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Bipolar Medications Not a Quick Fix |
Medications are drugs, and drugs are tricky. Each patient is uniquely wired, and that means that any give drug can effect each one of us differently. When speaking about trials and tribulations with Bipolar medications it is crucial that the patient and his or her family be aware of this. (This also important to remember when using or discussing alcohol or street drugs.) Especially today, in the cyberspace world of advice.
These days many of us seek online advice read of the experiences of others, frequently in online communities. There is a high search rate for medication information. Consumers are searching for side-effect information and more. Bipolar medications are often difficult to prescribe and patients have to struggle through a trial and error period to discover the right Bipolar medication for them. Bipolar medication is always un-chartered territory if the patient has never been on that drug before. It is important to know that the experience, the side effects, and even the relief of symptoms that someone is reporting may not be the same experience you have will have with that medication. You would never want to pass up a trusted physicians advice because of all the negative things you heard from your support group or online community.
An example is Zyprexa. Zyprexa is an anti-psychotic that also helps as a mood stabilizer. This drug has been reported to work wonders for some manic Bipolar patients in addition to helping with insomnia. Other patients report the weight gain and cloudy head feeling is unbearable. Lithium is usually on of the first line medications used to treat Bipolar Disorder. For some, this is their wonder drug for the rest of their lives. For others their system simply can not tolerate it and they must move on to something else.
It is a trial and error process because our brains are so unique. So many patients report the relief of symptoms far outweighs the struggle of finding the right Bipolar medication. An important key to success is communicating with your doctor. Be sure you notify your doctor of mood changes or physical symptoms right away. Too many people make the error of waiting it out only to find out they waited too long. It is better to control your mood and anticipate problems as much as possible before you dig yourself in to a hole. Never adjust or discontinue your Bipolar medications without discussing it with your doctor. Remember, the internet is a great resource but not a replacement for medical advice.
L.G. Larsen is a writer specializing in promoting awareness and education about Bipolar Disorder.
Find more information at mercurialmindbipolarblog.blogspot.com/. |
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