatrist.

Big congrats on your new single!!!

In response to: Feeling a bit too good after new meds

AnonymooseOGContributor30 June 2025, 7:52 pm AEST

Re: Feeling a bit too good after new meds

Hello!

I'm glad your mood has improved. Definitely continue actively monitoring yourself. Personally, I use apps to track my mood. It's possible you're a little disorgansied due to sleep disruptions, but it could also be a swing towards hypomania.

It's common for psychiatrists to prescribe antidepressants to bipolar/schizo patients as long as we're on mood stabilisers! That's the key here. Whatever you do, don't suddenly stop your medication. Talk it over with a doctor. It sounds like your GP isn't currently concerned, however, don't be afraid to seek a second opinion if things are going south (or north!)

Good luck 🙂

In response to: Re: Feeling a bit too good after new meds

Asuka_02Contributor30 June 2025, 9:05 pm AEST

Re: Feeling a bit too good after new meds

Thank you, I am a bit worried about mania, I have a support space at my local. Hospital I can go to if it does swing up and hopefully it doesn't!

In response to: Re: Feeling a bit too good after new meds

Asuka_02Contributor30 June 2025, 9:06 pm AEST

Re: Feeling a bit too good after new meds

Thank you, I am a bit worried about mania, I have a support space at my local. Hospital I can go to if it does swing up and hopefully it doesn't

In response to: Re: Feeling a bit too good after new meds

Asuka_02Contributor30 June 2025, 9:07 pm AEST

Re: Feeling a bit too good after new meds

Thanks for responding! I'll keep tracking my mood and see my Dr next month.

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