What meds do you take for bipolar disorder?

[c-mac]

No need to list exact dosages, I'm just trying to get a feeling for what's being tried. I've recently switched from lamotrigine and ziparasidone (started causing tardive dyskinesia) to valproex acid, Latuda, and Concerta (a stimulant). But now I feel nauseated all the time and have lost my optimism, and it's been 4 months trying to make these meds work. Also, the stimulant wears off in the evening so I get to be depressed again every night.

[mathematics]

Hi I was given Valproex acid or depakote which keep my mood great I have manic bipolar however and do not get depression thank goodness. I have to take kemadrin for the tardive dyskinesia and I have depot injections of abilify as I would get psychotic. However I am grateful as these drugs have given my life back to a certain extent. Hope something starts working for you soon and take care.

[c-mac in reply to mathematics]

I actually have depression-predominant bipolar II

[Roxylox]

Been on Lithium alone for 7 years now..

Before that did fine on a minimal dose of chlorpromazine - an antipsychotic for 23 years till l had a major low in 2014 , followed by a high the following year

Am doing well on Lithium so far.

[Roxylox]

Incidentally, l am more inclined towards manic too, only had that one really major low

[c-mac]

I am depression tending, bipolar II, I should add.

[Eklektik in reply to c-mac]

Same for me. Raking lamotrigine and quetiapine for bipolar and Anxiety as well as Trintellix for depression

[CicaDa]

Do you have therapy combined with medication? If yes, what kind of therapy?

[c-mac in reply to CicaDa]

The usual talk therapy, psychoanalysis. When my drugs don't make me dizzy I also meditate and exercise, don't abuse substances, and get enough sleep.

[Barleythere]

Hey there! I've been on Lamotrigine for years. I wanted to get off of it 4yrs ago and tried Depakote, it worked but I got dizzy on it. I read all the side effects and got scared and got back on the Lamotrigine. LolI just recently started the Latuda. I felt so dizzy and threw up actually the 1st couple of days. Even taking it at night with dinner. I feel fine now and actually feel a lot better mentally. I'm going to be starting vyvanse in a couple more weeks. I've been on lithium, which I didn't know you can't take off you have a thyroid problem. Dr's didn't say. I've been on basically every anti D.... which made them realize I have bipolar. Also a shopping spree when they put me on effexor and Lamotrigine. I took Strattera, you take at night, it made me really sleepy but actually get things done. Never felt like that before. Hoping Vyvanse will make me feel like that. Hope that helps. Lol

[c-mac in reply to Barleythere]

Strattera made me manic. Be careful, it's known to do so for bipolar people. Shame because it made me so clear headed. I think it's the Latuda I'm reacting strongly too, stomach pains, sometimes sharp ones, and dizziness. The depakote made me feel mostly calm. Can't take lithium because my kidneys aren't great.

[c-mac in reply to Barleythere]

Did you finally adjust to the Latuda and stay on it?

[Blueruth in reply to Barleythere]

I’m on lamictrogine and I don’t want to be but I cannot get off it. I eat sugar like a meth head. I get angry and unstable. My brain swells if it is too quick. Foggy. Headaches. I reduced it by 1/8 and had to reverse.

[Barleythere]

I already took the Strattera, my Dr always put me on the lowest dose. I have bipolar II depression. No mania for me, just a long time ago twice. Yeah I really liked the Strattera, just made me sleepy. First ADD med I took. Be careful with the depakote if your liver is already bad. Thank you for the warning about Strattera.

[Barleythere]

I adjusted to the Latuda. My Dr put me on adderal. A low dose twice a day. The second dose made me so bitchy and irritated. So I just took the one in the morning. I started feeling more depressed than usual so I stopped the adderal. I have felt so bad since. My joints all hurt and feels like I have a hangover. Really feel bad. Any suggestions or similar feelings?

[c-mac in reply to Barleythere]

i tried Adderall and it didn't help with my ADHD, but Concerta did. Different stimulants work differently so you might try that. Also, expect a rebound -- the opposite effect -- if you stop taking them.

I'm trying Wellbutrin now with my Depakote and Latuda. The Wellbutrin is also supposed to help with ADHD, but so far I don't think it is.