Can I Drive When Taking Mood Stabilisers
Some mood stabilisers may make you drowsy and affect your driving. Tell the DVLA if you are taking medication that may affect your driving. You should also tell them if you have a medical condition that could affect your driving.
You can find out more about Driving and mental illness by clicking here.
Anxiety And Depression Support
No need to list exact dosages, I’m just trying to get a feeling for what’s being tried. I’ve recently switched from lamotrigine and ziparasidone to valproex acid, Latuda, and Concerta . But now I feel nauseated all the time and have lost my optimism, and it’s been 4 months trying to make these meds work. Also, the stimulant wears off in the evening so I get to be depressed again every night.
Hi I was given Valproex acid or depakote which keep my mood great I have manic bipolar however and do not get depression thank goodness. I have to take kemadrin for the tardive dyskinesia and I have depot injections of abilify as I would get psychotic. However I am grateful as these drugs have given my life back to a certain extent. Hope something starts working for you soon and take care.
I actually have depression-predominant bipolar II
Been on Lithium alone for 7 years now..
Before that did fine on a minimal dose of chlorpromazine – an antipsychotic for 23 years till l had a major low in 2014 , followed by a high the following year
Am doing well on Lithium so far.
Incidentally, l am more inclined towards manic too, only had that one really major low
I am depression tending, bipolar II, I should add.
Same for me. Raking lamotrigine and quetiapine for bipolar and Anxiety as well as Trintellix for depression
Do you have therapy combined with medication? If yes, what kind of therapy?
When To See A Doctor
Despite the mood extremes, people with bipolar disorder often don’t recognize how much their emotional instability disrupts their lives and the lives of their loved ones and don’t get the treatment they need.
And if you’re like some people with bipolar disorder, you may enjoy the feelings of euphoria and cycles of being more productive. However, this euphoria is always followed by an emotional crash that can leave you depressed, worn out and perhaps in financial, legal or relationship trouble.
If you have any symptoms of depression or mania, see your doctor or mental health professional. Bipolar disorder doesn’t get better on its own. Getting treatment from a mental health professional with experience in bipolar disorder can help you get your symptoms under control.
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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.
How Do The Cns Depressants Help With Bipolar Disorder Depression
Central nervous system depressants, which include the benzodiazepines, act on neurotransmitters to slow down normal brain function. CNS depressants are commonly used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders and may be an effective alternative or adjunctive therapy in some bipolar patients with acute mania.
Some commonly used benzodiazepines include clonazepam , lorazepam , alprazolam , and diazepam . These drugs all can be addictive and can cause sluggish thinking. They generally should be used only to treat agitation or sleep problems during the acute phase of the illness and not as long-term medications. They typically should be tapered off rather than stopped abruptly, in order to minimize the risk of drug withdrawal.
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Can You Manage Bipolar Without Medication
And yes, I think a very small, minority of people can manage their bipolar disorder without using medication. I think it is possible. These are non-severe cases that respond well to non-pharmacological methods of management. These people will still have to do something to manage their illness, but a very tiny number might get away with minimal or even no medication.
And even if life not on medication isnt perfect, its their choice to live that way. Maybe we think that there is room for improvement and that meds could be that improvement. That might be so, but all our lives have room for improvement and its always our choice as to how to go about getting that improvement. And our pressuring someone to take meds really isnt going to help the situation.
I learned a very long time ago that no one can take responsibility for a persons mental health except himself and I also learned that we need to respect that if there is to be any peace. We can disagree, we can even think we know better, but until youre in that persons brain, in the very soul of their being, you cant know what really is best for him. So take a step back and consider how you would feel if someone tried to thrust consciousness-altering substances on your life and respect that is just not what everyone wants.
Find The Right Therapist For You
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Please note: Our screens are for adults only. By participating you acknowledge that the screen is not a diagnostic instrument and is only to be used by you if you are 18 years or older. You are encouraged to share your results with a physician or healthcare provider. Mind Diagnostics, sponsors, partners, and advertisers disclaim any liability, loss, or risk incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from the use and application of these screens. If you are in need of immediate assistance, please dial 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 273-8255.
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How Many Pills Do You Take In A Single Day
Just curious.
Personally I take:
morning 1 200mg lamictal 1 100mg lamictal 2 25mg lamictal 1 1mg risperidone 1 20mg adderall
afternoon/evening 1 10mg adderall 1 1mg risperidone 2 multivitamin 1 65mg iron tablet
It always feels like a lot, but Im glad I have meds to keep me alive and functioning.
Oh shoot were including vitamins???
Ok Ill take a shot –
Waking up: two puffs Symbicort, 5000iu D3
Breakfast: 2 omega , 25mg DHEA, 30mg pregnenolone, 1 multi, 1000mg C, 500mg curcumin
Lunch: 1 Lillow, 81 mg aspirin , 10mg Buspirone
Dinner: 10mg Buspirone, 40mg Latuda
Bedtime: 10.5mg B6, 450mg magnesium, 30mg zinc, Two puffs Symbicort
I think youve got me beat!
Morning: 20 mg Adderall Midday: 20 mg Adderall Night: 10 mg Abilify, 10 Prozac
You take Abilify at night? My psych said it has to be taken in the morning so it doesnt cause insomnia. Bizarre how different advice is between countries/doctors
I take a bunch of 25mg lamictal pills due to dose changes which results in a lot of pills. I am switching it to 2 100mg pills per day though which will cut things back!
am: 1 Wellbutrin, 2 vitamin D pills, 1 vitamin B pill pm: 8 25mg Lamictals, 1 magnesium
I recently pared back the number of meds Im on because Ive been doing well, which I am quite happy about!
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What Society Often Doesnt Understand: Untreated Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Are Far More Painful Than What Happens To Us Due To Substance Abuse
If you care about someone with bipolar disorder, you may wonder why we choose so may behaviors that make us so much worse. The answer might surprise you. I can assure you from many years of boozing it up and smoking weed and hash myself, I was NOT doing it to get drunk or just to get high. Here is why I used substances heavily for many years:
I want that for you as well.
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Lifestyle And Home Remedies
You’ll probably need to make lifestyle changes to stop cycles of behavior that worsen your bipolar disorder. Here are some steps to take:
- Quit drinking or using recreational drugs. One of the biggest concerns with bipolar disorder is the negative consequences of risk-taking behavior and drug or alcohol abuse. Get help if you have trouble quitting on your own.
- Form healthy relationships. Surround yourself with people who are a positive influence. Friends and family members can provide support and help you watch for warning signs of mood shifts.
- Create a healthy routine. Having a regular routine for sleeping, eating and physical activity can help balance your moods. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. Eat a healthy diet. If you take lithium, talk with your doctor about appropriate fluid and salt intake. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor or mental health professional about what you can do.
- Check first before taking other medications. Call the doctor who’s treating you for bipolar disorder before you take medications prescribed by another doctor or any over-the-counter supplements or medications. Sometimes other medications trigger episodes of depression or mania or may interfere with medications you’re taking for bipolar disorder.
- Consider keeping a mood chart. Keeping a record of your daily moods, treatments, sleep, activities and feelings may help identify triggers, effective treatment options and when treatment needs to be adjusted.
What You Can Do
Before your appointment, make a list of:
- Any symptoms you’ve had, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment
- Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes
- All medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements you’re taking, and the dosages
- Questions to ask your doctor
Some questions to ask your doctor may include:
- Do I have bipolar disorder?
- Are there any other possible causes for my symptoms?
- What kinds of tests will I need?
- What treatments are available? Which do you recommend for me?
- What side effects are possible with that treatment?
- What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you’re suggesting?
- I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
- Should I see a psychiatrist or other mental health professional?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you’re prescribing?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can have?
- What websites do you recommend?
Don’t hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.
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Where Do I Start
If you think you might have bipolar disorder or are unhappy with your medication, talk to your doctor as soon as you can. Write down a list of questions, and dont be afraid to share your concerns about side effects or past experiences. If youre currently experiencing a manic or depressive episode, you may need to consult with your doctor at least once a week to assess the effects of the medication. If you are feeling suicidal or experiencing psychotic symptoms, you can go to the hospital or call a loved one for help. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or their TTY number at 1-800-799-4TTY .
The more information you give your doctor, the better they can help you find the right treatment for your bipolar disorder. What steps can you take today to take the best care of your mind, mood, and body?
Addiction And Bipolar Disorder
In an attempt to regulate these changes in mood and energy, individuals with bipolar disorder may abuse drugs or alcohol. According to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, up to 70 percent of people who meet the criteria for bipolar disorder also have a history of substance abuse a percentage that far exceeds the general population. Substance abuse affects the outcomes of bipolar disorder in several ways:
- Intensification of symptoms
- Longer episodes of emotional instability
- Increased number of suicide attempts
- Diminished quality of life
Treating bipolar disorder and substance abuse can be complex, requiring intensive attention to the symptoms of mental illness as well as the behaviors associated with addiction. The results of treatment for individuals with dual diagnoses, or a mental illness co-occurring with a substance use disorder, are generally much better if both conditions are treated at the same time, within the same program. In order to provide the most effective care, staff should be cross-trained in mental health care and substance abuse treatment.
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Do Mood Stabilisers Affect Other Medication
You should tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication before starting or stopping mood stabilisers. This includes herbal or complementary medication, such as St Johns Wort.
There are also some common over-the-counter medications which can cause effects, some severe, when taken with mood stabilisers. These include:
- codeine,
Your doctor can give you advice on whether your mood stabiliser will affect any other medication.
Missing A Psych Med Dose
The first thing to realize is that if you miss a psych med dose you may experience withdrawal. Now, doctors might call this a variety of things but it feels an awful lot like withdrawal to me.
As an example, there is one medication Im on thats particularly nasty for withdrawal and if I miss a dose I start to cry and become suicidal within hours of the missed dose. I literally go from a normal me to a wet and sopping mess within four hours.
And the trouble with this, other than the fact that I decimate a Kleenex box, is that I may not realize I have missed a dose. So it may not occur to me that the extreme symptoms Im feeling are medication-related and not bipolar-related, as such.
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People With Bipolar Try To Control The Extremes
The first case is the most obvious one: people with bipolar disorder are trying to control their bipolar symptoms and instead of working with a doctor to do so, they choose alcohol and other types of drugs. This often happens before a diagnosis when people dont know they have a mental illness and they are just managing in the best way they can.
Its understandable that if you dont understand you have a disease, you dont know how to treat it and its certainly understandable that someone would try to quell the extreme symptoms of bipolar disorder. Even after the disease is known, though, many people with bipolar disorder choose drugs over, or in addition to, medical help.
Lithium For Bipolar Disorder
- Reduce the risk of experiencing suicidal feelings or self-harm
Its typically a long-term treatment, usually prescribed for at least six months.
For lithium to be effective, the dosage must be correct. You’ll need regular blood and health checks while taking lithium, to make sure the levels are right for you.
For more information, see our page on lithium.
I was really quite unwell. Then my psychiatrist changed my medication. I began taking lithium and it really worked for me. I started feeling better pretty quickly.
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Refusing To Take Bipolar Medication
First off, its important to know that refusing to take bipolar medication and possibly, someday, being off bipolar medication isnt the same thing. People almost always need medication to get stabilized before getting off meds is even an option. For people with bipolar who simply refuse to take their meds Dr. Dennis says,
Motivational interviewing is sometimes useful when someone is too afraid to take a medication. We start with how well or not their life is working out without medication? What has their illness untreated cost them? Do they believe they can have a different life in recovery? Do they have fears about giving up certain aspects of the illness ? Do they have fears about medication, intended effects and side effects?
It is in getting past this that bipolar medication can be used and recovery be achieved. Its only then that going med-free can even be considered.