Posted by Racer on July 27, 2008, at 21:04:20
In reply to Quick Question About Mania and Medication, posted by Nik Markwell on July 27, 2008, at 19:12:40
If you experience full-blown mania, and it's not solely triggered by medications, then that would be Bipolar I. Bipolar II is limited to hypomania. If your mania/hypomania is triggered by medications, that is usually considered "Bipolar III," but can also be considered "bipolar resulting from a medical condition" or something to that effect.
As for what medication is best, the most accurate answer is the most vague -- the best medication is the one which works for you. That's because there's so much variance in the effects of the various psych meds out there. Lithium is generally considered the Gold Standard of anti-manics, but it comes with a variety of side effects, and some people get a better overall result from other medications like Abilify, Zyprexa, Lamictal -- which you've already tried -- Lyrica, etc. The best advice I can offer on the topic is to say it's worth making a detailed record of the effects you're having with it, and take that to your doctor. Often, doctors can narrow down the choices of medications based on the side effects a patient is experiencing or those which a patient is least tolerant of.
I hope that helps a bit, and wish you good luck.
poster:Racer
thread:842441
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080727/msgs/842483.html