For bipolars. Medication for bipolar disorder?

Question

My brother is bipolar and I worry so much about him. He goes to a psychiatric but so far the medication they give him doesn't do anything for him. Zyprexa did more bad than good and his new med isn't effective. What med do you take? And, are you able to have a normal life?

Answer 1

Here is what i have taken or am still taking, my side effects or common ones to look out for:

Lamictal, must be started in small doses, can cause a rash that is potentially leathel if started at large dose. Can be toxic, so requires ongoing blood screening. I like this drug.

Lithium, drug has been around longer than dirt, mostly cause that's where it comes from. Also can easily become toxic and requires ongoing blood work. You may can weight from it.

Geodon...made me MORE manic

Seroquel...Makes you stoned off your mind when you start it and gives me a nasty taste in my mount, bu oh mna does it ever work. Get past the first 3 to 7 days and this is one awsome drug.

Effexor...antideprresent...I really never noticed anything good or bad.

Lexapro...same as Effexor except you can get teary when you come off it

Cymbalta...Helps with depression but can make some people shake if they do not take on time

Carbotrel...Not as effective as Lamictial but does not have any bad side effects that I noted.

Trazadone...anti-anxiety med with a sleep aid. Only negative side effect is well...ummm, errrr..."recreational functionality problems" that effected some areas of my very personal life (if you get my drift)

Provigil, helps with ADD and ADHD but can make you manic...beware

Vyvanse...same as Provigil

Aracept...nothing negative and I am being titrated up right now so nothing positive either.

Xanax, Klonopin and all other "benzos" I am allergic so they make me look like I have had a storke, but many bipolar patient have this in their "cocktail" and it helps alot

I lead a fairly "normal" life.  I hate the word normal..."Normal" is a setting on a washing machine, not a gauge of ones life.  I struggle for sure, but without the treatment I have had, I'd be dead.  Keep supporting him...maybe even ask if you can goto othe doctor with him.

Good luck