Side Effect Syndrome

If you've been doing your research, practically every medication you take has it's share of side effects. This dosen't mean you won't experience any, but chances are you will only experience a couple and most likely they will be manageable. The most common are dry mouth and frequent urination, both of these are manageable. You probably say to yourself "No Way am I taking that". Well keep in mind, just because a side effect appears on a list dosen't mean your going to get it.

Side effects depend on an individuals biochemistry and other factors. A combination of medications may work for one person and not the other. Some people are extremely sensitive to medications and other may not be. Some people may only need to take a low dosage and others may need higher levels.

If your side effects can not be controlled then chances are you need to try another medication. This is to be evaluated by your doctor. Newer medications are being formulated all the time and the newer medications are quite effective. Close monitoring is important when changing a medication.

If you've trying a number of medications and nothing seems to be working, it's important to be patient and keep trying. There a many medications out on the market and something is bound to work for you. It took me a long time but I didn't quit at it.

ABILIFY as a Bipolar Medication

Bipolar disorder, aka manic depression, is an illness which stems from the brain. This disease causes extreme mood swings and impairs functioning. It is proven that bipolar disorder is genetic and hereditary. Bipolar disorder has very extreme mood swings not like the normal ups and downs a person may go through. These symptoms of bipolar disorder episodes recur throughout the life of the affected person. A person with bipolar illness doesn't only used medication but involves psychotherapy.

Abilify is a wonderful medication which treats bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). Statistics show that the medication is very effective for the treatment of bipolar.

Abilify is very effective for the use of depression, feelings of sadness. Abilify is commonly used in conjunction with an antidepressant. Some depressive feelings are as follows: Suicidal thoughts, sleep pattern changes, eating to little or overeating, loose of interest in enjoyable things, physical pain, feeling worthless.

Many people find that antidepressants work very well alone but others find that abilify works well in conjunction. The abilify is given to boost the antidepressant effect. This is known as augmentation. Abilify is approved for this kind of treatment.

Some side effects commonly experienced with abilify are as follows: Dizziness, headaches, vomiting, anxiety, constipation, insomnia, and nausea. Other common side effects may occur in approximately 1% to 9% of people, are as follows: Weight gain, fatigue, drowsiness, heartburn, shakiness, physical pain, cough, dry mouth or increased salivation, blurred vision and water retention.

Although there as some common side effects which are not always prominent in alot of people, abilify is a extremely effective medication to treat bipolar illenss.

WARNING Possible side effects from TRILEPTAL

Trileptal, a medication for bipolar illness has been studied through clinical trial. In some of these studies of trileptal for bipolar illness show side effects that occur in groups of people with bipolar disorder who take trileptal and are documented and compared to people with bipolar disorder who are not taking the drug. It's a way to compare which side effects occur and how often. Keep in mind that these side effects may not occur at all for you with bipolar.

In these studies, the most common side effects of Trileptal included:
Vomiting, vision problems, fatigue, drowsiness, headaches, dissiness, and vomiting.
These side effects are similiar to Lithium, the longer on the medication the more the side effects go away. Other side effects which are common for bipolar disorder are: Nervousness, loss of coordination, diarrhea, anxiety, confusion, and viral infections, insomnia, loss of appetite, shakiness, heartburn or indigestion, UTI's, coughing, stomach pain, constipation, memory loss, and taste changes. These occur in only 6% to 8% of people who have bipolar illness.

Side Effects which are less common: These side effects only occur in 1% to 4% of people with bipolar illness who are taking this medication. These side effects are very uncommon and are possibly not caused by Trileptal, the symptom's can be caused by something unrelated. These side effects are as follows: fever, back pain, water retention, nosebleeds, sinus infections, dry mouth, sore throat, rectal bleeding, thirst, toothache, vertigo, water retention, speech problems, swollen lymph nodes, ear infections, bruising, vaginal infections, and hot flashes.

When taking trileptal for bipolar illenss have some side effects which are serious. These side effects occur infrequently but are very serious. People taking trileptal for bipolar and are experiencing any of these serious side effects should consult your doctor immediately. Low sodium levels in the blood, that can cause these symptoms are as follows: Irritability, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, confusion, muscle spasms, weakness, cramps, hallucinations, and tiredness.

You may not experience any of these side effects or just a few. There is no way for your doctor to know if your body will experience any of these side effects. Keep in close contact with your doctor and monitor how you feel. No one knows your body better than yourself.

Be attentive to signs of allergic reaction. Symptoms are itching, rash, hives and swelling.

Early Warning Signs

Mania/Hypomania

Euphoria
Feelings of superiority
Insomnia
Staying up all night
Compulsive eating
Overambitiousness
Surges of energy
Impatience with others
Inappropriate anger, outbursts of temper
Increased sexual activity
Excessive spending
Inability to keep up with own thoughts
Increased but often unfocused creatvity
Bizarre ideas or thoughts

Depression

Despondency
Low self-esteem
Excessive sleep or insomnia
Staying in bed for long periods
Poor appetite
Inactivity
Low energy level
Frequent frustration
Inability to show affection
Low libido
Self -destructive thoughts or actions
Inability to experience pleasure
Withdrawal
Feelings of boredom

What is the "norm" opposed to "bipolar"?

In my opinion there is no "normal". I feel each individual is made of different "norm's". However, you may be bipolar, or manic depressive, or have a mood disorder if you feel some of the following:
feel significantly different from your usual self
if your out of sorts or not relating to things going on in your life
you functioning uneffectively
and lastly are feeling any of these for a long extented period of time

If your feeling any of these feelings it's probably time for you to seek treatment but unfortunely many people put it off. Denial is a huge factor. When seeking treatment for bipolar, or manic depression or any mental illenss it is a lifetime commitment and many people can't handle the commitment.