Jake

I really believe that people with bipolar disorder should really be careful. It can be very helpful, but I've seen it get incredibly addicting.

I would only pursue a marijuana based therapy if you can be vigilant about watching for signs of overuse and addiction. And make sure that you have enough money for the amount of weed you plan on smoking!

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Feorge Gorman

<< Overuse >>

I believe that if you are self-medicating yourself with marijuana you KNOW what your typical dosage is, and will adjust accordingly.

<< Addiction >>

Do a google search using the words effexor, lamictal or any of the other popular meds used for bi-polar and search the message boards! Ever heard the term "Brain Zap"? You'll see that used quite often as just one of the effects of quitting those kind of medications...and I'll tell you from experience, they SUCK!!!!! I've NEVER EVER had that happen after stopping smoking weed for any length of time. I'd rather be a little grumpy or irritable without weed, than feeling like a junkie trying to get off 'cold turkey' on those type of meds.

<< And make sure you have enough money >>

Well...sure! But, you ever price those meds without medical insurance. Thank GOD I had insurance when I started experimenting to see which might work for me. At one time I was on this stuff that went for $15 a PILL! $450 a month without assistance!

FESTIVITIES

I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder for 2 years. Before when I was misdiagnosed with just depression I was smoking mariajuana heavily to help with my mood swings and anxiety. I was definitely self medicating becuase the Zoloft wasnt working to control my symptoms. Now I am on Geodon, trazadone and ativan. My mood swings have been controlled with the Geodon but I still have the anxiety and trouble sleeping. I prefer to smoke then taking the Traz and ativan but I definitely smoke less then before. I feel like mj helps me more than the prescribed medication. I have never had a bad reaction with the medication and I dont take it when I am smoking. Its always one or the other. I mostly use the ativan when I am hanging out or at work since I obviously cant get high there.

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IT'S THE KING OF THE FOREST BABYLON THEY DON'T LIKE IT!!!!!!!!!

dirtbomb

Pot can cause "Hypomania" in some people. It's basically a toned down version of a full blown mania.
I'm not sure what effect that would have on Bi-Polar, but my Uni has been known to mimic Manic Depression a bit during and after a high. I'm not complaining. It sucks being down in the dumps constantly. Going a little over the top can be fun.

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Dank Perception

If you are depressed, you're prone to stay that way. On the other hand, if you are happy the chances of you getting down are lessened. Smoke when you feel best, I would say... and don't let it get out of hand.

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I forgot

freshmaker

Hi all. I too have been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. Doctor prescribed Zyprexa and Paxil to help with the depression. I've been taking Zyprexa for about a year. Been off and on the Paxil for about 6 years. Getting off these drugs is hellish to say the least.

Up until several weeks ago I had been drinking alcohol more and more to stave off the depression. It had definitely gotten out of hand ... come home from work and sit alone and drink and watch videos. I shunned all my friends; I wasn't getting any excersize. A pathetic life to say the least.

So I found this video on youtube about two weeks ago
RUN FROM THE CURE - The Rick Simpson Story. ()
It made sense. I got out an old bag of weed and lit up. I felt God's love and happy again. Marijauna *is* God's gift to man. I haven't had a drop of alcohol in a week.

But now I'm alone with no friends that smoke weed. And I'm getting these paranoid ideas about religion and marijuana. Is all evil in the world caused by the suppression of marijuana? I was raised mormon and have terrible guilt feelings about smoking pot: partaking of the tree of life gives you the knowledge of good and evil in and around you. It has opened my eyes to how evil I have become which triggers an extreme depression. But then, when I see how I can help make the world a better place, I get manic. Only being constantly stoned can I enjoy life and feel balanced.

How can I be a productive member of society while being stoned *all* the time?

Have I wasted the past 15 years of my life avoiding my true calling - a hemp advocate?

Or am I now falling into the pits of hell with no chance of an afterlife in heaven because I'm becoming a stoner for life?

I feel pretty messed up saying all this. Anyone else have these sort of issues?