Bipolar and anxiety

[darlenedaisy]

What would anyone suggest for managing high anxiety ? What meds are available ? I am currently on ciprilex, but it can send me into mania. Any suggestions ?

[adel_ezz]

anxiety is a common denominator for all psych disorders. it's not specific to BP alone. Taking cipralex will do you good for a while but then it will drive you manic eventually. you said cipralex, is it the only drug you take or along with other meds ? because if you take mood stabilizers along with then perhaps it's safe. but i never heard someone with BP is prescribed an antidepressant only.

cipralex is rather strong it's an SSRI. I tried an SSRE called stablon of Servier a French firm it's weaker and very good for anxiety and with less possibility of mania. It's sold under the brand name coaxil too

[lindahand]

In the short term things like ativan or klonpin (sorry don't know the generic names) are used. Klonpin I hear more for bipolars as it has some mood stabilizing properties and is longer acting so less chance of addictions. Neither are long term solutions though as you can develop tolerance (need more medication to get the same effect) or addiction (need the drug compulsively).

With one pdoc I had a prescription for Klonpin and that was a nice thing to have on hand for emergencies. My pdoc now doesn't prescribe them.

[BipolarBear75]

Sorry, just noticed they cut off your name in my last post!

[BipolarBear75]

Because my pdoc fears I will slip into mania, he gave me Ativan whidh is a take as directed and not as a preventative.

[darlenedaisy]

Thank you for your reply, Very helpful.

[paranoid_cataclysm]

They put me on Zoloft for anxiety but that could send you into mania since you experience mania and I don't.  There's also benzodiazepines but they are usually used as a last resort.  Antipsychotics can be used for anxiety but I wouldn't recommend that because of running the risk for tardive dyskinesia.  I would much rather have my severe anxiety than TD.