what do you think the best med is to take for bipolar disorder ?
149631
What ever you do, don't take seroquel.  I gained over 70lbs and the doctor just kept increasing the dose.  The best I've heard of is lithium.  But I don't have any experience with lithium.  I recommend to you a website (chat is experiencing difficulty at the time though) it's http://www.bipolarworld.net/Community/webchat.html\n\nIf you go to the link I provided then click on medications then select the link to MOOD STABILIZERS FOR BIBOLAR.  You will then see a chart that compares pros and cons to various popular meds used to stabilize bipolar.... to include: \nLi+, lithium.  \nVPA, valproate (Depakote) \nCBZ, carbamazepine (Tegretol) \nLTG, lamotrigine (Lamictal) \nOLZ, olanzapine (Zyprexa) \nOXC, oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) \nO-3, omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) \nVER, verapamil \nCLZ, clozapine \n\nI have also taken Lamictal which in my experience is very helpful if you experience racing thoughts.  I experienced no side effects and helped control my thought process.\n\nimredy2talk@yahoo.com if you have any questions.  BeWell.
748996
I have been bipolar for 10 years now. There's alot of info on bipolar,but I will tell you what I know. Bipolar is an embalance in the brain. One minute your happy and nothing can get you down. It's like your high. Then the next minute your so depressed that your crying all the time thinking your worthless and nothing is going to get better and your better off dead. There are alot of good meds out there today for people with this problem, and they help. If you stay on them. Hope this helps.
1107301
Depakote is a very effective mood stabilizer. It is approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder, migraine headaches, and seizure disorders. Depakote is especially effective in treating the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder, as well as "atypical" forms of bipolar disorder such as "rapid cycling" (alternating quickly from one episode to another) and mixed episodes (simultaneously exhibiting manic and depressive features). It's not quite as helpful for acute depressive episodes. Side effects can include weight gain and sedation. Serious side effects can (RARELY) occur, including liver or pancreas problems. These can be monitored by your physician. On the whole, Depakote is an excellent choice for bipolar disorder, particularly when manic symptoms are prominent.
797043
Registered Nurse Here; A Doctor of Psychiatry, for Bipolar disorders usually require medication.  After getting established with a psychiatrist, he or she may very well involve a psychologist at some point of your treatment
169776
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.
1183021
This medication is used to treat manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder). It works to stabilize the mood and reduces extremes in behavior.
706110
I only took it at night and I was only on 25mg for bipolar. It knocked me completely out. Some nights I would sleep completely through and miss work in the morning. She should take it and go straight to bed, if that dosage is making her feel so tired maybe she should go to her doctor and see if he can lower her dose and maybe she can still get the full benefit of the medicine. \n\nGood luck!
178234
Treatment for bipolar usually involves medication, education, and therapy.\n\nMedication- tons of options, varies person to person\n\nTherapy- needs and frequency will depend on the person.  It may be most helpful with people with comorbid (coexisting) conditions- such as anxiety, drug addition, post traumatic stress disorder.  Group therapy may be helpful for some.\n\nEducation- you and your loved ones should learn about bipolar and learn to recognize your moods and changing mood.  It can help to stop an episode or get help quickly if you can identify an episode before it becomes serious.\n\nEven though I am more into "natural" alternatives and dislike depending on drugs (who wouldn't?) I think this 3 prong approach works.  I have faith that I can drop the therapy and some drugs in the future.
988283
I worked for me but I was usuing it 10 times per day and was constantly stoned. Basically it just temperarily masks symtoms and is not the best choice. Its effects arre too short lived and its wayyyyyyy to expensive. I now take lexapro (10mg once a day) and xanax (1 mg as needed). I was recently put on Depakote 750mg becuase once I detoxed for 3 months, my dr. and I found that I had an underlying mood disorder. I can honestly say I'm much better off not self medicating and taking only what my dr. perscribes.
315155
I heard of a new drug called Lamictal - that is actually a family of antipsychotics... I was prescribed only yesterday, in addition to Lithium, a low dose of Risperdal - So far, I don't know how it will work, but my fingers are crossed. Hope this helps to mention it to your doctor.
52157
Have you tried the "old" meds known as MAOIs? They work well for some, but many psychs don't like to prescribe them.\n\nAlso, Lamictal has antidepressant properties as well as mood stabilizing properties. Have you tried it?  or the relatively new med Cymbalta?
984502
My first suggestion would be to visit a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist that specializes in mood disorders.\n\nI am Bipolar and I've been under the care of a Psychopharmocologist who specializes in mood disorders and a CBT Specialist as well.  In addition, I've spent the last 6 months educating myself on the disorder, treatment and drugs.  I also attend group therapy twice a week in a clinical CBT group and also attend a BPD support group.\n\nBefore I started getting treatment, I was living a life full of rapid cycling (vast change in moods, can be hourly/daily/weekly) high risk behavior and never really knew who the real me was.  So you can say I was having an identity crisis and was suffering from bipolar depression.  \n\nSince being treated, I've been able to manage my condition and live a very productive and healthy lifestyle.\n\nIt's difficult to self diagnose, but if you're looking for an opinion, I would suggest visiting sites with good information on mood disorders and perhaps some discussion boards.\n\nI would also be happy to help if you want to send me an email.  \n\nHere are some helpful sites\nhttp://www.dbsalliance.org/info/aboutmood.html\nhttp://dbsa.invisionzone.com/index.php?showforum=6\nhttp://www.crazymeds.org/\nhttp://www.crazymeds.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?board=bipolarquestions\n\nGood luck
541652
Yes - When I started taking meds 15 yrs ago, I finally realized what it was like to feel normal!  Today I take 900 mg of lithium, 100 mg of zoloft and 150 mg of effexor.   Both my father and grandfather committed suicide due to this disease, yet modern medecine was less advanced at that time than today. I don't miss much work as a result of the bipolar, plus I have a high stress, high level position at work, and, I have 3 children and am married.  I did miss quite a bit of work due to breast cancer but that is another story.  The bottomline is this disease is like many others, if you manage it properly, life can be very normal...you can play from the same deck of cards as most everyone else.  Being bipolar is not terribly different from many others diseases; like diabetes, which at the beginning of the 20th century was considered a mental disorder.  The biggest difference I see between functioning and nonfunctioning patients is 1.) willing to be responsible for self - a.) take meds as prescribed - b.) do not drink alcohol or take recreational drugs - c.) don't use your condition as a crutch or an excuse 2.) follow these simple steps and your treatment will help you.  I saw a lot of doctors due to my breast cancer and received astonishlingly ignorant comments from some - "you take these meds?" "why?" "that's enough meds to kill a horse"  and I'm petite...Comments like that foster shame which gets one mind thinking...I don't need/want to take all these pills...but I know without a shadow of a doubt I need the meds...and ignorant people, whether they are doctors or not, will not derail my health.  I have had some problems associated with tremors and a twich, but for the most part they have been lessened by modification of the meds.  hope this helps. Godspeed.
915548
I'm bipolar & have real depressed spells too.  I have to take several different antipsychotic drugs.  I take a multivitamin, B-Complex (very good for mental health). Also fish oil (Omega 3 oils)., Vitamin C & garlic.  You can find books that can help you out with that.  Natural Healing is a real good book for that.  Ask the lady at the bookstore counter!
782157
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.
791277
The correct dose of the correct med is a big part of dealing with being bipolar. Lamictal has the lowest rate of side effects. You need to go back to the dose that helped and get a new doctor. If this doc had you on too much lithium, he could kill you. It's toxic at levels too high!
971100
When you go to the hospital they throw medicine at you to make you "better" without knowing if it's going to work for you. I suggest that you find a phsychiatrist that you feel comfortable with and have them help you with drug combinations that work for you. Borderline can't be treated with drugs but bipolar can be treated, as can anxiety, and depression so you might be able to find a drug for all three in just one pill. Go see someone you feel safe with and get their help.