Focus on Mania
 

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if you think docs focus on the treatment of mania more than the depression of bipolar? My doc doesn't believe in using antidepressants with bipolar. I must admit I get manic on them but with only Zyprexa I struggle with depression a lot.

Pam

I get depressed a bit too. But that is when I go through my downs. I go up and down a lot. hmmm Does it matter what type of bipolar you are? Like if you are Bipolar 2 can you have a mood stablizer and antideppressant? My cousin is taking those and she is doing well. That is all i know.

yes most bipolar 2 run on the depressive side and can take antidepressants. Welbutrin is a very safe antidepressant for us.
But talk to your pdoc about this.
lamictal is a mood stabilizer with anti depressant qualities....again talk about these with a professional.
bizi

Hi,

Yes, the docs focus on mania more than depression.
I think that they feel that mania is more destructive than depression. Also, the meds for mania are easier for them to prescribe than the meds for depression are.

I remember being on 10 mgs of ritalin for a few years. It gave me energy and clarity. I loved it actually but it was a hassle at the pharmacy because the state had strict rules about the script and even about picking it up.


I've read about Modafinil on the web. Some pdocs prescribe it for sleepiness. It seems to help some folks with bipolars.

If your pdoc has got you close to the right med regime but not quite good enough, you can work on other things
-- good diet (esp stay away from carbs and sweets)
--exercise
--strict sleep hygiene
--some sunlight
--a regular schedule.

Some folks find that keeping track of their behaviors can work along side (or improve on) the meds.

M.

Thanks for the replies
 

I've tried Lamictal and nearly every antidepressant out there. They all make me nervous. Even Buspar makes me edgy. Go figure.

I also take tramadol which helps me some. I have RSD and fibromyalgia, and have had two failed spinal fusions. Needless to say I am a mess!

I really appreciate all of your input. I get pretty discouraged at times.


Pam

Sqeaky Wheel Gets the Grease
 

I think it's because mania is more noticeable and disturbing to others/society, whereas the depressive suffers in relative silence. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. I, too, struggle with depression a lot, but when I am clean and polite, not many people notice at all. Look up the symptoms of depression [you probably don't have to], see how many you have and complain about them. Mania takes people to the hospital more than depression [except in cases of suicidal ideation], and pdocs purpose is keeping people out of hospital. billie

http://www.psycheducation.org/bipolar/controversy.htm


http://www.psycheducation.org/depres...DwithoutAD.htm
Scroll down to the end of the page for his chart.
Pdocs are moving away from anti-depressants.
http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/o...bl/ADwith1.gif

aren't the ads encouraging people to try adding abilify to an antidepressant when it does not work for the person?
lets treat depression with an antipsychotic!
bizi

Dear Beth,

I missed the ad. Maybe I was not paying attention to it.

Here's a critique of it:
http://commonlaw.findlaw.com/2009/08...-approval.html

M.