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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bubba bill on December 23, 2003, at 10:17:25
Does a combo of drugs like this seem normal for bipolar treatment?
depakote er
lithium
topamax
risperdal
lamictalIs there any info on combining all these together?
Posted by Mr. Scott on December 23, 2003, at 23:23:03
In reply to bipolar meds., posted by bubba bill on December 23, 2003, at 10:17:25
They are all for bipolar disorder...Seems like a lot of different pills with a lot of overlap, but if it works, you can afford it, and you don't have too many side effects, I say why not!
Posted by HappyGirl on December 24, 2003, at 0:01:07
In reply to bipolar meds., posted by bubba bill on December 23, 2003, at 10:17:25
Hi:
>> depakote er -
lithium <<<
Both med., above are 'mood-stabilizer,' although Depakote is primarily for 'epilepsy,' but works well for Bipolar, espeically as for the first line of mood-stabilizer at the start of dx.
>>> topamax <<<
I know this med., but never experienced on it, personally. However, Topamax is more likely as 'add-on' mood-stabiliver, ... augumentation to other meds. Topamax also has a reputation of causing 'cognitive problem,' like forgetful on words, even the sentence you just uttered, but this seems individual variation, some happy on this, but not everyone.
>>> risperdal<<<
This is an atypical anti-psychomed. that suppresses and control manic side of Bipolar. Similar to Zyprexa and it's one of potent meds.
>>> lamictal<<<
This med. works for both, ... mood-stabilizer and anti-dep., but most of Bp find Lamical to be more helpful to depressive side of Bipolar, rather than mood-stabilizer. Actually, for Bipolar, Lamical is using for 'Anti-depressant,' because its good property of anti-dep., particualy for the severe form of depressive side of Bipolar.
It's hard to say whether this med. combo. is good, because all depends on the severity/degree of Bipolarity. However, by judging from one of med. Risperdal, it sounds to me like this combo. is some severe form of Bipolar, like Bipolar I or Bipolar II with rapid cycler.
H.G.
Posted by Karen_kay on December 24, 2003, at 9:22:30
In reply to bipolar meds., posted by bubba bill on December 23, 2003, at 10:17:25
Hiya!
I was on Lithium, Lamictal, Risperdal all at the same time.... Then I was on Depakote for a short period of time. Now I'm on Topamax alone. And it works for me wonderfully! (I'm dx Bipolar I Disorder) My Pdoc doesn't understand how it works but I don't question it. It just does!!!The problem with my first combo (L, L, R, as well as Klonopin and Lexapro) was that I became lethargic and couldn't leave my house. Have you tried any of these alone? I mean you weren't put on any of these at the same time were you? You run the risk of being overmedicated, which was my case. What meds have you tried and what was the outcome. What is your diagnosis? And what is your predominant symptom right now... ie:depression, rapid cycling, mania, ect.
It sounds likeyou are on quite a few drugs. If they work, then it is great. If not, you may want to talk to your doctor about a med change. Just one or two mood stabilizers should work. What I'm saying is that if you are suffering with depression, then try Lithium. Up the lithium to the highest level you can without it being toxic. Then try adding Lamictal. If you are still depressed, then try adding an AD. My personal philosophy is to get away with the least amount of medications as possible. That way, I won't be tempted to stop taking them.
This is the end of the thread.
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