I have a best friend (for 5 years) who I used to be in love with, few times. When I write down on a paper what kind of person he is, what kind of bf I need... Its very obvious we aren't a good mach. I KNOW THIS but still I always go back to that feeling. Could my bipolar-II be the reason for it? Perhaps rapid cycling? Sometimes I just cry and feel like its some kind of emotional self-torture to always go back there. Also everytime I fall in love its "Romeo and Juliet" extreme, like I would die for that person when we haven't even hooked up. He's the only person I can fully open up to with problems and emotions, could it also be some kind of lack of self-control when being desperate for attention and love? And btw when we first met and the first year I never felt anything, which I think is a good point why its not a normal crush (I think they usually happen right away or soon).

I just got diagnosed and started on Lamictal... I was wondering if it could help my romance feelings to become more stable and "normal". I´m also gonna start on Effexor which is suppose to be effective on obsessions. And btw I don't feel this way right now and haven't for months, but I just want to put it all out there because I think I wouldn't while feeling like that. He's the best friend Ive ever had and I want it to last, I don't want to go there again so thats why I´m asking for advices now. Some people think you have to end a friendship after feeling like that but I won't do that, he's my only close friend and I honestly think it would push my mental status to the bottom.

It's so interesting that you posted this today, because I was just at the book store reading a book about managing bipolar (of course I'm ADD too so I forgot exactly what it was called) but it described what you are doing to a tee as part of cycling in bipolar. Your brain gets "caught" on a thought and can't let it go, even if it is unreasonable or if you really don't want the thought. It said it can be even more prevalent if it was a relationship or social interaction that involved some kind of negative emotion or rejection.

The girl in the book was given a small dose of an antipsychotic added to her mood stabilizer and that made the thoughts go away.

Your brain gets "caught" on a thought and can't let it go, even if it is unreasonable or if you really don't want the thought. It said it can be even more prevalent if it was a relationship or social interaction that involved some kind of negative emotion or rejection.

Ouch. That sounds way too familiar.

Very very familiar. My mother calls it "nuts on the subject." Apparently obsessing annoys other people. :)

Ahh thank you guys... I now believe it IS a part of it. Just knowing that might help me to deal with it and not get lost in it. I also have a high level of obsessions in general so it all makes sense.

But do you think a mix of Lamictal and Effexor could be effective on obessions like this? Or do I need to add something more? I know I should talk to my doc before starting on anything but I would still appreciate to know what you guys think.

The lady in the book started taking a small dose of Risperdal. I think the SSRIs like Prozac tend to be helpful with obsessiveness, but I think in higher doses.

I was in a relationship for over 2 years (and sort of still am) and let this girl move in with me after about a year. I was miserable, but my mind kept going to other places and that I loved her and that I can't put her out on her @$$ (she was living with me and making me feel like I'm a stranger in my own house). Long story short, when my lamictal kicked in, I kicked her out three days later. I do love the girl, but cannot live with her at this point (she is clingy, has self-esteem issues, and I think co-dependent).

Sooo, I think the lamictal put the big picture in perspective for me - ie there is no reason to put yourself through that just because you fear the consequences.

Obsessive with - I dunno, but I do know that I can clearly see the big picture now which before got muddled up with different feelings and moods. If I am in a good mood (even a little manic) I can put up with anyone and I am rarely depressed - more manic and self destructive.

My therapist told me that since I was on these meds she believed I would start choosing completely different partners because I could see that the relationship was not right for me after a short period; whereas, before I would ride them out in hopes that we would work out our differences.

I know this doesn't completely relate, but I would think it relates a little?

If it does not relate at all - my apologies and I hope everything works out for you!

Well I've actually a always been picky and at 22 I've never been in a serious relationship. My problem has probably been falling for someone I can't have. So its different but I still think it might have some of the same roots.

So I can't wait until my meds kick in and see if there will be a difference :)

Wellbutrin lessens my desire to do illegal or harmful things.

I would venture to say it could help obsessions.