Besides lithium, what is the best medication for treating the lows as well as the highs. I'm taking topamax and am wondering if there is better medicine out there.
2006-11-13 06:58:42 · 6 answers · asked by Rockford 7 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I'm bipolar 1. Also on Topamax Seroquel, Remeron, Clonapin and Imovane. There is no best medicine for being bipolar. It depends on you.Topamax works for me, if it doesn't for you talk to your doctor and find one thats right. (for now)
2006-11-13 15:04:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey Rock - I don't mean to be cinical, but I just spoke to my Doc and asked her about Topomax and she just frowned and shook her head. I've read from people who take it that it's often referred to as "Dopamax" or "Stupamax" because of the side effects that make you feel, well, stupid. That's pretty harsh.
I'm currently taking Depakote and it's working really well. The key to reducing the side effects is gradually increasing your dose based on your blood levels. Your doc will have to monitor your blood regularly until you reach the theraputic levels. Once your there, you only need to get your blood checked once a month.
Since Depakote metabolizes heavily in your liver, you really can't drink, you're just making your liver work too hard and the results can be fatal.
I've heard a lot of people say that they were scared of the potential liver problems caused by Depakote, but they are exagerated. Sure you can have problems, that is, if you are not having your blood levels monitored or you drink regualarly and you don't follow your Dr's instructions.
So if you can stay away from the booze and don't mind being monitored some what regularly, Depakote does wonders.
I've also heard some good things about Lamictal and actually tried it before I was put on Depakote. The reason I switched, is because the tritation (method in which the dosage is increased to reach a theraputic level) is very complex and has to be done slowely. So realistically, the Dr can only increase the dosage by 25mg per week, so it takes a while to reach the theraputic level. That was the only downside for me, I was going through a rough time, so I needed something that I could increase to strong dosage relatively quickly. But again, I've heard that it's worked quite well and you don't need to have your blood monitored.
I hope this helps and that you get the right meds soon.
2006-11-13 11:35:10 · answer #2 · answered by Altruist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lithium tends to work better with Bipolar 1. Bipolar 2 tends to be Depakote (noted for weight gain), Lamictal (my personal lifesaver) or maybe Trileptal or even Tegretol. Some of the atypical antipsychotics are also used, such as Zyprexa (which I also take).
2006-11-14 23:30:09 · answer #3 · answered by Random Bloke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, There are alot of meds today that where not available a few short years ago, but every person reacts differently to different meds. some have better luck then others, the main point is to remember to be consistent or it can be fatal.
For bipolar the doc needs to give a mood stabilizer with the anti depressant, so you dont get manic.
Never take anymeds with out your doc.
And get a lot of support for you and you family its out there
2006-11-14 11:07:45 · answer #4 · answered by jackwalz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
lithium is the BEST proven medicine for bipolar patients.... its not as bad as eveyone lets on.. you will just have to have periodic blood test to check your level... give it a try... i think you will be happier with it then topamax
2006-11-13 07:15:50 · answer #5 · answered by hopelessly_in_love 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
coke
2006-11-13 07:02:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋