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February 10, 2012

Patient Discussions: Bipolar Disorder (Mania) - Effective Treatments

Question:What kinds of treatments have been effective for your bipolar disorder (mania)?

Comment from: benny81530, 35-44 Female (Patient) Published: October 08

I have bipolar disorder that has controlled my life for many years. I did many things that were risky and out of control. In the last year, I have gotten it under control. The main thing I did to change it was to quit taking Klonopin, as it only added to my manic episodes. I did this by myself. Soon after I quit taking it, I began to realize that I had to get my bipolar mania under control. My doctor gave me Geodon along with my other medications, and it has worked well. I now take lithium 300 mg, two times a day; trazadone 100 mg, two times a day; Geodon 80 mg, three times a day; and Effexor 150 mg, once a day. For more than a year now, I have been feeling real good with no manic episodes. I take my medications faithfully and continue to see my doctor every month. Whatever you do, don't stop taking your medication thinking that you don't need it.

Related Reading: bipolar disorder | lithium

Comment from: confused, 25-34 Female Published: October 15

I am a 28 yr old female I am manic depressive, bipolar, PSTD, and syncopic (I hear voices) my anger has been getting worse harder to face everyday I need help pills don't help I am a self medicator I smoke cannabis. I can't function I have started to have panic attacks more often than ever before I am become more afraid and more angry as I get older The most recent med. I was given was Remeron 30 MG at night it only helped for about 3 weeks then I was back where I started I just want to be normal I feel like such an outsider even with my own friends more and more what can I do?

Related Reading: panic attacks

Comment from: cvxtxmn, 45-54 Male (Patient) Published: October 08

For my bipolar disorder, I take 500 mg of Depakote twice a day, Lithium twice a day, one Ambien at bedtime, Lamictal once a day, and Dextroamphetamine twice a day, which is a concentration enabler. I have very angry moments for two to three days at home when I am with my wife, but away, I seem manageable. I have a very high sex drive that led to an affair, which was the biggest mistake ever.

Comment from: Tdevost, 25-34 Female (Patient) Published: October 08

I was prescribed Abilify (5 mg) for my bipolar disorder. It has worked tremendously for me! I have not experienced any side affects, which is great. I also take Zoloft (150 mg) and Wellbutrin (300 mg).

Comment from: rylansmama, 25-34 Female (Patient) Published: September 09

I realized I had bipolar disorder when my son was about 6 months old. I was feeling very good at the time, able to accomplish so much. I slept little and still had so much energy. My mind was constantly going. I would get upset easily at my husband for small things. I finally was reading an article about bipolar and what the symptoms were. I recognized that this was me. I went to my doctor, and that began my search for the right medication to help me be balanced. I realized that the really good feeling would not last forever, and I would crash into a deep depression that I had experienced in the past. I knew I wouldn't be able to care for my son if I was that depressed again, so I wanted to treat this to stay as healthy as possible. I tried different things, but eventually a psychiatrist prescribed Lamictal and Lexapro. I have been taking my medications for five years, and I can definitely see a big difference.

Related Reading: depression

Comment from: bettyc , 45-54 Female (Patient) Published: August 19

I have Manic Depressive Bi-Polar and severe anxiety! I just started taking the Zyprexa along with all my other medications---Zyprexa 10 mg before bed--Klonopin 1mg 4 times per day---Wellbutrin 300 mg. 1 time a day---Wellbutrin 150 mg. 1 time per day---Lithium 300 mg 2 times a day and the Zyprexa 10 mg at bedtime. I am feeling better it seems since I have been on Zyprexa combined with my other meds. It's difficult to explain mental illness to someone who has never experienced it. I had it all my life. You wouldn't even know it, if you saw me and spoke to me. Maybe you would if I wasn't on my meds from my psychiatrist who I see along with a Therapist once every 2 months for about 5 or 6 years now. I can't give up on myself; I am 51 years old with 2 grown children and 3 grandchildren. But it can at times be so very, very disabling, you must seek good help and take your meds correctly, if you feel the same or better always tell your psychiatrist!

Related Reading: anxiety | mental illness

Comment from: Paula, 55-64 Female (Patient) Published: November 18

Lithicarb and Zyprexa seem to keep me stable with my bipolar disorder. I have had four times in hospital over 23 years.


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Bipolar Disorder - Symptoms Question: What symptoms do you experience with your bipolar disorder?

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Suggested Reading on Bipolar Disorder by Our Doctors

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Bipolar Disorder

What are the symptoms and signs of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)?

To understand antisocial personality disorder (ASPD or APD), it is necessary to learn what having any personality disorder involves. As defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR, 2000), a personality disorder (PD) is a persistent pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that is significantly different from what is considered normal within the person's own culture.

Professionals group personality disorders based on a commonality of symptoms.

Cluster A personality disorders are those that include symptoms of social isolation, and/or odd, eccentric behavior. These disorders include

  • paranoid personality disorder,
  • schizotypal personality disorder,
  • schizoid personality disorder.

Cluster B personality disorders are those that include symptoms of dramatic or erratic behavi...

Read the Antisocial Personality Disorder article »






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