Medications

I was diagnosed with bipolar about one year ago.  I am currently taking Nuerontin and Zoloft.  For some reason it is no longer working.  Are there alot of differnet medications to choose from?  or am I going to run out of opptions?  I dont have any energy or my feelings have gotten worse.  I dont want to do anything but stay in bed.  Im tired all the time.  I have no desire to have sex.  Am I going back to the Bipolar in full swing again?  Please help.  Tina

[HFHS.MD-AJ]

Tina,

It must be difficult suffering with the symptoms you describe. Worsening mood, lack of energy, amotivation, withdrawn behavior, and loss of interest in sex are all possible symptoms of depression, which may be present in bipolar disorder.  Your doses of antidepressant (Zoloft) and mood-stabilizer (Neurontin) may have to be increased, or trial of other medications considered if your current medications are no longer effective.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Zoloft, Paxil, and Celexa are usually considered as first-line antidepressants, while Depakote and Lithium are usually considered as first-line mood-stabilizers. I urge you to discuss your concerns further with your treating physician/psychiatrist, and to consider referral for some form of psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or interpersonal therapy), as some studies suggest a combination of these with medications as being the optimal form of treatment.