Brief Answer:
The medications not right for bipolar
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your query. I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.
If you have mentioned your diagnosis as bipolar, the according to me these medicines you are on at present are not appropriate. Ones you are diagnosed as bipolar, you certainly need to be on a
mood stabilizer like Divalproex sodium or
carbamazepine or
oxcarbazepine etc. Lamotrigine is fine, but the ones which I mentioned have more proof of efficacy. Further it seems you are having a
severe depression as well along with the panic attacks and buspirone is not the first line antidepressant to be used. In-fact escitalopram or
mirtazapine should be a better option.
Further the dose of zolpidem can also be increaed to 10mg if there is a persisting sleep problem as 5mg is a pediatric/geriatric dosage.
Also if the depression and panic issues persist then it would be wise to take up cognitive behavioural therapy along with the medicines. This therapy is taken by either a
psychologist or a
psychiatrist in which the therapist identifies impaired cognitions (Thoughts) and try to correct them. They are 15-20 min weekly session and there should be around 8-10 sessions to help you with your illness.
Do discuss these issues with your psychiatrist, who would be happy to do the above mentioned changes in your medicines.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
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Wish you good health,
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.