How Many Medications Should I Try?
This is a difficult question for many health care professionals as well as people with the illness. It’s known that the first bipolar disorder medications tried are not always successful and that a trial and error process is usually indicated. Some people try medications for a year or more until they find something that works for them. Considering medication side effects and the impact on the body when stopping or changing medications, it’s important that you work with your health care professional closely when you’re asked to try a new medication.
I suggest that people keep trying to find the right medications. I use the Health Cards every day as I always say and I used them without medications for many years. It took me about 50% of my time to manage the illness. I’ve always said that managing this illness was a part time job. It was so difficult.
Then I found a medication that worked. It was like getting a business partner! When I combined the Health Cards with the medication, my life changed completely. It just took a few years for it all to work together. I started to get a lot better last year. I still deal with the illness daily, but it’s not as severe as it used to be.
So keep trying medications until you find what works. My coauthor Dr. John Preston wrote a fantastic book called The Medical Treatment of Bipolar Disorder. This book is especially helpful if you or someone you care about were just diagnosed. You can read about the book on bipolarhappens.com
Julie
My first reaction to my psychiatrist and medications was: talk to me, help me to understand, don’t just give me orders. You are messing with my mind. Do not expect me to go blindly.
I fought many years with my meds. On and off of first one then the other. Even went off of them for a period of time.
I am bi polar II and depression was my biggest obstical. Lithium was the final choice of meds but it kept me at “ho hum” feeling about life everyday. I would have small lifts if stimulated by an outside source but otherwise I existed and that was all.
I tried and tried to get through to my psychiatrist. This is not life, this is not the way I want to feel.
Finally a med was tried. Topamax. It is for migraine headaches but it worked. Along with a low dose of Lithium.
I am free at last. Actually a little
manic but not enough to worry about. Probably the only problem I have notice is a quick temper, which I never use to have. But I manage. At least now I am alive.
Never give up. It has taken me a good 13 years, from the on set of my bi polar symptoms to now, to finally feel satisfied with what I am doing.