Hi Ria, what type of speech impairment? I know I get like that sometimes. However I don't know if it is the stress or my stupamax ( topomax). Sorry I can't be of much help on this subject.
Nickie
Kittycat is right about Topamax (Dopamax). Usually if taken at a therapeutic dose, it causes what is called cognitive slowing. (The mind's capability and speech is slowed down, there can be confusion and memory is affected, too).
Also, even many pdocs are unaware that bipolar depression is very, very different from clinical depression in a non bipolar patient. It in itself causes the congnitive slowing, only it is called psychomotor slowing, which means not only is the mind not working at full strength, neither is the body. That's where the muscle weakness and/or extreme physical fatigue comes in. That is what can make you feel trapped in your mind and body, like it's a prison. (Can't get out of bed). I have been there too and wanted to die. People, even some docs, don't realize that, because the criteria for depression is the basic formula and is usually what is listed for bipolar, too. People would just have to be in that dark place to even imagine the misery.
Stress and anxiety do not cause this condition, if anything they speed up the mind. They can still sometimes cause some fatigue, tho, but not to the extent of full blown depression.
Thank You for your replies. Right now I am not sure what to do. It seems that my PDOC is a QUACK and doing all the wrong things. What can I do to help myself with my speech besides trying to find a new PDOC? I am unable to function, I havent been to work in 2 days since this has started.
Good to know that about Topamax. hahahaha. Not like I'm not already slow. Eeesh. Slurrred speech, haven't had that one yet. But I will start a sentence and stop mid sentence.........poof its gone......total thought process just decides to go on vacation. And its not like it does it when I am talking to my mom or to my boyfriend. Noooooo. When I am talking to clients or to my lawyer, when an impression is impareative. I have to goto family court at the end of August and I don't have money for a lawyer so I have to represent myself. I am going to sell front row seats, this ought to be interesting. I am useless when I am under that much pressure. Seriously you all. I have called some family and friends though and asked for them to show up and maybe talk for me. Its not like teretx syndrom but very similar.
Pepper
Hi Ria, I take omega3 fish oil, to help my out with my cognitv slowing. I recently started taking it and some times it takes awhile to get into your system. I like topomax, so I decided to try omega. My memory isn't the greatest due to many things. I used to party, with alcohol and pot sometimes in my earlier years, mainly alcohol. So I think that's also contributed to my slowness. My symptoms really aren't that noticeable. I will only increase to 150mg of topomax, and if it starts to be noticeable I will try something else. Right now it does control my mania, finding the right anti-d , is my problem. I go wed. , well see what happens. Good luck and let me know if you try the omega! Nickie