What are the best Bi-Polar meds with least side affects?(allergic to clexa,zoloft,zeprexa,seroquel,?

Question

I am a manic depression disorder mess. I've been treated with Wellbutrin, Paxil, Neurontin for 8 yrs & Topamax for the past 2+ yrs. 5 weeks ago Topamax was replaced with Depakote because of headaches. My problem is I'm gaining weight, my hair is falling out, I'm tired and having tremors now which is throwing me into a deep depression. I need to replace the Depakote with something that that will help me sleep sound avoiding nightmares, balance with Paxil for panic attacks & Wellbutrin XL for depression, Nuerontin for pain & nerve sensations. I also take Adivan when I'm out of control. I know meds are a balancin****t & patience is a virtue, but I'm about ready to jump out of my skin ~ wish I could just run away from myself. All those racing thoughts, fearfulness, and feeling all alone ~ will I ever be At 14 my fight w/depression & panic began and in my 20's mania arrived, my mania shows up about 2x a year. At 50 I'm asking for real input from other Bi-Polars on what helps them cope?

I've changed psychiatrist 5wks ago, I've also tried Xanax which made me feel antsy and I had more suicidal fleeting thoughts. I'm considering going back to Topamax or asking for Abilify. Does anyone take Lexapro?
Topamax and Dupakote are normally used for seizures, they were prescribed for my broken sleep patterns and nightmares, Topamax by my old psychiatrist, Dupakote by my new doctor. I've also seen my regular doctor within the last 4 months. I am looking for alternative meds to ask my psychiatrist about trying, or treatments. My Bipolar is considered border line severe and I have been on highest doses allowed.
My new Psych doc is also counseling me on methods to help me control what I can.

Answer 1

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!

Answer 2

Was finally diagnosed as being bipolar a couple years ago after having a long period of time that nothing was making sense and going through the typical cycles.. I have tried a few different meds as trials until I found the one that has worked well for me.
As always it must be said that different things work differently for different people at different times.. and what might work well for one person may not work at all for someone else.. Everyone being diagnosed as being bipolar has symptoms that differ from person to person.
I am taking a combination of Lamictal (300 -400 mg) and Seroquel (200-300mg) for bipolar 1 and impulsiveness during the normal periods between shifts or especially while manic. The range accounts for having to take more or less depending on where I am in the bipolar spectrum of moods and symptoms. I have also taken Ativan on an 'as needed' basis to knock me back down when the mania gets too far out of control.. I haven't had to take any at all since being on the 2 current meds.
Nothing but good things to say.. been on it for a couple years. The best thing out there so far ... for me.. Again, it will probably be different for you.
I have mellowed out a lot from the Seroquel and have had a welcome improvement over the extreme ups and downs and intense constant irritability.
With the Lamictal, I was told to be wary of the potentially deadly rash (Stevens/ Johnson Syndrome).. I was started at a very low for a dosage and worked my way up to until I felt comfortable.. but be aware that it is common knowledge that the risk of developing this rash increases in proportion to dosage and especially by jumping straight to a high dosage.
I have been told the Lamictal is also a calming type medication for treating the manic side of the disorder.
Seroquel is a antisezure medication recently approved for bipolar maintenance.
Make sure you go over this with your doctor. Both Seroquel and Lamictal get a big thumbs up from me :)
I am still just as bipolar as ever.. but the ups aren't so far up and the same can be said for the downs.. It is a great relief to have finally this affliction somewhat under control.
I wish you the best of luck.. Firsthand, I know how much of a struggle this can be at times.

Answer 3

I'm Bi-Polar and if you are experiencing all that you described above , all of your medication is wrong for you.You shouldn't be feeling that bad with taking so many meds. Try lithium to start and/or possibly Prozac. But Effexor works great and there is a drug called Lamictal that is a anti-seizure med that is now being used to treat Bi-Polar Disorder, and it helped me a lot. Lithium gives you tremors but is worth it. The nightmares never go away but do get less frequent. My symptoms also began in my 20's and I was on Lithium from the start but as time passed I became worse, such as the state you are in now. I tried Paxil and Zoloft and they did nothing. Prozac helped for a while but then less and I went off of it. I'm now on Lithium, Effexor, Lamictal, Perphenazine and Clonazapam which helps anxiety and promotes sleep. I'm still tired I still get depressed but all is on a much lower scale and more manageable. If your hair is falling out maybe it's not from the drugs but another condition. Please seek help for that from a regular doctor and consider switching to a different psychiatrist. God Bless You and Good Luck

Answer 4

I am 36 and was diagnosed bi-polar among other things when I was 18 I have been on all sorts of meds in and out of hospitals for most of my adult life whatever meds you are taking there is always been side effects I have taken everything out there it seems like anyway the best that has worked for me is lithium tegrotol abilify zoloft and zanax I still have episodes all the time from manic to depressed in no time there is no cure it really sucks but I have learned how to deal and cope, good luck

Answer 5

Don't ever take the marijuana the first person advised you.
I am not sure if there are any medicines for fighting bipolar that have no side effects.Unfortunately we have to face the side effects with all of them as far as know.I'm bipolar too,I'm recently on lamictal but not sure if it can help for you for not all the bipolars can follow the same regimen.I think your doctor will know the best.Give him the details about your aims,feeligs and thoughts that occur naturally because of the chemical changes in your brain,as you try different medications.So that he knows what to change,which medicine to try...
good luck.

Answer 6

Quite honestly if you have been having these problems with differing medications and side effects and you are not feeling better, I would suggest changing doctors. There are many new medications for Bi-Polar Disorder. Unfortunately you are correct the 'meds are a balancing act'. Find another doctor and get another opinion on your meds. It is simply not necessary or fair for you to have to endure all of the things that you have stated. My heart goes out to you.

Answer 7

Depakote? That medicine is to treat seizures. I take zoloft for my manic depression. Do you have a severe case or just mild? I think a lot of people take lithium, but apparently that is for the really bad cases. Good luck.

Answer 8

For me, Marijuana.

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