What Causes Bipolar Disorder
Although the exact cause is unknown, there does seem to be a genetic link, and you are more likely to get bipolar disorder if you have another family member with the condition.
Symptoms are often triggered by a stressful situation or circumstance. This may take the form of a relationship breakdown physical, sexual, or emotional abuse money problems or the death of a close family member or loved one.
Symptoms are thought to be due to changes in the balance of some neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine.
It can be hard to recognize bipolar disorder initially. During a manic phase, a person with bipolar disorder may be incredibly fun to be around. However, as the condition progresses, these manic episodes become more extreme.
Some people with bipolar disorder only experience slight mania and are mainly depressed. Misdiagnosis as depression is common. If an antidepressant is prescribed without a mood stabilizer, it will often catapult the person into a full-on manic state. Recognizing bipolar illness is important for treatment, as mood stabilizing agents are the best type of medication.
Medications For Depression Interacts With Lithium
Lithium increases a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications for depression also increase the brain chemical serotonin. Taking lithium along with these medications for depression might increase serotonin too much and cause serious side effects including heart problems, shivering, and anxiety. Do not take lithium if you are taking medications for depression. Some of these medications for depression include fluoxetine , paroxetine , sertraline , amitriptyline , clomipramine , imipramine , and others.
Medicine For Bipolar Disorder
There are many ways to find out more about these Bipolar Disorder treatment. A physician can prescribe you the proper remedy. You can also do further research on your own to learn more about handling different types of Bipolar Disorder symptoms. Various websites offer advice and suggestions on how to deal with Bipolar disorders. If you need more information, you can go through the medical references provided.
Before taking any medication, it is essential to know how it affects your body. A doctor will tell you what side affects you should expect when using any prescribed medications. Some websites offer advice on reducing the side effects of drugs that you may be prescribed for Bipolar Disorder treatment. It is always advisable to take medicines under the guidance of a Physician or Psychologist. This will help you understand how your medication works and what side effects it may have.
The use of mood stabilizers in the treatment of Bipolar Disorders is relatively everyday and effective. It has been proven that this type of medication can successfully treat and even prevent the recurrence of mania or depression. However, it is also important to note that mood stabilizers can cause sedation. They can affect patients with a tendency to drink. Before you decide on medication for bipolar Disorder, it is advisable to talk to your Physician and your Psychiatrist.
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How To Use Lamotrigine Odt
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking lamotrigine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication with or without food, usually 1 to 2 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Place the tablet on your tongue and move it around the mouth. Allow it to dissolve, and swallow with or without water, or use as directed by your doctor. If this medication comes in a blister pack, do not use the medication if the blisters are torn, broken, or missing.
Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and use of certain interacting drugs. For children, the dosage is also based on weight.
It is very important to follow your doctor’s dosing instructions exactly. The dose must be increased slowly. It may take several weeks or months to reach the best dose for you and to get the full benefit from this medication. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Also, if you have stopped taking this medication, do not restart lamotrigine without consulting your doctor.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Treatment In Intensive Care Facility
Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that requires intensive treatment and in the case of chronic drug abuse or substance abuse, a Dual Diagnosis recovery program that addresses both conditions is recommended. Contact us today to learn the complete study that will help your loved one with the bipolar disorder treatment.
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What Else Can I Do To Stay Well
Medications for bipolar disorder are often prescribed along with psychotherapy. In addition, most mental health facilities can also help you to connect with other programs that can help get you to learn more about your illness. Learning how to manage your illness is key to staying well.
When in an acute phase of mania, you may not believe that you are unwell. It important that you build a support network of family or friends who you can trust to tell you if they notice you becoming ill. Many people use advance agreements to help ensure that their preferences and needs are taken care of should they become ill again. More information on advance agreements and a sample document can be found in Supporting Families with Parental Mental Illness.
What Are The Types Of Bipolar Disorder
According to the National Institute of Mental Health , there are three types of bipolar disorder.
- It is defined by manic episodes that last a minimum of seven days or manic symptoms severe enough that patients need immediate hospital care.
- In this instance, depressive episodes may occur as well, typically lasting at least two weeks.
- Episodes of depression, with mixed depressive symptoms and manic symptoms at the same time, are also possible.
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The Role Of Medication In Bipolar Disorder Treatment
If you have bipolar disorder, medication will likely be a part of your treatment plan. Medication can bring mania and depression under control and prevent relapse once your mood has stabilized. You may not like the idea of taking bipolar medication long term, especially if youre struggling with unpleasant side effects. But just as a diabetic needs to take insulin in order to stay healthy, taking medication for bipolar disorder will help you maintain a stable mood.
Since finding the right drug and dose can be tricky, its important to work closely with a specialist and re-evaluate your medication regularly. Its also important to remember that taking medication is just one aspect of a successful treatment program. There are plenty of other steps you can take to manage your symptoms and even reduce the amount of medication required. Healthy lifestyle changes, self-help coping strategies, and exploring therapy are also important in coping with bipolar disorder symptoms and helping you live a full, productive life.
Does Bipolar Disorder Worsen With Age
In some cases, yes. As some people with bipolar disorder get older, depressive symptoms can become more common over time. One study found that people diagnosed at age 44 or younger tend to experience more depressive symptoms over time compared to people diagnosed at 45 or older.
On the other hand, there isnt much evidence that says if manic symptoms get worse over time. If you have bipolar disorder and you think your symptoms are changing with time, speak with your healthcare provider. They can help optimize your medications and other forms of treatment used to treat bipolar disorder.
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Will The Medicine Work For Me
Your doctor canât predict how well a particular bipolar medication will work for you. You may need to try several different kinds and different doses to figure out the right approach. And that can take time.
It can be frustrating, but don’t give up. Eventually, you and your doctor should be able to find a prescription that works for you.
The Role Of The Pharmacist
The pharmacist plays a tremendous role in optimizing care for patients with bipolar II disorder. To clinical pharmacists, obtaining an accurate and complete medication history is very important in determining the appropriate therapy, or even identifying underlying medication-related causes of disease cycling. The pharmacist can be a viable component in providing appropriate dosing strategies, reviewing therapeutic regimens for drug interactions, instituting clinical monitoring parameters, and identifying signs and symptoms of medication toxicity. Clinical pharmacists can also provide the patient with discharge counseling. Educating this population on appropriate administration times, possible adverse reactions, and potential drug interactions can increase medication adherence and reduce future hospitalizations.
As an easily accessible resource, community pharmacists are also key players in providing optimal care to patients with bipolar II disorder. Not all institutions employ the services of a pharmacist for discharge counseling, and in this instance outpatient counseling through community pharmacists is very important in increasing medication compliance and adherence. Community pharmacists may also provide information about ways to identify early signs and symptoms of mania or depression so as to help patients seek medical help sooner.
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Water Pills Interacts With Lithium
Taking lithium with some “water pills” can increase the amount of lithium in the body. This can cause serious side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking lithium before taking “water pills.” Some types of “water pills” include chlorothiazide , hydrochlorothiazide , indapamide , metolazone , and chlorthalidone .
Muscle Relaxants Interacts With Lithium
Lithium might increase how long muscle relaxants work. Taking lithium along with muscle relaxants might increase the effects and side effects of muscle relaxants. Some of these muscle relaxants include carisoprodol , pipecuronium , orphenadrine , cyclobenzaprine, gallamine , atracurium , pancuronium , succinylcholine , and others.
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Is Bipolar Disorder Ever Considered Cured
This is not clear at this time. Although the condition responds to treatment in most cases, bipolar disorder is generally seen as a chronic disease that may come and go for many years.
Your child will need to follow the treatment plan outlined by her care team, and any changes should be carefully discussed among all members of her treatment team.
Dextromethorphan Interacts With Lithium
Lithium can affect a brain chemical called serotonin. Dextromethorphan can also affect serotonin. Taking lithium along with dextromethorphan might cause too much serotonin in the brain and serious side effects including heart problems, shivering, and anxiety could result. Do not take lithium if you are taking dextromethorphan .
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Nsaids Interacts With Lithium
NSAIDs are anti-inflammatory medications used for decreasing pain and swelling. NSAIDs might increase lithium levels in the body. Taking lithium along with NSAIDs might increase the risk of lithium side effects. Avoid taking lithium supplements and NSAIDs at the same time. Some NSAIDs include ibuprofen , indomethacin , naproxen , piroxicam , aspirin, and others.
Lithium For Bipolar Disorder
Carbamazepine is also sometimes prescribed to treat episodes of mania. It can be prescribed if lithium is ineffective or unsuitable for you.
Valproate can be used to treat episodes of mania and is typically a long-term method of treatment. It can be prescribed if lithium is ineffective or unsuitable for you. However, if you could become pregnant your doctor shouldn’t offer you valproate unless there is a pregnancy prevention programme in place, as it carries significant risks to your baby.
Lamotrigine has antidepressant effects and is licensed to treat severe depression in bipolar disorder. NICE guidelines recommend that it is not used to treat mania. If you are pregnant and taking Lamotrigine, NICE recommends you are checked regularly.
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Antipsychotics For Bipolar Disorder
You are most likely to be prescribed an antipsychotic if you have an episode of mania or severe depression in which you experience psychotic symptoms, such as hearing voices. However, some antipsychotics are increasingly prescribed even if you haven’t had psychotic symptoms, as their side effects might be less unpleasant, and they’re safer in pregnancy.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence treatment guidelines recommend the following antipsychotics:
- haloperidol
- olanzapine
- quetiapine
- risperidone
If your first antipsychotic doesn’t work, you should be offered a different one from the list above. If the second antipsychotic doesn’t work you may be offered lithium to take together with an antipsychotic.
If you’re prescribed an antipsychotic, you’ll need to have regular health checks with your doctor.
How Is Therapy Used To Treat Bipolar Disorder
Our team of licensed therapists and counselors use various modalities of therapy that allow individuals the opportunity to share their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe, confidential, and comfortable setting. Typically, patients will begin with individual therapy sessions, allowing them to discuss their condition, symptoms, and related issues or concerns. Your therapist may also recommend group or family therapy.
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Treatments For Bipolar Disorder
For most people with bipolar disorder, a treatment plan will involve a combination of medication and therapy. Treatment is aimed at managing an individuals symptoms, such as mood swings, feelings of depression, or experiences of mania or hypomania. Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness and people diagnosed with the disorder will likely need long term treatment. However, the symptoms can be managed effectively and may even subside or decrease in severity with treatment.
It is important to talk to your doctor or see a behavioral health specialist if you experience any changes in your thoughts, feelings, mood, or behaviors. Treatment enables individuals with bipolar disorder to return to optimum function of daily activities and responsibilities.The earlier treatment begins, the more manageable a persons symptoms become.
At MedStar Harbor Hospital, our Behavioral Health specialists believe comprehensive medical evaluation and diagnosis are the keys to determining the right treatment plans for our patients. Because treatment plans are catered to manage an individuals symptoms, its important to share all of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with your doctor to ensure the most effective treatment plan.
Medications For High Blood Pressure Interacts With Lithium
Some medications for high blood pressure can increase lithium levels in the body. Taking lithium along with some medications for high blood pressure might cause too much lithium to be in the body. Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril , enalapril , lisinopril , ramipril , and others.
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Antidepressants For Bipolar Disorder
In some circumstances you might also be offered antidepressant medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors a commonly prescribed type of antidepressant. You might be offered antidepressants in combination with one of the medications described above.
Remember: You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any drugs together, or closely following one another, in case they could interact with each other badly. For example, combining lithium with SSRI antidepressants can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome .
Learning To Recognise Triggers
If you have bipolar disorder, you can learn to recognise the warning signs of an approaching episode of mania or depression.
A community mental health worker, such as a psychiatric nurse, may be able to help you identify your early signs of relapse from your history.
This will not prevent the episode occurring, but it’ll allow you to get help in time.
This may mean making some changes to your treatment, perhaps by adding an antidepressant or antipsychotic medicine to the mood-stabilising medication you’re already taking.
Your GP or specialist can advise you on this.
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Medications For Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can affect every area of your life. But medications for the condition can help stabilize your mood and reduce your symptoms.
Bipolar disorder is a severe mental health condition in which you experience significant shifts in mood and energy levels. Mood states you might go through may include depression, mania or hypomania, and mixed episodes.
If you dont treat bipolar disorder, the condition can be debilitating. Medications for bipolar can help stabilize your moods so that you can resume daily activities with as few symptoms as possible. Long-term treatment is considered necessary, since bipolar disorder is a chronic condition.
Commonly prescribed medications for bipolar disorder include:
- lithium
- anticonvulsants
- antipsychotic medications
Healthcare professionals may also prescribe other types of medications to treat bipolar disorder, such as antidepressants to take alongside other medications.
The term mood stabilizer can refer to several different types of medications, all of which may help reduce bipolar symptoms.
Lithium emerged more than 70 years ago as the first mood stabilizer. Healthcare professionals still consider it the first line of treatment for bipolar disorder.
Research has shown that lithium may help prevent both mania and, to a lesser extent, depression.
Lithium can help treat or prevent the following states:
- mania
- hypomania
- bipolar depression
- aggressive or self-harming behavior
Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Medication For Bipolar Disorder
Avoid antidepressants. The treatment for bipolar depression is different than for regular depression. In fact, antidepressants can actually make bipolar disorder worse or trigger a manic episode. Try mood stabilizers first and never take antidepressants without them.
Take advantage of natural mood stabilizers. Your lifestyle can have a huge impact on your symptoms. If you make healthy daily choices, you may be able to reduce the amount of medication you need. Mood stabilizers that dont require a prescription include keeping a strict sleep schedule, exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques, and developing a solid support system.
Add therapy to your treatment plan. Research shows that people who take medication for bipolar disorder tend to recover much faster and control their moods better if they also get therapy. Therapy gives you the tools to cope with lifes difficulties, monitor your progress, and deal with the problems bipolar disorder is causing in your personal and professional life.
Continue taking medication, even after you feel better. The likelihood of having a relapse is very high if you stop taking your bipolar medication. Suddenly stopping medication is especially dangerous. Talk to your doctor before you make any changes, even if you believe you no longer need medication. Your doctor can help you make any adjustments safely.
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