While I am of the opinion that most psychiatrists don’t take the time to discuss a treatment plant and which medications are right for you, patients are equally guilty for not becoming part of their treatment plan, and taking their medications as directed.
Before deciding that a medication for your bipolar disorder doesn’t work, consider the following four factors before giving up.
1. Adjustment
Any treatment plan for bipolar disorder will usually take several days at the least in order to start to take effect; for some medications it may be several weeks. For example, lithium carbonate can take a couple weeks to take effect, and you will probably feel the resistible urge to urinate during that period. After that initial time, you’ll start to see the positive effects of the drug. With Seroquel, you may feel drop dead tired after taking a small dose, but over time these side effects subside for most people.
2.) Recordkeeping
Since bipolar medications work on the brain, it can be difficult to detect any changes in your behavior. While those experienced in cognitive behavioral therapy will be better able to identify changes in their mood, it is best for the average manic depressive person to purchase a little organizer.
In it, you should record what medications are taking, when you took them, and any side effects you noticed. You should keep these records as often as you can, at least a couple times a day, even if these entries are just a one liner jotted down in about 30 seconds.
3.) Communication
If the medication isn’t working, or you suffer any side effects, it is usually not the best bet to stop taking your medications outright. After you have been on some antipsychotic medications for a period of time, it can be dangerous to come off of them cold turkey. I am not referring to a relapse of symptoms, but of full blown suicidal episodes, which can be resolved by stepping down off the medications gradually. Your psychiatrist, or one of his staff, will usually be happy to answer any questions you may have over the telephone.
4.) Regularity
Don’t take your medications irregularly, and boldly proclaim that they do not work. Medications should be taken as prescribed the number of times a day that are recommended in the proper dosage. Don’t try to double your dosage one day because you missed a pill unless your doctor recommends it.
There are dozens of drugs for bipolar disorder, some of which work for many people, and some that only work for a few. In addition to therapy and healthy living habits, medications are, for most bipolar, an important part of maintaining a normal mood and carrying out a normal life. Give your pdoc a chance before deciding he is a quack outright.