Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Depression Inspite Of Having Bipolar Disorder Treatment?
Question: I have Bipolar Disorder and I take Cymbalta 30mg Abilify 10 mg and Xanax when I am manic or anxious. Lately I've been going through a depressive phase and I need a longer lasting and more potent medication to help me during only those phases of depression that I get, not anything to take daily with my already existing medication.
Brief Answer:
Try some stimulant on sos basis
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.
In bipolar disorder, treatment includes a mood stabilizer like lithium, valproate or carbamazepine. That helps to stabilize the mood and avoid depressive or manic switch. In your prescription, there is no mood stabilizer, that why, you are getting depressive symptoms. You should consult your psychiatrist about this.
Currently, if you are in depressive phase, then you have been already on antidepressant. May be due depressive symptoms, you feel tiredness or lethargy. In that case, you can take some stimulant like modafinil or armodafinil on sos basis. That would help you stay active during depressive phase. There is no need to take them regularly. Rest, you can discuss with your psychiatrist.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Try some stimulant on sos basis
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.
In bipolar disorder, treatment includes a mood stabilizer like lithium, valproate or carbamazepine. That helps to stabilize the mood and avoid depressive or manic switch. In your prescription, there is no mood stabilizer, that why, you are getting depressive symptoms. You should consult your psychiatrist about this.
Currently, if you are in depressive phase, then you have been already on antidepressant. May be due depressive symptoms, you feel tiredness or lethargy. In that case, you can take some stimulant like modafinil or armodafinil on sos basis. That would help you stay active during depressive phase. There is no need to take them regularly. Rest, you can discuss with your psychiatrist.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I had proposed a mood stabalizer before but my doctor keeps saying that it's not necessary.
Brief Answer:
You need mood stabilizer to avoid switch
Detailed Answer:
Hi
In bipolar disorder, mood stabilizer is necessary, otherwise, due to antidepressants you may switch to manic episode. I would prefer mood stabilizer in your case. You can also take advise from another psychiatrist or discuss with yours.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
You need mood stabilizer to avoid switch
Detailed Answer:
Hi
In bipolar disorder, mood stabilizer is necessary, otherwise, due to antidepressants you may switch to manic episode. I would prefer mood stabilizer in your case. You can also take advise from another psychiatrist or discuss with yours.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
