Hello Everyone, My husband has Bipolar..We are new at this, he probaly has been having bipolar for?

He cannot hear that you love him enough, that you need him enough and all the characteristics that make him such a wonderful person. A Primary Care Physician (PCP) is the second step to provide general assessments and referrals to the appropriate specialists. Find a PCP that speaks his language, one that does not talk above his head and has some medical background in chemical imbalances because it is such a tricky and still unconquered territory. Doctors will always refer you to a psychiatrist, but I would also seek the advice of a toxicologist (they are experts when it comes to medications). Every time you come home from the doctor, get online and google everything that you discussed with him/her, and remember, doctors work for you, so work with him just as you would anyone else you hire. Communicate what information you read to them and ask a lot of questions, but don't self diagnose. (I think of it like hiring someone to build a house for me, they are knowledgeable of how to build it, and then I decorate it). I have so many health issues, and I have been to the ER more times than I can count and countless clinic visits. Every time I come home I spend hours researching everything they said to me, and I look up every symptom I experience that is not usual (such as sleeping too much/or too little). Having said all that... I have about five different types of seizures and I am on a "cocktail" of Rx drugs to help me function well enough to lead a pretty normal life. Only your doctor knows what is best for your husbands health conditions, but my neurologist tried me on Depakote and it landed me in the ER after about three weeks into my regiment. The toxicologist in the ER said that I was so toxic from the Depakote that I should have been glowing orange. However, it's supposed to work great for majority of people who take it, but my body didn't respnde well to it. Since he just started it, keep an eye on him. Check the side effects of Depakote, and keep a journal of anything suspicious. Mainly, do not underestimate the power of fresh air, back/foot rubs, specific compliments, lots of hugs and constant reminders that they have the strength within to help themselves, but at the same time they are not alone. Through love, a PCP, Rxs, specialists, research and don't forget that second opinions are invaluable. I speak from years of personal trial and error, and even though I am better, I still have lows, (and seizures sometimes) but they are less frequent. Don't get frustrated, they may have to tweak his meds a couple of times to get it just right. Keep in touch and I will check in on you again to see how things are going. It will get better, just keep trying. It's worth it.

You can never do too much research! If your husband isn't already seeing a psychiatrist, seek one out. It will be comforting for him to start this new journey alongside a professional who can answer his questions and support him through tough times. Do some research for yourself about living with a partner who has this condition, it will help you to cope when some days are bad. The most important thing to know is that life can be great when you have mental health conditions, as long as they are treated correctly, there's no reason to think that life will never be normal.

4. I researched the depokete and was concerned with its liver damaging side effects, especially since Keith's former drinking may have started some damage there. This site stated, "The use of valproate(including depokete & derivatives) is contraindicated in patients with hepatic disease or significant hepatic dysfunction. Serious and potentially fatal hepatotoxicity has been reported in patients treated with these agents... Liver enzymes should be tested before treatment and at regular intervals."
As you know, hepatic simply means liver related. Have you discussed this with your doctor? You are not alone and reaching out with your question certainly proves it. I hope you know I care by the length of my response.
Warm hugs to you both. PatioO