2007-02-27 21:14:18 · 14 answers · asked by julielove327 5 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Bipolar is quite difficult to manage. Usually several different drugs are tried. The most common one being Lithium, but there are many more. It's a question of getting the balance right. Sometimes this can take a long time unfortunately. Manic depressives have such diverse symptoms, and many complain about the side effects of the drugs.
Are there any bipolar groups in your area? If so it might be an idea to join one. This is a chemical disorder, so therapy may not be the best solution for you. It may help a bit, but you do need medication. Have patience my friend, it will get sorted eventually.
2007-02-27 22:27:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hey. I am bipolar 1. I just have a couple of thoughts:
1) Maybe you are not on the right meds. It can take a LONG time to get the right cocktail of medications. Talk to your doctor about changing meds or adding meds. There are many new ones that may help your symptoms.
2) Get structure in your life. Goto bed at the same time, get up at the same time, etc.
3) Eat healthy and on a regular basis.
4) Drinks lots of water.
5) Get some exercise. Even if it is just walking for 30 minutes a day.
6) MAke a MOOD CHART and show it to your doctor. That way he can help with your meds.
Hope these help.
2007-02-28 11:55:31 · answer #2 · answered by riptide_71 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just want to let you know that I really admire you and your efforts to control your disease. I do have a son with Type 1 diabetes since he was 14 and that is a 24 hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a year disease and I also admire him but with your disease, it is a constant battle to control. My bosses wife is a doctor, Neonatalist, and is bipolar. She is very careful about her meds. Your disease has nothing to do with intelligence, it has to do with your brain giving off a lot of endorphins which makes anyone feel great, then none which throws the person into depression. I know from friends that changes in seasons effect bipolar moods, more sun, they feel better, less sun, such as fall and winter, more depression. Have a doctor you can talk to and trust. If you need to go into the hospital for a few days to regulate your meds, do what you have to do. I wish you much success!
2007-03-07 22:53:49 · answer #3 · answered by kattsmeow 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, im not sure what mood stabalizer youre on..whether it be lithium or depakote or what have you, but the most impt thing is compliancy. Are you compliant when it comes to taking your meds? Second of all, are you using drugs or drinking alcohol while on your psychotropic drugs?? Your drugs can interact with ea other, but adding alcohol or illeagal drugs to the mix is very dangerous. If on lithium, are you having your bloodwork done regularly to ck your lithium levels? Ask your dr. if theres room to increase some of your meds or change some. Also, if youre not taking an anti-depressant with your mood stabalizer, discuss this possibility with your dr. Lastly, continue on with your therapy & see your psychiatrist regularly.
2007-03-07 17:21:32 · answer #4 · answered by June B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's serious and you are spiraling out of control... you should try a hospital. They usually keep you for a month. Sometimes as short as a week. You'll be in a safe space. You'll work with doctors on your meds.
Otherwise, if you are functional then just keep working with your meds. It sucks when it isn't working, but you have to keep trying different ones.
I'm on Abilify and Lamictal... some minor improvement. (I'm Bipolar, too.)
2007-02-28 07:49:45 · answer #5 · answered by lexi m 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Watch the DVD called Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health.
2007-03-06 10:43:00 · answer #6 · answered by michaeljripley 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it sounds like the meds aren't working then, and you may need a higher dosage or a different med. you have to be honest with your pshyciatrist about the fact your still having symptoms and let the increas it. keep working at it. you also may need an anti-depresent with your bi-polar meds. when I was diagnosed I was taking zyprexa and paxil and it worked good.
2007-03-06 21:49:07 · answer #7 · answered by Kellie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I so hear you! Man you feel like a lab rat. One thing that i had to do when mine was getting out of control was check myself into a hospital until they got me under control. Tell your dr. immediatly so that they can help too. If it is med related they can try other things. Tell your therapist too. they may have dome good suggestions. and just keep fighting the good fight.
2007-03-07 03:37:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am able to manage my bd with Effexor75 mg and Geodon 40mg. Fortunately this was the first combination I was ever on and it worked!!what luck, but not all medications work the same for everyone, what have you previously taken
2007-03-07 21:31:21 · answer #9 · answered by eve p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Meds are a matter of trial and error you need to find the one that suits you. Keep in touch with your GP if you find you are not improving
2007-03-08 00:16:32 · answer #10 · answered by judles 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋