Friend Needs Help, PLEASE Help & list the meds you take for Bipolar!!!

[triedeverymed]

I have a friend who posted a question (jigreg) about what medications you take for Bipolar Disorder. I know this question is posted a lot but he isn't getting any awswers. I gave him a few but I know I misssing tons. If everyone who reads this could just list a few meds you take or have tried it would be very helpful to him when he sees his doctor. He doesn't have a psychiatrist and has to work with his family doctor ( and we all know how hard that can be) He really needs our ideas so your response is greatly appreciated. thanks in advance for your help!!
Erin

[blackheartedmind]

Well the one i'm on is Symbyax which i like.  Its the only thing that I've been on.  

[Tyzer33]

Im currently taking effexor and seroquel, started off with prozac, then Mirtazapine  think its also reffered to as zispin this was good for helping me sleep and also gave me a false appetite as i wasnt eating but didnt really help my bipolar. There was 1 more i was on but cant remem the name, hope this helps a bit. Good luck

[triedeverymed]

Thank you so much, he posted but didn't get any awswers. If anyone else can take a momnet to share that would be great!!

[RubyShooz]

I am currently on Lamictal.  Took Depakote and Seroquel for awhile, may have to go back on Seroquel, not sure yet.  Hate the weight gain and hair loss.  Seems like most of the meds have side effects.  Good luck to your friend.

[triedeverymed]

You guys are awesome! Thank you. This should really help him when he sees the doctor. I love how this community helps eachother.
Erin

[Jen813]

I've been on lamictal for a while.  works great as a mood stabalizer, has little side effects, but you have to be careful with dosage because it can cause an overload of anxiety.  i've also tried risperdol for anxiety but had a really bad reaction so i can't take it anymore.  i've heard that cymbalta works great for depression with bipolar and then of course there's lithium.

here's a really great site that gives you info not only on the disorder but what meds can be used to treat certain aspects of the disorder:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bipolar_disorder_medications.htm

it's got a lot of good info and a decent list of drugs.  if i can find anything else i will post again.

[RODHOOK]

hi, every one is different some meds work some don,t on an individual.you my have tried all.the trick is now to try cominations.i had to.i take 3 different meds. and they work.
look into truhope empower plus it seems to be an amazing item for some.

rod

[RODHOOK]

hi again ,i foregot to add it would be dangerous to take just any medication.the people that replied to you are different and unique. as i say no one is in a group for meds.
a qualified shrink is the only one that can help.
                        rod

[btsmith]

  I am taking lamictal and trileptal now,  they are expensive but seem to work well.  Others are seroquel, wired me,...depakote, good....lithium, good but be vigiliant....and a bunch of others over 15 yrs. of meds.  It is very hard to self diagnose and perscribe.

[triedeverymed]

He can't afford to see a psychiatrist so he's working with his family doctor. he is just looking for names of meds to discuss with his doctor. he's on seroquel now but he says it's not working so well. So he's not self prescribing, just loooking for suggestions for his doctor.
Thanks again everyone!!

[Barribjorn]

Does his home state have assistance? We have facilities here where we can get all of our visits and meds on a sliding scale or free. I am out of work and mine slid down to free.

[determined2beatit]

Hi,
I take Lithium, zoloft,seroquel and Geodon during the day. It works for me in that combo but took a long time of adding and subtracting different meds. i know he can only see the G.P right now but they really are not up enough on these drugs and the combos/how they work like a psychiatrist is. It could be a very long road for the person if he doesn'y have a specialist. The doc should try to consult or work with a specialist and or barribjorn's right...seek assistance in any way he can to get to the right doc.There are ways to get help with the visits  and meds but it depends on your area.
Good Luck!

[triedeverymed]

I think he was able to find a pdoc on a sliding scale since medicare won;t pay for a pdoc for him. All these suggestions have been great, I think with all the info he has now and being able to see a pdoc, he'll find the right meds.

Thanks to EVERYONE who responded, this community is fantastic!!
Erin