Can bipolar be dealt with solely by medications such as Lithium, or is there a drug-free alternative ?
121474
I've done a lot of research about exactly what you're asking because I'm bipolar too. From what I've found out, people are born with bipolar but it often takes a traumatic experience to trigger it. Once bipoar is triggered it's very important to find the right medication because bipolar is with you for life and without treatment will only get worse. There are many different medications that help with the symptoms so it's equally as important to find a doctor you can discuss all your options with. Finding a proper diet helps too as well as staying away from street drugs and alcohol.
411441
OK, I'm bipolar type II, but whatever. Seroquel is well known as sedating, so it's not surprising it's making you tired, particulalrly with a new baby to deal with. The metallic taste seems to be a side effect of a load of psychiatric drugs, but believe me, it will pass in a few weeks.\n\nDo not drop the drugs, whatever you do. Untreated, you will only get worse, and you will be putting your baby at risk. If you are bipolar 1, try talking to your doc about Lithium: it's usually the first choice for Bipolar 1, and dirt cheap as well.
606804
For people with bipolar disorder, life can be an emotional roller coaster. It can have intense highs and crippling lows. But treatments are available to help control these extreme mood swings. Although there is no cure, with proper treatment, people diagnosed with bipolar disorder can live normal lives. Maybe you need to start on some mediction and givin time they will come to realize you're normal again. I feel you're family isn't informend correctly they don't and can't know what you going through. Whatever you did in the past you couldn't control.\n\nI recomend you become part of a group here's a list:\n\nAmerican Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) \n120 Wall St., 22nd Floor \nNew York, NY 10005 \nPhone: (888) 333-AFSP (2377) or (212) 363-3500 \nFax: (212) 363-6237 \nE-mail: inquiry@afsp.org \nwww.afsp.org \n\nDepression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) \n730 N. Franklin St., Suite 501 \nChicago, IL 60610 \nPhone: (800) 826-3632 \nFax: (312) 642-7243 \nE-mail: questions@dbsalliance.org \nwww.dbsalliance.org \n\nNational Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) \nColonial Place Three \n2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300 \nArlington, VA 22201 \nPhone: (800) 950-NAMI (6264) or (703) 524-7600 \nTDD: (703) 516-7227 \nFax: (703) 524-9094 \nwww.nami.org \n\nNational Mental Health Association (NMHA) \n2001 N. Beauregard St., 12th Floor \nAlexandria, VA 22311 \nPhone: (800) 969-NMHA (6642) \nHours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (E.T.) \nTTY: (800) 433-5959 \nFax: (703) 684-5968 \nwww.nmha.org \n\nExercise\nExercise causes your body to release endorphins, which help you to feel calm and happy. Try to get moving regularly, even if you're feeling somewhat manic or depressed. When you're not feeling well, this could mean a short walk or a half-hour of gardening. Once your moods are under control, pick an activity you enjoy, like swimming or cycling, and exercise for 30 minutes three or four times a week.\n\nEat well\nIt's hard to feel balanced and optimistic if you're run down or undernourished. Be mindful of what you're eating, and try to work lots of fruits and vegetables into your diet. A daily multivitamin may help you cover your nutritional bases.\n\nAvoid alcohol and drugs\nMany people with bipolar disorder try to find relief from their strong emotions by drinking alcohol or using drugs. Some even use these substances in place of their medication. This approach never helps, and can be dangerous. Drugs and alcohol tend to make mood episodes worse, and quitting medication almost guarantees relapse. If you find yourself relying on alcohol or drugs, talk to your doctor about it. Substance abuse can be treated effectively.\n\nDevelop a daily routine\nResearch suggests that a regular routine and sleep schedule can help stave off manic and depressive episodes. Start by picking a reasonable bedtime and sticking with it. Then, create a daily routine for yourself that includes getting up at the same time every day, with fairly regular mealtimes and work hours.\n\nLearn to predict relapse\nMake a list of behaviors that usually signal the onset of mania or depression. For example, you may go without much sleep as a manic episode begins. Or, you might spend money on something you don't need. Talk to your doctor as soon as you spot these changes. He or she may be able to adjust your medication so that you can avoid a full-blown episode. \n\nAvoid stress\nYou can help keep your moods under control by avoiding stress. Take a stress-management class, or consider trying yoga or meditation. In the meantime, avoid unnecessary pressure by setting reasonable goals for yourself. For example, if you are in school, you might decide not to take a full schedule of classes.\n\nCreate a relapse action plan\nTalk to your family and friends about what you would like them to do if you relapse. For example, if you ever need to be hospitalized, you may feel most comfortable with a particular doctor. Or, you may w
621935
You take so much medications,why you don't change the doctor..That combination seems to be too perplexing me..PLEASE,DON'T FEEL ASHAMED THAT'S A CONDITION,DON'T BLAME YOURSELF..Well,Lithium first is dangerous ,because it's poisonous(your doctor should make you blood check-ups in two weeks),and that dosage of 1800mg is absolutely inaccurate as per me,it's too high. For manic state of the bipolar the best proven say new cure is with Valproic acid,so the drug mostly prescribed in Europe is Depakin,which is taken by scheme and varies from 500 to 1500 a day,and really works..Effexor ok,but why in addition Xanax,it is mainly fastly coping with anxiety,but in that combination only Xanax is missing.Dear,my advice is to change the shrink..Don't bother everything will be settled soon..Wish you all the best to you and your kids!!
346385
First let me say that I'm sorry that you're suffering.  I would advise that you ignore all of these people who are telling you whether or not you are bipolar.  None of us are Dr's and you haven't given us the full story.\n\nBiopolar Disorder is very complex and comes in many different classifications or "flavors".  The diagnostic criteria is constantly being revised due to the fact that new research is being done and there are many misdiagnosed cases.\n\nYou may or may not have it;  You may have a different type of mood disorder, but these diagnosis don't come within days or weeks.  It takes close observation for several months or years to come to a firm diagnosis for one of these complex mood disorders. \n\nNow; analyzing what you said I can understand why your Dr thinks you're BP.  Prozac is in the antidepressant group of SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)  while these work great for cases of major depression; they are absoultely terrible for bipolar patients.  The SSRI's will trigger mania and increase bipolar depression.  For cases of BP (and other mood disorders) the front line medication is usually an anticonvulsant (mood stabilizer).  Some of the popular mood stabilizers are; Lithium, Depakote, Topamax and Lamictal.\n\nAs per the Effexor, it's part of a different group of antidipressants called MRI's (multiple reuptake inhibitor).  This is also a no no for bipolar patients, not only triggering mania, but rapid cycling (vast mood swings).  It's known that Effexor is the hardest antidpressant to stop taking and comes with the harshest withdrawal symptoms.  If you're misdiagnosed with major depression instead of bipolar disorder and your hooked on Effexor, life is going to suck.\n\nThe safest antidepressant available for bipolar patients is said to be Wellbutrin, which is also an MRI.  This should be prescribed as an adjunct medication to an anticonvulsant in treating bipolar depression.  This is a cocktail that my doc has had a tremendous amount of success with.\n\nI've been diagnosed with a few mood disorders and have gone through different Dr's and different meds for a while, before I was able to get stabilized.  The meds will only take you so far, so in addition to med management therapy, I participate in cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy to learn how to manage myself beyond the medication.\n\nThink of your support tools as if they were things that you needed in the field of battle.  Depression is your enemy, the medication is your armour and weaponry and your Dr's are your field comanders.  You'll need all three to make it out of the trenches alive.\n\nI hope this helps and that you get well soon.
201827
I'm bipolar. The predominant symptom with me is the depression. It is dark, empty and so incredibly lonely. I tried to commit suicide 4 years ago and that wasn't even my low point. There are other symptoms too like anxiety, paranoia, social anxiety, ocd....I've been married twice (one time for only 3 months) I've claimed personal bankruptcy twice and have moved 10 times over the past 8 years. I maintained a great career for 12 years as an illustrator but lost my job 14 months ago when I went manic and got into drugs like pot, cocaine and ecstasy. Last year I was in a mental hospital 3 times for 1-2 weeks each time. It seems like I've been on every mood stabilizer under the sun like risperdal, lithium, epival, olanzapine and anti-depressants like paxil, effexor and wellbutrin.\nI've been on an anti-seizure med called lamotrigine/lamactil and wellbutrin since January and I'm doing great (knock on wood). Currently I'm back in school ironically to become a pharmacy technician.\nAs rotten as all that stuff sounds I think there is hope for people with bipolar. The most important thing is to not make the same mistake when I stopped taking my meds. The meds are for a reason and when we feel better it's because of the meds and a good reason to keep taking them.\nI've got a daughter and not a day goes by without me praying that she never has to go through the same pain that I've gone through.
581473
I'VE HAD BI-POLAR DISEASE FOR YEARS.  I HAVE BEEN PUT ON EVERYTHING FROM PROZAC TO LITHUM.  A YEAR AGO I GOT A DIFFERENT DOCTOR.  HE PUT ME ON A COMBINATION OF TRILECTAL 600 MG, ABILIFY 30 MG AND LURICA 100 MG. I KEEP AN EVEN BALANCE IN MY UPS AND DOWNS MORE THEN I EVER HAVE AND THIS IS THE BEST I'VE FELT IN SEVERAL YEARS.  I HAVE NO SIDE EFFECTS FROM THESE DRUGS.  BUT REMEMBER EVERYONES SYSTEM IS DIFFERENT, WHAT WORKS FOR ONE PERSON MIGHT NOT WORK FOR ANOTHER.  HOWEVER, YOU COULD ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO TRY YOU ON THESE COMBINATIONS.  FIRST HE WILL HAVE TO LOOK AT ALL YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES AND ANY OTHER MEDS YOU'RE ON TO SEE IF THIS COMBINATION IS RIGHT FOR YOU.  IF IT IS, GREAT! TRY IT.  IT MIGHT BE A LIFE SAVER FOR YOU, AS IT HAS BEEN FOR ME. HUGS!
234062
You can try this one.\n\nwww.BipolarSupporter.com
173539
My mother was diagnosed with manic depression (now know as bipolar disorder) and her condition was controlled effectively with medication.  At that time Lithium was used for manic depression and today other meds are used as well.  She lead a productive life, but had to be really good about taking her medication because if she didn't she really suffered.
403225
Nooo, don't do it. Lamictal is an anticonvulsant and technically Lithium is an antpsychotic, but both are used as mood satbilisers. Hwever, Lamictal is also a fairly effective antidepressant.\n\nI presume you are talking about St John's Wort, which is a natural antidepressant. You are right to be concerned, because there is no control over the concentration or purity of non-regulated supplements, and this could play havoc with your meds and put you at risk of serotonin syndrome. If you need a lift, then talk to your doc about adding an antidepressant to your mix.
351564
Yeah you should check with your doctor.  Bipolar is a very severe illness and you shouldn't ingest anything without knowing what affect it will have on your mood
246935
With bipolar disorder, you alternate between episodes of depression and mania. In between, you may return completely to normal or have some remaining symptoms. The extreme mood changes may come on sudThe cause of bipolar disorder is not well understood, although evidence suggests that the disorder runs in families. 3 Your living environment and family situation may also play a role in the disorder. Episodes of depression and mania may be caused by a problem with certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. denly or appear more slowly.Almost all people who have bipolar disorder need medication. However, counseling is also important to help you cope with work and relationship struggles related to your illness.Bipolar disorder cannot be prevented. However, there are ways to help manage or prevent mood changes.\n\nThe first and most important preventive measure is to make sure your child takes his or her medications as directed. Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition and generally requires lifelong treatment with medications. However, about 1 in 3 adults remains completely free of symptoms of bipolar disorder just by taking mood-stabilizing medicines, such as carbamazepine, divalproex, or lithium. 8 (There are no statistics available for children.) \n\nReducing stress, getting regular sleep and exercise, and maintaining a daily routine may help prevent mood swings and can help with the symptoms of depression and mania.
510672
i dont know about the combo you're on now, but i do know that wellbutrin is the worst medication to take for bipolar. it makes it worse.
249648
Try the web site shown below. I hope it helps you out. I am bipolar but have never taken lithium. I hope I never have to but will if it becomes necessary. I wish you good luck.\n\nI do know that it takes a period of time for some medications to build up in the body. Those will require that build up to reach a certain level before you see or feel a noticeable difference. I believe lithium is one of those meds. Be patient and let it take it's course. Don't give up! Your doctor can explain this in greater detail if you just ask. Communication between you and your doctor is the most essential part of your treatment. Communicate well and ask questions.\n\nSincerely,\nTerry
129351
That's WAY too many meds at the same time.  You should only be on one or two and lithium isn't for either disorder.  It's for bipolar disorder.  I think it's time to stop seing all three doctors and get another opinion at least until you have a diagnosis that matches one.
67278
i don't think you will ever 'get over' the disorder.  the meds will help mask or suppress the symptoms like cough syrup does but there is no cure.  i have bipolar and have wondered the same thing before.  once the meds are started it might take 2-3 wks to see results and get back to a normal balance or mood.  don't get too down.  millions are affected my mental illness.  we're a special group of people with talent and dreams like the rest of the 'normal' population.
343199
I am bipolar. I have been on antidepressants for who knows how long. Bipolar is an illness that you don't get rid of. You have to learn how to handle it. You have to learn how to live with it. I am also on Lamictal, but I'm on Resperdol too! I take several medication that are used for depression, but they are also used for seizures too! The lamictal I'm using for my seizures. The resperdol I'm using for my bipolar. The other medication I use for my bipolar (depression) is seroquel. Sometimes you need to take two medications for one medication to work, but never take more than two medications for the same use. When you take more than two med. for the same use they confuse each other. Which can cause more problems with you and your depression. Medicine is not the only thing that is going to help you though. You also have to do some of the work yourself. Actually, you have to do about 65%-70% of it. The medicine just relaxes you and your mind, so that you can hopefully do the other 65%-70%.