Was diagnosed with PTSD in 2007. I've been experiencing mood swings that are just exhausting. My doctor wants to start me on lithium and I'm just terrified of taking that drug because of all the potential side effects. I look at all mood stabilizers and they all seem to have some serious potential side effects. What advice do any of you have when it comes to making a choice of which drug to take?
Bipolar Disorder - new to the group & recently diagnosed, what advice do you have with drug choice?
- Posted:
- 26 Sep 2011 by taidavis
- Topics:
- bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, lithium, doctor
Details:
Responses (7)
LaurieShay26 Sep 2011
Hey taidavis,
I, too, am bipolar type 2. I have taken lithium in the past and did not care for the side effects, but not everyone experiences them as I did. Finding the right med(s) is a trial and error sort of ordeal as what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another. I would give it a good try of at least a month and see how you do. If lithium doesn't agree with you, there are numerous other meds to try. I take two antidepressants plus Abilify with excellent results, but again we are all different. I would trust the doctor's lead as he/she knows your symptoms best.
Best wishes,
Laurie
Recovery2...29 Sep 2011
Hi. I have not been diagnosed with BP II, because I don't have the manic portion. I do have depression and mood swings that can change over the course of the day. I was placed on lithium but it was not really doing anything. I am currently taking topirmate ( Topamax) for my deliberating mood swings and the difference is remarkable. I have not noticed any side effects from taking the drug either.
This may be something to talk to your doctor about.
It's made a huge difference in my life.
Good luck on finding the right drug
smileyhappy30 Sep 2011
Hi there,
I take Lithium and love it, it changed my life. I had a major depression in 2007 and was hospitalized for 6 months until Lithium was found to work for me. I did however get hypothyroid from it and a little weight gain. But I feel that it is worth it because I am back with my husband and 2 kids and very happy.
Hope this helps you.
danforeman5 Oct 2011
Having lived with Bipolar Disorder Type 1 for over 20 years, the most important thing regarding meds and treatment is this; do not see a general practice Dr. to be treated for Bipolar Disorder!
You need treatment by hands on, honest to god psychiatrist who specializes in nothing but the treatment of mental disease and addiction. Only this type of physician knows what the most up to date medications and newest innovative treatments for mental disease are.
In addition, as your Psychiatrist prescribes meds, keep a journal of how you feel, and include many details, like times between cycles, and are you more up or more down, do you stay on one end of the cycle longer than the other, etc. Also, try to note anything that you may think may have been a trigger for an episode or round of cycling. Always include any side effect you feel from the meds.
Anonymous 26 Oct 2011
i too have ptsd, depression, anxiety and panic disorder, whats been working for me is prozac 40 mg, xanax .5 mg 3 times a day for anxiety and panic, and therapy, i also do alot of journaling and comming to this site and talking to me friends here. this is the best place to be and come in anytime of your need. yes please be sure to get the rite care, find a dr that is willing to help and listen to you. tell the dr all your symptoms and be completely honest so he/she knows how to treat you, hang in there
taidavis
27 Oct 2011
Helpmehawaii,
26 Oct 2011
Taldavis I wanna welcome you to the group I think the best thing you can do is try the phsychiatrist thinks and see how it effects you. Yhey have to list the side effects but most people dnt experience them if you do one of to things you can do weigh the pros and cons if it makes life better or not. Second the dr switches the med to one that does. Your life and happiness are important you need to sometimes trust the mental health professionals t know the best meds for you. If we all had a degree in everything well knw one wuld have a job. My 12year old was diagnosed bipolar 1 and given lamictal for it. I to was scared to give her it afraid of side effects and nt doing the right thing for her. But the depression was worse than taking the medication and trying to dig her out of a hole before she was buried alive. And her psychiatrist piicked the right med for her now she is doing what 12year old are suppose to do enjoy life. Which is what you are suppose to do as well.
slattery
26 Oct 2011
Yes, totally agreed and excellent commentary. Everyone's bipolar varies from person to person - some are type 1, some type 2; some people tend toward mania and agitation, and others are mostly in a depressive funk.
It could be dangerous to insist upon a drug upon the recommendation of someone else, as the design of the drug may not be specific to the type of bipolar which affects you. What works for one might be abysmal for another, and it's not worth the risk.
A psychiatrist doesn't just scribble drugs; he/she observes and makes professional diagnoses on the patient that they see in front of them. So totally, although a bit of discussion about the various drugs is never a bad thing, it is ultimately best to have a serious chat with the doctor, and find out why he recommends the drug(s) which you are on.
taidavis
26 Oct 2011
Thanks to you all! I did speak with my doctor and explained my concerns about the Lithium in regards to the potential affect it would have on my other health conditions so she gave me a choice of three (lithium, tegretol and lamictal). We weighed the pro's and con's of each one and decided that lamitcal (am taking the generic lamotrigene) would be best. She doesn't believe in doing trial and error with bipolar meds because she feels it could make the situation worse. I was glad that she spent a decent amount of time discussing this with me (about 3-4 hours). Lamictal was the best choice and she would switch me to something else if I developed the rash as a side effect which I have not so far. I am currently on a 50 mg dose of that, 5 mg of abilify which is only temporary until I get to 100 mg of the lamictal and can feel its full effect.
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Thank you all for your answers!! I truly appreciate it! The thing about lithium for me is that I have several medical conditions that would make weight gain catastrophic for me. I have mitral valve prolapse, metabolic syndrome and am in need of a knee replacement due to an injury back in 07. Weight gain for me could cause diabetes and place even more undue pressure on my knee. Also considering I already have palpitations caused by the prolapse, the risk of arrhythmia is higher for me with lithium. It looks like that's the case with just about every class 1 mood stabilizer. I will definitely speak with my doctor, but I wanted to see how common some of those side effects really are.
Well good luck in trying to find the right drug for yourselves. It takes time. Take care!
Thanks!
I am just curious. I have been on Lithium for about a month now and it does seem to be helping me mood, but I am having terrible diarrhea. Will that ever go away?
Hi there,
I would call the pharmacist to see if happens with Lithium. I never had it before.
ok thank you! I can't leave the house!