mood stabilizers and school

HappyJaxRN · Jul 9, 2011

Did BSN prior to diagnosis of BP disorder. Now on Trileptal and planning on going back to school. Anyone have a problem with concentrating/learning while in school on mood stabilizers or anti-seizure meds?

Yes. I have BP and ADHD. Through my 2 year degree, I was on adderall. Helped but made me manic. During my BSN, adderall was taken off my med list and my BP meds were adjusted. During my MSN, I suffered a nervous breakdown and it was found that my meds were not right. SO they were adjusted again. I'm working on completing my MSN and yes, it is very hard to concentrate. You have to make yourself do it. Once into something, I seem to take off...getting it started is another thing. My new doctor told me that there is a medication that acts like adderall but is not converted in the brain as such therefore not adding to the euphoria of mania.

Best wishes!

BrookeeLou_RN · Jul 10, 2011

I am not in college at this time but started RN-MSN online program last year then went on lamictal. No way I can focus, finish tasks or complete detailed papers. Part of me really wants to go back but reality is it will not happen for me. But every one reacts differently to different meds. Good luck in your journey

JRP1120, RN · Jul 11, 2011

[quote=My new doctor told me that there is a medication that acts like adderall but is not converted in the brain as such therefore not adding to the euphoria of mania.

Best wishes!

is the medication Nuvigil? A friend of mine is on that and that's what her dr told her about it. Just wondering. I hope you can find something that works for you!

noreenl · Jul 12, 2011

I would be interested to know that info as well!