Posted by Maxime on April 15, 2005, at 14:55:49
In reply to Re: mood stabilizing » Maxime, posted by banga on April 14, 2005, at 23:11:08
Hi Banga!
Lithium and Depakote are the first line treatments for people with BP 1. Although I have read that Lamictal can be used as well especially if the person leans more towards depression. If the person has more manic episodes than depressive then Lithium is the best.
You gain more weight on Depakote. You gain weight on Lithium but it's water weight and if you push enough fluids through you, it helps a lot. Actually you need to drink a lot of water when you are lithium anyway.
The Zyprexa is going to pack on the pounds. She could try Abilify because there isn't the same weight gain. It really helps to relieve anxiety for some people ... for other it makes it worse. Or she could try Klonopin for the anxiety which would also act as a mood stabiliser. You don't gain much weight on it. I haven't gained any. If the Abilify makes her more anxious, then Seroquel would be the next one to try. Again, you don't gain as much weight on it as you do Zyprexa. Zyprexa is a killer when it comes to weight gain.
I think over the years, people who take Lithium gain weight because lithium will eventually cause hypothyroidism. So keeping an eye on thyroid levels would be good. If she has just had a major manic episode she should wait before trying the lamictal. But 2 years ago the FDA officially approved Lamictal as first line treatment for Bipolar type 1.
I hope this helps. I am sure Ed or SLS can do a better a job than me.
xxxx
Maxi> > > If I were bipolar type 1 klonopin and trileptal would not be sufficient to keep me from flying high. Also people with BP type 2 tend to lean more towards depression.
>
> Hi Maxime!!
> I am searching for meds for a friend who just went through a bad manic episode. She is BPI. As I am clearly on the depression end I know less specifics about BPI meds.....
> They have her on Zyprexa and lithium. What is you first thought about a less side effect-filled med program in such a case? Of course she complains of fatigue and weight gain...oh! and she does have a marked anxiety component....
>
> Just thought you may have some thoughts....
poster:Maxime
thread:483456
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050413/msgs/484741.html