Antidepressants dont work 4 bipolar ?

Question

continued from my other quest. about serotonin n noroph

Serotonin and norepinephrine

Answer 1

Antidepressants are NOT mood stabilizers. They do not work on the same chemicals in the brain. Antidepressants mainly work on serontonin. Mood stabilizers work on dopamine.

When Bipolar patients take antidepressants without being on a mood stabilizer, they will become manic. ALWAYS be on a mood stabilizer first.

Answer 2

This would all depend on what type of bi-polar disorder the person has is classified. There are many types i.e. rapid cyclers, severe depressives, or types that have equal manic episodes and depressive episodes. Antidepressants for people with bi-polar disorder are also prescribed for other problems the individual may have. Usually for bi-polar or manic-depressive people a mood stabilizer is prescribed.
I will use myself as an example. I could not be put on a mood stabilizer for many years because I was at the very lowest depression level there is. What would have happened is I would have been 'stabilized at rock bottom'. What would be the point. But bi-polar is not my only diagnosis, so anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications have been necessary.
It has only been six weeks since a suitable mood-stabilizer has been found for me. It has taken 7 years and many, many, trial and errors with medications.
The most important thing, at least for me, is to track my moods and keep my doctor informed of any extreme changes. Also, therapy is almost a given when dealing with being manic-depressive. Many people go for years not knowing what is wrong with them and are desperately seeking help but not knowing where to look for it. Knowing what the diagnosis is - that is the first step. Dealing with it and accepting it is a whole different story.

Answer 3

I know that others have given you some good answers. I would like to add that I have tried lithium in the past and I know others who have had bad experiences with it. You have got to get your blood work done regularly and have a doctor who monitors it with you. My doctor at the time did not notify me that I had a problem and I went on holidays. It probably had a lot to do with not drinking enough water, but I found a 5 hour flight unbearable. The dizziness and shakes made it scary for me to stand up. I have heard that a lot of people have been helped by this drug, sometimes in combination with others, but if you plan to travel it is difficult to keep your blood work done.

Answer 4

This seems to be a new phenom among psychiatrists, not prescribing anti-depressants for Bipolar Disorder.

Mood stabilizers such as lithium only reduce the mania of Bipolar, not the depression. I am curious as to why there is a shift away from the SSRIs.

Answer 5

I'm taking Cymbalta and Paxil for the depression. Lamictal as a mood stabilizer, The Lamictal keeps me on an even keel. Without it I get a little weird.

Answer 6

Some people may need an extra drug known as a mood stabiliser, usually an anti epilepsy drug (for some bizarre reason). I turned down the mood stabilisers as I'm taking enough tablets already, so I self-medicate (according to my own dubious belief system!! Those who know me, know what I mean!!)

Answer 7

Taking just a pill for depression is not enough. I had to have a mood stabilizer as well to get any relief. Depression pills just don't work alone usually.

Answer 8

Antidepressants are not supposed to be used for bipolar disorder, but sometimes are necessary for treatment.

Answer 9

They can make it worst. I went high when I took them. I would not touch them with a barge pole! Bi polar II.