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Suggest Treatment For Bipolar Disorder

Posted on Tue, 3 Oct 2017

Question: My niece has bipolar disorder. She has extreme mood swings that aren't being controlled by her medication. She has panic attacks when she is in the depressed state. She takes Prozac and Xanax. She can't tolerate zyprexa or Abilify to help level out her moods. Her psychiatrist tells her to establish a routine and stick to it. She has not been able to do that. She is so depressed she doesn't get out of bed. She doesn't eat or sleep very much. Could lithium help her? Are there harmful side effects from lithium? She's also tried depacote in the past but it made her very sick. It's such a challenge to try to find anything that helps her. We would appreciate any suggestions.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lithium, first line drug for bipolar disorder

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern

Lithium is the first line drug for classic bipolar disorder related manic phase for both prophylaxis and treatment. It is especially useful in a bipolar patient at risk of suicide as lithium is reported to have antisuicidal effects.

However, it does have a narrow therapeutic index and it's drug levels need to be monitored at least twice a week till the patient is stabilised.

Please consult a psychiatrist before initiating any such medication as the diagnosis must be confirmed before going for lithium.

Wishingyou best of health

Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D