Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.

Mental Health (Expert Forum)

Email this

Bipolar and Medications

Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.

Post a Question Back to Forum

MedHelp Member's Question

Bipolar and Medications

by Debi, Nov 06, 1999 12:00AM

Tags: bipolar, mental, Health, Bipolar Disorder, Mental Health, antipsychotics, hypomanic, Life

I have bipolar II disorder and recently relapsed after being off meds for about a month (with doctor permission). I have been prescribed tegretol and stelazine to help stop the hypomanic and the paranoia but it makes me so tired I can barely stay awake at work or when driving. Most antipsychotics make me so tired and groggy it is hard to function yet I know the paraonia and hypomanics aren't good either. What are the chances the hypomanic will go away on its own without meds?? Are there any antipyschotics that don't make you so tired? Thanks for your help.

Doctor's Answer

by HFHS MD - RG, Nov 08, 1999 12:00AM

Dear Debi,

Bipolar II disorder are adequately managed by medications and psychotherapy together. However, the side effects from the medications you are taking is preventing you from being compliant. With the newer medications in the market with better side effect profile, you may have less disconcerting side

effects.

Re-consult your psychiatrist regarding newer mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics.

sincerely,

HFHS MD - RG

Member Comments (3)

by sheryl, Nov 07, 1999 12:00AM

My friend takes lithium and paxil and is one of the most beautiful people inside and out. She doesn't have to suffer anymore. They also put her on those antipsychotics for a while and it made her very drugged up it seemed. The lithium and paxil makes her act and feel normal. Life is life now for her. Best of Luck.Hypomanic usually doesn't go away without any meds. U should suggest a blood level from your doctors, get a new doctor. You shouldn't of gone off the medications. Do diabetics go off of their insulin?

Hang in and on. God Bless

by Debi, Nov 07, 1999 12:00AM

an additional question to my original question: what are the stats on someone with bipolar II disorder developing bipolar I disorder? when I went back on meds a few weeks ago I did get a new doctor and she ordered blood tests, I was looking at the lab slip and it says my diagnosis is bipolar I, most recent episode mixed (I will talk with her) but knowing the symptoms of bipolar I disorder I'm not terribly surprised it was changed. Any info you could give would be appreciated.

Back to Forum

Expert Activity

National Spinal Health Day
Oct 08 by Adam R. Tanase, D.C.

PAD Awareness Month
Oct 05 by Lee Kirksey, MD

When You Need to Know If You're Pre...
Sep 11 by Elaine Brown, MD

Related Expert Forums

Emotional Eating

Self-Improvement Coaching

Related Communities

Borderline Personality Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Military Health Issues

Head & Traumatic Brain Injury

Schizophrenia

Agoraphobia

Information contained within this site is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. Always seek the advice of your physician or other health provider for any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. By using this site you agree to the following Terms and Conditions.

MedHelp.org subscribes to the HONCode principles of the Health On the Net Foundation. Verify here

Your Name:
Your Email:
Friend's Email:
Message:

	Enter the code shown:



	Leave a Note Send Message Add as Friend Debi Member since Sep 1999



	Add as Friend Adam R. Tanase, D.C. Male St. Louis - MO Member since May 2008 Mood: AdamTanase happy to answer your questions. Journal Entry: "October 16th is National Spinal Health Da..." [Read]



	Add as Friend Lee Kirksey, MD Male Philadelphia - PA Member since Apr 2008 Mood: LeeKirksey ...optimistic Journal Entry: "I encourage everyone to make sure that yo..." [Read]



	Add as Friend Elaine Brown, MD Female, 47 years Billings - MT Member since Aug 2008 Journal Entry: "Manufacturer's of today's home pregnancy ..." [Read]



	Leave a Note for Just a note Hugs Thinking of you Thank You Welcome Prayer Feel better Congrats! I Can Relate Just a quick note to say hi! Add as friend Post It Never Mind 800 character limit exceeded Just a quick note to say hi! You deserve a big bear hug! You're in my thoughts all the time, but especially today. Thank you for everything! Welcome to our community! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you feel better soon! Congratulations! Time for a celebration... Just wanted to let you know I can relate. If you ever want to talk, you know where to find me.