Is there a safe diet pill I can take while I am taking Depakote and Zoloft for Bi-polar?
360096
diet pills mess u up in the long run u r better of eating right and exercising plus it lasts longer......goodluck\nemail me if u need any help
1075928
First off, don't stop taking medicine. It's easy to feel like you don't need it -- when things are going good -- but if you look back over your life, you will see that the worst times usually coincide with times when you didn't have your meds (at least this is true for me). \n\nAs for alternative things, my doctor and I collaborated and I tried including Flax seed oil in my diet, which has really worked. Over the past ten years, I've been able to greatly reduce my dependence on meds and get really solid control. Since then, both of my daughters have tried it and it's helped them to. My understanding is that it helps balance your lipid system (which carries the lithium you have -- however much that is -- around your body). \n\nStill, don't just quit your meds. Consult your doc, add the flax seed (2 TBSP twice a day), wait a couple of weeks (takes about two weeks to really work), then see if your doc thinks you can back down your meds.\n\nMore info: http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.com/elleth/adbb/forums/showthread.php?t=7576\n\nGood luck!\n~Tia~\nLive from the big, purple brain\nhttp://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/asktheplanet/brain.html
456662
I hope you're on something else than just Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin is a stimulating anti-depressant and if you're bipolar it can trigger a manic episode very easily. I'm on Wellbutrin as well but also on an anti-seizure med which basically acts as a mood stabilizer. I've been on other meds though...Paxil, Clonazepam, Ativan, Lithium, Epival, Valproic Acid, Olanzapine, Risperdal, Lamactil.
1046815
Mixing anti depression meds is never a good idea.  Make sure it's okay with your doctor before you take Welbutrin and Lexapro.  Lexapro is a good drug though, just don't mix it with other good drugs ;)
692688
It depends what you are treating and in who. From the drugs I would guess Bi-Polar disorder and maybe some trouble sleeping. Ask your doctor about a drug called Lamictal. I had to be taken off lithium after 15 years due to it's toxic side effects and the Lamictal not only worked as well as the lithium, it did it without the side effects! It was a like a fog lifted from my brain. Obviously this is for you to decide with your doctor. The transition from Lithium to anything has to be taken very seriously and done both slowly as well as under supervision.
71561
If you have dramatic mood changes, like either extremely up or down, like going from crying to extremely angry, to happy and or have trouble sleeping because you are to wound up or have thoughts that race constantly you should see your doctor. The most common drug used if neccesary is Lithium and will help to balance your moods. You should get at least 20 min a day of direct sun light every day too,it helps increase the amount of seretonin your brain produces. It doesnt mean your a psyco weirdo if your diagnosed as bi-polar you just have to learn to manage it.
970585
St. Johns is not a good idea to take.. It's been a long time but I used to take that and had bad side effects. (dizzy, sick, headaches)  I've been on Prozac and gain weight with that... I've also been on Effexor XR.  If the DR ever prescribes you Effexor XR do not take it! It was the worst feeling I have ever had when trying to get off of it!!!  I have been on others and after the Effexor incident I will not take prescriptions anymore... I did a lot of research on what would be safe and I found a herbal pill called 5-HTP, it works I've noticed I've been calmer, happier, I can sleep at night, and I don't have panic attacks anymore.  You can find it online... I buy it from an online company Swanson... I've been using them for years for vitamins and such. They are trustworthy.  I've also seen it in CVS.
594629
I take an extensive array of psych meds including antidepressants and I was able to lose 50lbs and bring my body mass index into the healthy range, all while on the meds. I did it through healthy eating and exercises.
1176357
The three medications that you speak of can be taken together, as each is for a different reason. Lithium is a potent drug that has been used a long time for manic-depression. It does take some time to reach a therapeudic level. You will have to have your blood tested often. Effexor is a fairly new anti-depressant compared with some others. This also takes time to build up to a certain level in order to work. One of the major side effects is fatigue that will eventually get better the longer you take it. Xanax is an anti-anxiety medication in the benzodiazepine family. It is quite effective, but also highly addictive. I would discuss some alternatives with my doctor, as once you start taking it, it is extremely difficult to stop. I hope this answers some of your questions. Your best bet is to speak with your doctor, as she/he can discuss the why's of taking these particular medications.
700174
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%.
450182
I was diagnosed with Bipolar a couple years ago. I've been put on different medications ,ect. None of which truely worked for me. Side effects :( either was zoned out, uber hyper, or had tremors. I actually have done better with out pills then with them. I think it depends on the case. I used to cry almost everyday, mood swings within minutes, suicidal thoughts. Now im fine.Though, i still have my moodiness, from extremely happy to depressed from time to time. You never know if its just Hormones , a phase. If you go to a psychiatrist, of course they are gonna put you on anti depressants. Try relying on yourself, and if you get suicidal thoughts,know that there are people who care about you  and would be extremely disappointed if you were gone.Try talking to a regular counselor about this or a doctor.
372119
seroquel although a new anti psychotic, made me feel like a zombie. I have been through so many diagnosis's over the past several months and low and behold I am no longer bi-polar 2!  Coming off it was a relief, I do however miss the sleep. While hospitalized they forgot to give it to me for a week and strangely enough the effects were minor.  Ask your doctor for a sleep med if only for a short term to get yourself back on track. The new ones are great but expensive and better yet non addictive... but then again they said effexor wasn't either.  Get some sleep meds.
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.
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.
496774
I am bi-polar too.  I take effexor and just recently saw a alternative doctor who put me on a product called Serene Plus which is loaded with amino acids and suppose to help my serotonin levels.  I, too, pray I could get more help but so far this is all I have been able to do.  I do feel a little more in control some days.  My BIGGEST problem is insomnia.  Unless I take something for sleep, I only sleep about 2-4 hours at a time.  I will keep you in my prayers and if you find anymore information that would be helpful, please feel free to e-mail me!\n\nMuch love in Christ
842738
No issues, as long as you find the right meds and keep taking them. I am bipolar and have been for 25+ years. I have been married 20 years and hold down a very high pressure job.
1029805
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!