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November 22, 2009
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Patient Discussions: Bipolar Disorder (Mania) - Effective Treatments

Bipolar Disorder (Mania) - Effective Treatments

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

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

Comment submissions for this question have ended. Patient Discussions FAQs


Related Article: Bipolar Disorder (Mania)

The following Patient Discussions have not been medically reviewed. See additional information.



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

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. Published: October 08 ::

Comment from: confused, 25-34 Female

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? Published: October 15 ::

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

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. Published: October 08 ::

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

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). Published: October 08 ::

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

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. Published: September 09 ::

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

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! Published: August 19 ::

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

Lithicarb and Zyprexa seem to keep me stable with my bipolar disorder. I have had four times in hospital over 23 years. Published: November 18 ::

Comment from: silkclay, 45-54 Female (Patient)

I have been bipolar or formally known as manic depressive since 1979. There have been many drugs and many treatments along the way. Now they have it almost right. I have been on Depakote, Xanax and Seroquel for quite some time. I am now looking for a new antidepressant medication. Published: November 18 ::


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Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
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  • quetiapine, Seroquel - Explains the medication quetiapine (Seroquel), a drug used to treat severe mental disorders like schizophrenia, which are characterized by distorted thoughts, perceptions, and emotions.
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  • risperidone, Risperdal - Information about the drug risperidone (Risperdal) prescribed for mania, schizophrenia, stuttering, Tourette syndrome, and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).

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Bipolar Disorder (Mania)

Introduction

Mental illness is any disease or condition affecting the brain that influences the way a person thinks, feels, behaves and/or relates to others and to his or her surroundings. Although the symptoms of mental illness can range from mild to severe and are different depending on the type of mental illness, a person with an untreated mental illness often is unable to cope with life's daily routines and demands.

What Causes Mental Illness?

Although the exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, it is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological and environmental factors. One thing is for sure—mental illness is not the result of personal weakness or a character defect, and recovery from a mental illness is not simply a matter of will and self-discipline.

  • Heredity (genetics): Many mental illnesses ru...

Read the Mental Illness article »










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