Discuss rapid cycling bipolar ii. how fast can mood changes occur? on lithium, lamotrigine and abilify (aripiprazole). dont see my dr for a while and was curious

I have seen cycling: As rapid as every 12 hours that was very clear and distinct and not a mixed state. I am sure others have seen even more rapid cycling. Ultra- ultra rapid cycling (uurc), is defined as several episodes within 24-48 hours. Rapid cycling ( 4 or more per year) is more common in women, premenstrually, menopausally, or at the puerperium. Maoi's and tricyclics, and low comt gene variant increase uurc.

Not Bipolar II.: Bipolar ii is charaterized by one or more major depressive episodes and at least one hypomanic episode. The presence of manic or mixed episodes precludes the diagnosis of bipolar ii. It sounds like you are on appropriate medications.

May change quickly: Moods may change quickly, called rapid cycling. Or slowly over months. Or stay at one level for short time ; another for long time. Medications should help stabilize mood. Be careful with multiple medications. There may unexpected consequences affecting your mood stabilizers-gerd medications and some antibiotics for example.

Days to months: Rapid cycling is define as anything more than 4 (hypo)manic episodes per year where each hypomanic episode lasts more than 4 days. Some might say they need only last 1 days, but that is controversial. You can cycle just as fast/slowly on any medication, though hopeful, the swings are less severe and less frequent than before you were on medication.