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bipolar medication

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Q: Bipolar medication?
So I have bipolar type II and am currently on 5mg of abilify, and 100mg of lamictal. I still get some symptoms every now and then, the worst being the spending sprees and some irritability, I still get depressed every now and then but its all very mild. However I feel like I am a lot dumber than I used to be. Should I discontinue the medication and see how I go? I have been hospitalized once but that was a while ago, I am just sick of feeling dumb

A: I’m not a big fan of Lamictal, to put it mildly. In fact, I was on the same dosage as you for over 2 years and I am currently weaning off of it. It was giving me all sorts of side effects like vivid dreaming and weakness. Now that I’m getting off of it the withdrawal is hell but I feel more like myself and people around me tell me I seem more like myself. I feel less “drugged.” Maybe that’s what you mean by “dumb”.

A lot of people don’t like Lamictal, so you might want to try something different. I’m also on Lithium and I haven’t had nearly the problems with it I’ve had with a lot of other meds. It too has a good track record for helping us type II bipolar sufferers.

Never just stop a medication without first consulting your psychiatrist, though. It can be dangerous, and you’ll want a professional opinion anyway. So if you’re worried the meds you’re on now are not agreeing with you, describe your concerns to your doctor.

Q: What can bipolar medication do to a misdiagnosed schizophrenic?
I’m no doctor, but this person has definitely had delusions, possible hallucinations, and episodes that give me reason to believe this is Schizophrenia, not Bipolar.

She is taking Bipolar medication which numbs her down really well so she doesn’t have episodes… but I’m curious to know what this wrong diagnosis could mean, any psychologists out there?

A: I don’t know how you are coming to this problem. Bipolar patients can suffer from delusions and hallucinations; I’m not sure what you mean by ‘episodes that give me reason to believe……..’
On the evidence that you have provided I wouldn’t doubt the prognosis made by the health professional and as you indicate, the medication is working well. It really isn’t appropriate to call it a ‘wrong diagnosis’ without proper evidence, which is discussed with the health professional who is treating this person.

Q: How can I lose weight on Bipolar medication?
Hi, I have lost about 15 kilos so far on Bipolar medication by eating coffee for breakfast, eggs for lunch and a small serving of meat and veg for tea…but lately i have just been eating more than that and gained 5 kilos of the weight i lost back. I want to get down to my normal weight of 60 kilos. How can I do this? Are diet pills safe for people on medication? Please let me know.

A: Hi – I’m not a doctor but from the user experiences I’ve read, Lamictal and Topamax (both anticonvulsants) seem to be the mood stabilizers least likely to cause weight gain.

In terms of the atypical antipsychotic meds, Abilify (Aripiprazole) is usually thought to be the one med in the class which produces weight gain less often than the others. Unlike most other atypical antipsychotics, Abilify affects the neurotransmitter dopamine, and is classified as a “selective dopamine antagonist”. This appears to make it less likely to cause high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance.

Of course whether or not any of these medications work for you is probably the most important question. Your doctor should be able to give you the best feedback on the meds that might work and produce the least objectionable side effects.

Have you talked with a dietician/nutritionist? If they are knowledgeable about the side effects of these medications, they might be able to help you find a diet which works best. Good luck!

Q: Anyone know of a really good bipolar medication?
I just quit taking Geodon last week. I had horrible side effects, such as dizziness, shaking, & headaches. I quit it cold turkey, which was bad, but now it’s out of my system. I’ve also taken Prozac, Zoloft, & Lexapro. I’m starting to think medication will never work for me. Do you know of any good bipolar medication? Thanks.

A: Adding antidepressants to mood-stabilizing drugs may not help — or hurt — the treatment of bipolar depression, the depressive phase of bipolar disorder.

Mood stabilizers balance certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that control emotional states and behavior.

Lithium is usually one of the first medicines prescribed for bipolar disorder to treat mania and to prevent the return of both manic and depressive episodes.

Depakote is used to treat mania and may be used in people who cannot take or don’t respond to lithium.

Experts believe that ABILIFY works by adjusting dopamine, instead of completely blocking it, as well as affecting serotonin.

The exact way that Lamictal works is unknown. However, it is believed that Lamictal affects chemicals in the brain involved in bipolar disorder. Lamictal is used alone or in combination with other medications in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

I wish you all the best finding the right medication. Talk with your pyschiatrist. Just keep in mind that you may have to go through a few medications before finding the right one for you.
Good luck!

Q: Boyfriends sister has a 105 fever and is vomiting. Could it be allergic reaction to bipolar medication?
My boyfriends sister has severe bipolar disorder. She just recently switched her medication. She suddenly has a fever of 105, and is vomiting. Her parents think it might be an allergic reaction. Could it be? And if it is what would they do to treat that?
She is in the hospital, I just want to know if it could be an allergic reaction, and what they will do to treat her. She’s like 500 miles away and her parents are going to fly to her tonight.

A: If she is 105 take her to the hospital now, this is serious

Q: Has anyone ever been prescribed bipolar medication combined with a weight loss aid?
If you were over weight but have bipolar have you ever had a dr. give you a weight loss medication in combination with your bipolar meds? Does it work? Would it be bad side effects?

A: You might want to ask your doctor if Topamax is compatible with your other medications. It is sometimes prescribed for weight loss, and is also a mood-stabilizer.

Q: bipolar medication?
Are any of you on them? how did they make you feel?

A: Im on depekote (mood stabalizer) and wellbutrin (anti depressant). They work wonders on keeping me mostly level. Only real side effect i have is a slight hand tremor…..kinda bad if i have a lot of caffiene but thats because of the combo.

Doesnt make me a zombie. Doesnt make me seem drugged up. Just levels me out.

Q: what are some of the complains towards the side effects of bipolar medication?
Does anyone know if there are proven complains about bipolar medication going wring?

A: Nausea
Tremors
Hair loss
Sexual problems
Weight gain
Liver failure
Renal failure
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain

It depends on how the persons body reacts to the medication prescribed and which medication is being taken (and the dosage.)

Q: Why am I feeling this way on my bipolar medication?
I take bipolar medication and have for a couple years and lately Ive been thinking about suicide and cutting again… but I dont want to think like that It just happens. Everything is going great and I’m loving life but I cant stop thinking about death… what should I do??
I go to my psychiatrist in about two weeks and I cant get in any sooner because shes only at the place I go to 1 day of the week, and Im in counciling.

A: I go to a weekly support group for people with depression and bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, I have heard stories similar to yours. I have had similar experiences as you, but not so bad.

For some people, there just comes a time when medications start to lose their effectiveness or stop working completely. I know, from personal experience, how frustrating this can be. I have thought, “Hooray. I finally found a med that works” and get optimistic. Then at some point the med or meds stop working and it is VERY discouraging.

If things for you really get bad and you can’t see ANY doctor, go to a hospital ER. Some hospitals are better than others, especially psychiatric wards. However, if you are really desperate, going into a hospital might be necessary.

Hopefully, you won’t need hosptilization. In the ER, you will be seen by a psychiatrist who might be able to adjust your medication, and things will get better.

Of course, talking with a psychotherapist might be all you need to help you through until you can see your regular doctor. In many clinics or health plans, you can usually find a back-up doctor in case of emergency. Email me if necessary. I wish you well.

Q: Should I stop taking my bipolar medication?
I’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I don’t believe I have it. I used to think so, but I was wrong. I should never have gone to the doctor.

All the medication does is make me flat and blank. I just want to be me again.

Should I give it up?

A: one of the symptoms of bipolar disorder is denial. stay on your medication

Q: What is the best bipolar medication with the least side effects?
I am 19 years old and I just had my first little girl on 1-1-07, I am currently suffering from postpartum depression. at 14 years old I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, opositional defiance disorder, and depression. Since I was 14 I was using drugs (various drugs) I believe this was caused by my depression and bipolar disorder. I have now been clean since June 25,05. But I have been going through a lot of hard times with being a new mom. I love my daughter so much she lights up my life she is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I do everything for her but as much time as I put into her I feel like I have NO time for myself so I’m a mess I barely take care of myself I feel like I have no energy I almost feel like im in a black hole and I feel so guilty because I am so blessed to have this beautiful little girl. I need to know everyone’s oppinion that has ever dealt with bipolar disorder and depression on what is the best medications (mood stabilizers, anti psychotics, and anti depressants) to help me. I have already scheduled councelling because I know that will greately help my problem but I keep getting different crazy oppinions from doctors telling me take this take that and just give me things to deal with one problem NOT BOTH when that is what I need cause I know I need to be on a combination of two or more medications. SOME ONE HELP!! Thanx yall : )

A: I don’t think your answer will be found here. Go to a mental health professional and start getting some help! Everyone responds differently to meds, so what might have been a miracle combination for one person might do nothing for you!

Q: what bipolar medication works for you?
i have taken depakote, lamictal, zyprexa, and tegretol. they all don’t help with the severe depression and sad sad sad moods i get associated with bipolar disorder. what medication works for you?

A: I weaned myself off of Seroquel. Let me tell you, pharmaceuticals should be avoided at all costs unless your bipolar disorder is so severe that you absolutely NEED it. They are so bad for your health in the long run. Sure it worked fine while I took it, but I gained weight, lost hair, had constipation, had to drink coffee daily just to stay awake. When I got off of it the complete opposite happened: I had horrible headaches, insomnia for hours, panic attacks at night, when I finally did get like an hour or two of sleep, I woke up sweating, had intense nightmares, the list goes on. FDA approved medications are made to make you a controlled zombie while natural healthy approaches are never discussed!

The best medication is inner peace.

The Real Cause of Bipolar Disorder

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCFEDiwGcYU

How to Heal Bipolar Disorder Mania (Naturally)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDQjJErJRk0

8 Reasons to Run From Anti-Depressants:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBBc3fEnwOw

Recommended Books:
“Trials of a Visionary Mind” by John Weir Perry
“A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle
“The Bipolar Advantage” by Tom Wooton

Look up Soteria House. Also study the link between Bipolar Disorder and Creativity. (and Bipolar Disorder and Intelligence.) If you have the “Bipolar mindset”, you are actually gifted! Don’t let the doctors work on you. You work on you! Be safe. Take it easy. :-)

-Love Is Peace

Q: Has anyone stopped taking bipolar medication for good? If so how do you feel now?
I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder in 1995, I had post natal depression and they didn’t pick up bipolar till later. I have been taking Epilum for many years and have discided to cut down the dose slowly and then stop.
I want to go cold turkey, but scared I could have problems. I feel okay at present, has anyone been through this?

A: Me……. i was taking 600mg daily of Effexor ……….. it’s actually hit and miss, trial and error with those meds for they never do know which one is going to either work effectively or agree with you …… first they had me on huge Xyprexa tablets that looked like horse pills ……. i doubled my weight in 3 months and turned into an zombie ……… i got diagnosed with bipolar / schizophrenia after the birth of my last son (who’s now 7) ….. however, nobody thought to ask me whether i was chugging back vast amounts of alcohol daily or flying high on sugar and highly processed packaged and junk food ……… 2 years ago i got reassessed and they were shocked that i was on medication at all …… the psychiatric nurse was shocked i wasn’t brain dead ….. he actually told me that i was an extremely articulate and very intelligent person and was at a loss to explain the hideously high dosages of meds they had me on …… they weaned me off by reducing my dosage to 450mg daily for the first week ………. 300mg daily for the second week ……. 150mg for the third week …….. after that my regular “GP” suggested that i stay on 150mg daily for a few months (even though he knew that i had been misdiagnosed) ……. naturally i went bananas and threw the script at him and stormed out ……. i detoxed the boneheaded stubborn willfull as merryhellll way ………. i simply stopped taking the 150mg daily ……. not a good idea i can assure you ……. the moodiness and brain frizz that ensued produced a lot of stress ……. even though 150mg daily is approximately 5 times the regular dosage of what they will prescribe for somebody with severe depression i still managed to ditch it through eating loads of leafy and green vegies in as close to their natural state as possible ……….. 2 or three bowlfulls daily ……. brilliant for levelling out stress and anxiety as they are rich in calcium and magnesium in perfect balance …… calcium and magnesium work in tandem for neural and heart health and for an efficient digestive system and of course for bone and teeth health …… i started taking a multi B complex supplement including all the B’s ie ~ B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 and folic acid …. which is what antidepressants will rob you of ie ~ water soluble B complex and vitamin C amongst others …… the B complex are essential for healthy nervous, immune and digestive functioning ……. get one free of gluten, wheat, soy, lactose, sugar, preservatives as they have no place in a good quality supplement anyway and also just in case you also have unaddressed food intolerances such as coeliac or lactose and wheat (which i have and enlightened myself on) ……. the meds i had been on caused me a plethora of symptoms from digestive issues to achy bones, insomnia, constipation, brain fog.

Take fish oil supplements as well to support healthy neural, heart and immune system functioning and help to level mood swings ……. eat good quality protein such as lean meats, chicken and fish …….. you only need a portion the size of your palm daily ……….. organic nuts and seeds like almonds, sunflower seeds, brazil nuts are also good protein sources and will help with the stress and tension and anxiety of detoxing ….. foods rich in protein are good for the irritability of detoxing from anything.

Hydrate yourself properly ……. 8 glasses of water daily and ditch the sodas, pop and soft drinks, and cut right back on caffeine and alcohol if you drink any too as they’ll all dehydrate you terribly and inhibit the effective absorption of calcium, wash out your B complex and vitamin C and trash many others.

Don’t fall into the trap of getting a quick buzz from candy, lollies, sweets, chocolate and the like ……. processed sugar will only serve to stress an already stressed system …….. go for low sugar fruits like strawberries, watermelon, cantelope, pears when you need something sweet …… eat small meals 5 to 6 times daily to aid in the digestive process and give you a constant flow of energy.

This is what i did……… i was misdiagnosed ………. you need to firstly get reassessed and then follow a structured plan to reduce your meds if that is your decision …….. don’t detox too rapidly as i did ……. i swear i’m made of iron given what i did ……….. at 150mg daily i should have simply kept halving it ie ~ 75mg the 4th week, 37mg the 5th week, 17mg the 6th week etc….. hey, i sincerely wish you the best mate for i surely do know the pain of having your brain numbed beyond belief …….. let food be thy medicine Soccrates said …….. ditch the processed junk and sugary and alcoholic drinks if you drink any and do it slowly but hang in there for you are the best judge of whether or not you need those meds.

Sheesh, my misdiagnosis was due to the fact that i had raging intolerances to procssed sugar, wheat, gluten, soy, lactose ………. and i was a screaming alcoholic ….. best ball and chain i ever did ditch ……. bit sad but at least i saw the light and bucked the system and regained my health and vitality……. these days i feel great and have energy to spare …….. but you have to go easy on yourself and wean yourself off that toxic sludge slowly if that’s your choice…..;0)

peace baby
♥

Q: What are the effects of mixing bipolar medication and drinking alcohol constantly?
Being Bipolar and consuming a good amount of alcohol each week while taking the medicine.
Not for me but about someone that is around their own kids and has a new stepchild.

A: Alcoholism is alcoholism, so there is that regardless of any illness. If the drinking is enough to alter behavior, it’s not healthy for the kids whether or not it meets everybody’s MQ for alcoholism. As for bipolar aspects, a lot of alcohol can destabilize a person and precipitate more or more intense mood shifts even though the person is medicated. Long-term, depending on meds, the two can result in serious liver damage.

Nearly all of us with bipolar will tell you that we are cleared by our psychiatrists for light drinking. There is not a problem with moderation. Heavy drinking is a problem for the reasons above.

Q: How exactly do you get prescribed bipolar medication?
I have been struggling with what I THINK is bipolar for over a year. The past few months have gotten worse and worse. I am considering seeing a psychiatrist.
Whats the process? Where do you go? How long does it take?

A: First you have to diagnosed with bipolar. It is best that you go to a psychiatrist or a mental health nurse practitioner. You can contact your community mental health center, your general physician, or your local hospital to find out the details. After your evaluation which may take from 30-60 minutes many times medication will be prescribed.

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