Bipolar Tips Facts Medication Reviews

Side Effect Syndrome

2009-11-21T08:04:00.000-08:00

If you've been doing your research, practically every medication you take has it's share of side effects. This dosen't mean you won't experience any, but chances are you will only experience a couple and most likely they will be manageable. The most common are dry mouth and frequent urination, both of these are manageable. You probably say to yourself "No Way am I taking that". Well keep in mind, just because a side effect appears on a list dosen't mean your going to get it.

Side effects depend on an individuals biochemistry and other factors. A combination of medications may work for one person and not the other. Some people are extremely sensitive to medications and other may not be. Some people may only need to take a low dosage and others may need higher levels.

If your side effects can not be controlled then chances are you need to try another medication. This is to be evaluated by your doctor. Newer medications are being formulated all the time and the newer medications are quite effective. Close monitoring is important when changing a medication.

If you've trying a number of medications and nothing seems to be working, it's important to be patient and keep trying. There a many medications out on the market and something is bound to work for you. It took me a long time but I didn't quit at it.

ABILIFY as a Bipolar Medication

2009-11-21T07:17:00.000-08:00

Bipolar disorder, aka manic depression, is an illness which stems from the brain. This disease causes extreme mood swings and impairs functioning. It is proven that bipolar disorder is genetic and hereditary. Bipolar disorder has very extreme mood swings not like the normal ups and downs a person may go through. These symptoms of bipolar disorder episodes recur throughout the life of the affected person. A person with bipolar illness doesn't only used medication but involves psychotherapy.

Abilify is a wonderful medication which treats bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). Statistics show that the medication is very effective for the treatment of bipolar.

Abilify is very effective for the use of depression, feelings of sadness. Abilify is commonly used in conjunction with an antidepressant. Some depressive feelings are as follows: Suicidal thoughts, sleep pattern changes, eating to little or overeating, loose of interest in enjoyable things, physical pain, feeling worthless.

Many people find that antidepressants work very well alone but others find that abilify works well in conjunction. The abilify is given to boost the antidepressant effect. This is known as augmentation. Abilify is approved for this kind of treatment.

Some side effects commonly experienced with abilify are as follows: Dizziness, headaches, vomiting, anxiety, constipation, insomnia, and nausea. Other common side effects may occur in approximately 1% to 9% of people, are as follows: Weight gain, fatigue, drowsiness, heartburn, shakiness, physical pain, cough, dry mouth or increased salivation, blurred vision and water retention.

Although there as some common side effects which are not always prominent in alot of people, abilify is a extremely effective medication to treat bipolar illenss.

WARNING Possible side effects from TRILEPTAL

2009-11-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

Trileptal, a medication for bipolar illness has been studied through clinical trial. In some of these studies of trileptal for bipolar illness show side effects that occur in groups of people with bipolar disorder who take trileptal and are documented and compared to people with bipolar disorder who are not taking the drug. It's a way to compare which side effects occur and how often. Keep in mind that these side effects may not occur at all for you with bipolar.

In these studies, the most common side effects of Trileptal included:
Vomiting, vision problems, fatigue, drowsiness, headaches, dissiness, and vomiting.
These side effects are similiar to Lithium, the longer on the medication the more the side effects go away. Other side effects which are common for bipolar disorder are: Nervousness, loss of coordination, diarrhea, anxiety, confusion, and viral infections, insomnia, loss of appetite, shakiness, heartburn or indigestion, UTI's, coughing, stomach pain, constipation, memory loss, and taste changes. These occur in only 6% to 8% of people who have bipolar illness.

Side Effects which are less common: These side effects only occur in 1% to 4% of people with bipolar illness who are taking this medication. These side effects are very uncommon and are possibly not caused by Trileptal, the symptom's can be caused by something unrelated. These side effects are as follows: fever, back pain, water retention, nosebleeds, sinus infections, dry mouth, sore throat, rectal bleeding, thirst, toothache, vertigo, water retention, speech problems, swollen lymph nodes, ear infections, bruising, vaginal infections, and hot flashes.

When taking trileptal for bipolar illenss have some side effects which are serious. These side effects occur infrequently but are very serious. People taking trileptal for bipolar and are experiencing any of these serious side effects should consult your doctor immediately. Low sodium levels in the blood, that can cause these symptoms are as follows: Irritability, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, confusion, muscle spasms, weakness, cramps, hallucinations, and tiredness.

You may not experience any of these side effects or just a few. There is no way for your doctor to know if your body will experience any of these side effects. Keep in close contact with your doctor and monitor how you feel. No one knows your body better than yourself.

Be attentive to signs of allergic reaction. Symptoms are itching, rash, hives and swelling.

WARNING side effects from bipolar drug LITHIUM

2009-11-19T07:27:00.000-08:00

Lithium for bipolar disorder is a wonderful drug, however, a person can experience some minor side effects. Statistics show about 70% of people who take lithium for bipolar show some type of side effect. These side effects weaken after your body adjusts to the medication. Very often the side effect's go away after adjusting the dosage. It is very important not to adjust the medication dosage yourself. Consult your doctor about the adjustment.

The following side effect's are very common:

Tremors of the hands (a added medication can help these)
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Increased thirst
Increased urination
Some weight gain
Memory impairment
Loss of concentration
Tiredness
Weakness
Some hair loss
Acne
thyroid function (Can be treated with thyroid medication)

If you experience any of these symptoms, and any of the following it's important to notify your doctor: Slurred speech, unsteady gaint, confusion, fainting, fever, and rapid heart rate. Let your doctor know about your medical history in detail. Stay away from salt and some antacids which contain salt. Be very careful using machinery or driving.

If by chance you forget to take your lithium dosage for your bipolar, It's important to take the dosage as soon as your remember it, unless your next dosage is scheduled withing 2 hours, or for slow release 6 hours. If you've passed this time, skip the missed dosage and resume taking your lithium for bipolar as usual. Don't double the dosage to try to catch up.

Some very serious risks for lithium for your bipolar are to be kept in mind. Birth defects in woman who are pregnant and breastfeeding is not recommended. Children's bones may become weak and for long-term usage, and there may be problems with kidney function.

Keeping in mind that lithium has it's draw backs with side effects, but is a very effective medication for bipolar disorder.

WARNING SEROQUEL and Diabetes

2009-11-18T13:52:00.000-08:00

What are the side effects of Seroquel, is Seroquel safe, what should I know about Sereoquel, these are all the questions you should be asking before you consider taking Seroquel.

A recent study has just revealed that the very popular Bipolar drug referred too as Seroquel is linked to and can cause high blood sugar and diabetes.People that have diabetes or may be over weight should consult with a doctor about checking your blood sugar levels before starting SEROQUEL and continue to do so throughout treatment of Bipolar. If you think Seroquel is the cause of your high blood sugar or diabetes discontinue use ASAP.

What causes Bipolar Disorder?

2009-11-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

Bipolar disorder does not discriminate, both men and women can get to be bipolar. Bipolar disorder is common in people between the age of 14 and 30. What causes Bipolar disorder is not yet known, but it appears to be hereditary.

Bipolar disorder seems to start in the brain. Bipolar disorder consists of two types, Bipolar I and Bipolar II. People with bipolar disorder II very rarely seem to experience full blown mania. Instead they raised levels of energy and impulsiveness that are obvious as the symptoms of mania, this is referred to as Hypomania. These hypomanic episodes will alternate with different periods of extreme depression.

There is a less severe form of bipolar disorder referred to as cyclothymia, cyclothymia can cause periods of hypomania as well as mild depression, with minor mood swings.Bipolar disorder II or cyclothymia seems to be misdiagnosed more often than not.

Early Warning Signs

2009-11-18T06:47:00.000-08:00

Mania/Hypomania

Euphoria
Feelings of superiority
Insomnia
Staying up all night
Compulsive eating
Overambitiousness
Surges of energy
Impatience with others
Inappropriate anger, outbursts of temper
Increased sexual activity
Excessive spending
Inability to keep up with own thoughts
Increased but often unfocused creatvity
Bizarre ideas or thoughts

Depression

Despondency
Low self-esteem
Excessive sleep or insomnia
Staying in bed for long periods
Poor appetite
Inactivity
Low energy level
Frequent frustration
Inability to show affection
Low libido
Self -destructive thoughts or actions
Inability to experience pleasure
Withdrawal
Feelings of boredom

What is the "norm" opposed to "bipolar"?

2009-11-18T06:30:00.000-08:00

In my opinion there is no "normal". I feel each individual is made of different "norm's". However, you may be bipolar, or manic depressive, or have a mood disorder if you feel some of the following:
feel significantly different from your usual self
if your out of sorts or not relating to things going on in your life
you functioning uneffectively
and lastly are feeling any of these for a long extented period of time

If your feeling any of these feelings it's probably time for you to seek treatment but unfortunely many people put it off. Denial is a huge factor. When seeking treatment for bipolar, or manic depression or any mental illenss it is a lifetime commitment and many people can't handle the commitment.