Sometimes he is very nice and happy and sometimes he is in bad mood/yelling or overreacting to small things.

Bipolar disorder is considered one of the most severe of all the psychiatric disorders. It is a condition in which those who suffer from it alternate periods of mania, or high energy and creativity, to bouts of depression with varying degrees of severity. Because of these two extremes bipolar disorder can be expensive to treat and manage with some bipolar medication costing up to $15 for a pill that must be taken everyday.

The primary focus of any treatment for bipolar disorder is to use a combination of bipolar medication that consists of anti-anxiety, mood stabilizers and antidepressant drugs. There are 4 groups of medications within those three types that are used to treat this disorder including Lithium, anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, and anti-convulsants.

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A friend of mine is unable to pay for a psychiatrist to prescribe drugs for her bipolar disorder. She has been clinically diagnosed and her bipolar disorder is seriously affecting her quality of life and she is unable to function normally. She is having suicidal thoughts and she really needs help. Are there any gov’t agencies that can help her?

Excerpt

The following is an excerpt from the book Bipolar II

by Ronald R. Fieve, M.D.

Published by Rodale; October 2006;$22.95US/$29.95CAN; 1-59486-224-9

Copyright © 2006 Ronald R. Fieve, M.D.

Bipolar Disorder and Sleep

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Lithium

Lithium is the most common and highest prescribed of the bipolar medications used to treat bipolar disorder. It continues to be the gold standard and is seen as the most effective drug in bipolar treatment. Lithium treats mania along with depression, therefore reducing the cycling between both. It has also been proven to reduce the risk of suicide among people suffering from bipolar disorder.

Lithium is a natural salt. However, just because it is natural does not mean that there are no uncomfortable side effects. In fact, common side effects include stomach problems, weight gain, frequent urination, kidney damage, thyroid damage, foggy thinking, fatigue and tremors.

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Lithium, Valproate, and Carbamazepine are three of the most common drugs prescribed for those with bipolar disease. What are the differences between them and which is best for you?

Lithium

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I have alot of reason to think that I may possilbly be bipolar. I already know I need to seek medical advice but I’m scared. Why is it that when I am in my “lows” I tend to get drug seeking?? I was an addict years ago and got help but don’t trust myself when I’m feeling like this.
I make myself sick thinking about it….