I am biopolar. Any medication suggestions?!
Question: I have taken two different types of medicine. The first was lithium and I (am more my girlfriend) really didn't like the side effects, so I switched.
I am supposed to take lamictal now, but it is really expensive. I go to my doctor at the beginning of March and would like to ask him about different medication.
Can anyone tell me what has/has not worked for them. Thank you.
Answers: I have taken two different types of medicine. The first was lithium and I (am more my girlfriend) really didn't like the side effects, so I switched.
I am supposed to take lamictal now, but it is really expensive. I go to my doctor at the beginning of March and would like to ask him about different medication.
Can anyone tell me what has/has not worked for them. Thank you.
The best medication for you is what works for you. If Lithium worked without significant side effects, go back on it. The med is the best at protecting the brain from this illness. It's great for mania and has some mild antidepression qualities. If your partner's issue is the word "Lithium" then go for education. If you were on it less than a year and got a little salty, know that the effect often fades. Besides, sanity takes precidence.
As for other meds, Lamictal is great if you struggle with depression. Yes, it is expensive, but if it helps not being suicidal, it's money well spent. Depakote works for mixed states and rapid cycling fairly well for some. Tegretol less so, and same for Trileptal. These ones tend to come with more side effects. There also are antipsychotics, but those are better as adjuncts in my opinion, or when you are flipping out.
What works for me: Lithium 900mg, Depakote 1000mg, Lamictal 75mg, Seroquel 100mg, Topamax 50mg (migraines). Cocktails are what most bipolars require for stability. Sucks, but that's the way it usually is.
I currently take:
Geodon 40 mg (for mania)
Abilify 10 mg (for depression)
Lamictal 200 mg (mood stabilizer)
For me, Geodon is the best. I never even remotely have a problem with racing thoughts while on it. However, Geodon does nothing for depression.
As far as depression goes... Abilify is okay, not great. I'm luke-warm on that medication, but it is slightly better than nothing.
Lamictal for me doesn't do very much. If I am on Geodon alone then I don't cycle (have mood swings).. If I am on Geodon alone then I am just depressed! But with the Geodon, I just don't really cycle so I don't see the point of a mood stabilizer.
I have tried Geodon and Abilify without the Lamictal... and it was slightly worse.. I was a bit agitated on that combination which I attribute to the Abilify... so I would say that Lamictal does something, but it is a small something.
Also I was on Abilify and Lamictal alone without the Geodon and I was going off the rails. I was so agitated!!! I begged my doctor to put me back on Geodon.
I've also tried Depakote and Lexapro. But with Depakote I had weight gain like 40 pounds (but I'm back to a normal weight now) and I don't think it works any better than Lamictal. And Lexapro didn't work for me and my doctor switched me to the Abilify. Plus I had sexual side effects from Lexapro.
But my current med mix is pretty decent.
Hopes this helps!
If you have a Psychiatrist you trust, stick with the program. Not everyone benefits from the same meds. You may have to try several combinations before something works well.