I'm Bipolar - My Medications History
I took my first antidepressant from 1987 to 1992 - not for depression, but to help me sleep. In 1994 Prozac was prescribed for my depression, and I've been taking one or more psychotropic drugs ever since. I wasn't diagnosed with bipolar disorder until 1999 - and I've tried a whole boatload of cocktails since then. Here are the drugs, the dosages, the effects and the side effects.
One Patient's Medication History - Part 1 - Prior to Diagnosis, 1987-1999
The process of finding the right medications to treat Bipolar Disorder can be difficult. This is the first of a series of articles detailing the medication history of one patient, with commentary regarding the effects, side effects and reasons for discontinuation, if any, of the medications over time.
The process of finding the right medications to treat Bipolar Disorder can be difficult. This is the first of a series of articles detailing the medication history of one patient, with commentary regarding the effects, side effects and reasons for discontinuation, if any, of the medications over time.
Medication History - Bipolar Disorder - Part 2 - First Year of Diagnosis - 1999
Diagnosis of bipolar disorder in May 1999 brought radical changes to this patient's medication regimen. Antidepressants were out; mood stabilizers were in. Changes were frequent. Seroquel was too strong. Zyprexa caused swelling. Trial and error was the rule.
Diagnosis of bipolar disorder in May 1999 brought radical changes to this patient's medication regimen. Antidepressants were out; mood stabilizers were in. Changes were frequent. Seroquel was too strong. Zyprexa caused swelling. Trial and error was the rule.
Medication History - Bipolar Disorder - Part 3 - Second Year of Diagnosis - 2000
This patient was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in May of 1999. Starting in 1995, one year after she began taking Prozac, her weight has been increasing steadily, and by now it has become a serious issue, attacked by both lifestyle and medication changes.
This patient was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in May of 1999. Starting in 1995, one year after she began taking Prozac, her weight has been increasing steadily, and by now it has become a serious issue, attacked by both lifestyle and medication changes.
Medication History - Bipolar Disorder - Part 4 - Third and Fourth Years of Diagnosis - 2001-2002
Few changes occurred in 2001, but in 2002 pain medication was added for worsening fibromyalgia and Lexapro was tried. This medication may work well for some but it was trouble for me!
Few changes occurred in 2001, but in 2002 pain medication was added for worsening fibromyalgia and Lexapro was tried. This medication may work well for some but it was trouble for me!
Medication History - Bipolar Disorder - Part 5 - Fifth Year of Diagnosis - 2003
From Lexapro to Celexa to Depakote to Trileptal to more and more ... the twin demons of depression and weight just refuse to go away.
From Lexapro to Celexa to Depakote to Trileptal to more and more ... the twin demons of depression and weight just refuse to go away.