Brief Answer:
Current combination of medication needs review...
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
On going through the medication that you are currently taking, I can see that you are on a
mood stabilizer (
Lamictal) and two different antipsychotics (
Seroquel and
Abilify). You have mentioned that you have 'bipolar disorder', but I find it a bit unusual that you are on two different antipsychotics, in addition to the mood-stabilizer. Now, anti-psychotics are usually used in the treatment of bipolar disorder when the person has psychotic symptoms or during the initial phase of a manic episode-in order to bring down the symptoms quickly (as mood-stabilizers can take a few weeks to bring on their full effect). So, I think the first step would be to clarify your diagnosis with your
psychiatrist and find out why you are on two different anti-psychotics, in addition to the mood stabilizer.
Regarding your question on starting an anti-depressant like
Wellbutrin, psychiatrists are usually very cautious about this since there is a risk of the anti-depressant inducing a "switch" to a manic episode. However, if the depressive episode is severe and persistent, and not getting controlled by the mood stabilizer, then, an anti-depressant can be started while continuing the mood stabilizer.
So, in conclusion, I would suggest that you first discuss and clarify about your diagnosis and the necessity for the current combination of 3 medication. Secondly, if your depressive symptoms have been going on for some time despite being on an adequate dose of a mood stabilizer, then you can discuss about the possibility of starting an anti-depressant medication, in addition to your mood stabilizer.
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
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