Which would you recommend and why? Lithium, Depakote, or Tegretol?

Question

The Dr. gave me the options between these and i'm not sure which one i want to go with.

I'm diagnosed with Bipolar

Answer 1

You don't say why you're looking into them. What is the diagnosis?
EDIT...
The most effective medication for controlling Bipolar is Lithium. The other two do help with mood swings, but they tend to sedate you.
I'd go with the lithium.
Actually, another good medication for Bipolar Disorder is Abilify. It also helps stabilize mood swings without the sedation.

Answer 2

Lithium. made my daughter flip out and she ended up back in the hospital after just getting out after a 10 day stay....there is many meds out there to treat bipolar and no one can tell you what is good for you but a good doctor and yourself ...my teenager has had many med changes the past year, just when we think things are going great...BAM there she goes...but what she is on now is really good, we know when she is going to have a rage which is small ones now. Depakote er is just one of the meds she is taking.....if you just need some one to talk with once in awhile email me

Answer 3

I had a bit of a similar experience; my doctor kept giving me a choice between two different anti depressants.

I told him that I wasn't qualified to make this choice - and I insisted he tell me which of the two HE felt would be best for me.

He did, albeit reluctantly, and that's the medication I chose.

I really don't think it's right that your doctor has asked you to choose - the whole point of going to see an expert is that THEY advise you! You're the patient, there's no way you can know what to take!

Either tell your doctor you want more specific guidance - or find a better doctor/specialist.

Answer 4

sorry, we are not the right men to comment. Always consult the doctor who has prescribed medicines... never ever ask this to another doctor... as your doctor is the best judge.