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Is Lamictal Advisable While Suffering From Manic Phase In A Bipolar Person?
Question: What can treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder other than latuda. Is lamictal good for this? Topamax? I can't take Geodon because of an arrhythmia and Latuda is too expensive. I have no insurance, but don't qualify for their free program because I have a job. Can I try Depakote. Is weight gain a side effect? I am already significantly overweight.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
There are indeed several medications other than Latuda that can treat bipolar mania. Two classes of medications are effective for this: mood stabilizers, and atypical neuroleptics.
Mood stabilizers include medications like lithium, Depakote, and Lamictal. If you are concerned about weight gain, Lamictal would be the best medication to use, as it does not have weight gain as a significant side effect.
Atypical neuroleptics include medications like Risperdal, Depakote, Abilify, Geodon, Latuda, and Abilify. Again, if you are concerned about weight gain, Abilify would be a good choice here, as it does not cause significant weight gain.
In my experience, a combination of medications from these two classes is the most effective approach. For you, I would try a combination of Lamictal and Abilify.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
There are indeed several medications other than Latuda that can treat bipolar mania. Two classes of medications are effective for this: mood stabilizers, and atypical neuroleptics.
Mood stabilizers include medications like lithium, Depakote, and Lamictal. If you are concerned about weight gain, Lamictal would be the best medication to use, as it does not have weight gain as a significant side effect.
Atypical neuroleptics include medications like Risperdal, Depakote, Abilify, Geodon, Latuda, and Abilify. Again, if you are concerned about weight gain, Abilify would be a good choice here, as it does not cause significant weight gain.
In my experience, a combination of medications from these two classes is the most effective approach. For you, I would try a combination of Lamictal and Abilify.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
What about Topamax? And what is the standard dose for both lamictal and abilify?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Topamax is not an effective mood stabilizer. It is sometimes use as an appetite suppressant, which may help you maintain a healthy weight. For this use, it is fine.
The standard starting dose of Lamictal is 25mg, and can go as high as 200mg.
The standard starting dose of Abilify is 5mg, and can go as high as 30mg.
Again, in the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Topamax is not an effective mood stabilizer. It is sometimes use as an appetite suppressant, which may help you maintain a healthy weight. For this use, it is fine.
The standard starting dose of Lamictal is 25mg, and can go as high as 200mg.
The standard starting dose of Abilify is 5mg, and can go as high as 30mg.
Again, in the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
I am looking for a cost-effective solution to manage my bipolar disorder. abilify, even the generic, is too expensive. Are there any cost effective solutions for someone who does not have insurance and does not qualify for the drug companies' free or reduced programs? Abilify (the generic) and latuda are too expensive. Geodon is not good since I suspect I have an arrhythmia. Can lamictal be taken with Prozac and be effective without abilify? also keep in mind I can't take anything that may cause weight gain. When I try to contact you at your url, the link to this site keeps coming up. do you have a cost-effective solution?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
This is more difficult, as the medications that do not cause weight gain are more popular and are therefore more expensive. You may need to decide between weight gain and spending more money. One solution would be Lamictal by itself, with or without Prozac. Lamictal monotherapy is sometimes effective treatment for bipolar disorder even without a medication like Abilify or Latuda. You could give this a try.
My private link should direct you to my personal page on this website. Once there, you can ask me direct questions, without the risk that other doctors may answer it instead. I encourage you to reach out to me at this link so I can treat you as my personal patient.
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
OR
https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70684
Followup
Detailed Answer:
This is more difficult, as the medications that do not cause weight gain are more popular and are therefore more expensive. You may need to decide between weight gain and spending more money. One solution would be Lamictal by itself, with or without Prozac. Lamictal monotherapy is sometimes effective treatment for bipolar disorder even without a medication like Abilify or Latuda. You could give this a try.
My private link should direct you to my personal page on this website. Once there, you can ask me direct questions, without the risk that other doctors may answer it instead. I encourage you to reach out to me at this link so I can treat you as my personal patient.
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
OR
https://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=70684
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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