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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Bipolar Disorder

hi, i was diagnosed bipolor depresssion 2 twy years ago. in just tired of only having dowms and no highs so i can relate to my children better. my time is spent taking care of my kids then retreeatimg to my room its such a heartbreatii am takig paxil wellbutrim and abilify...for my anxietey 1mg ativan thats all they give me helpi still dont feel im doin much betterr
Mon, 29 Dec 2014
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello,

In a patient suffering from Bipolar depression, antidepressant can further destabilize the mood and you are taking two antidepressant at the same time?

In my view, you should first discuss with your doctor about stopping one antidepressant which could be Paroxetine.

Abilify is a good mood stabilizer but if you are not responding to it at the appropriate doses, in that case, your doctor can switch you over to Lamotrigine or Quetiapine or Valproate which are very effective mood stabilizers.

Lamotrigine is the usually the first choice for treating Bipolar depression and it can be a useful option in your case.

Kind regards

Vikas

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Psychiatrist Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from Health Care Magic

You have bipolar depression since last 2 years and are on Paroxetine, Wellbutrin (Bupropion) and Aripiprazole. Still you have persistent symptoms. Paxil is a SSRI and the drug can cause manic switch in patients of bipolar disorder. Bupropion also have some risk to cause manic switch. In bipolar depression drugs like Lamotrigine, Lithium etc can help to control depression. These drugs are also good mood stabiliser and so they can control mood effectively.

Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic drug and this drug also have mood stabiliser action. The drug will help to control the mood and depression. Other mood stabilisers like Olanzapine, Qutiapine, Risperidone etc also efficacious drugs for depression in bipolar disorder.

If these drugs are not able to control your depression I would advise you to consult your psychiatrist again for review of prescription.

Thanks, hope this helps you.
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Psychiatrist Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

You are suffering from Bipolar depression since last 2 years and are taking Paroxetine, Bupropion and Aripiprazole. For anxiety you are taking Ativan 1 mg on SOS basis. Paroxetine and Bupropion works by increasing serotonergic neurotransmission in brain and helps in depressive symptoms. Aripiprazole helps in mood stabilisation and is a good antipsychotic drug. As per my opinion you are on right therapy of Bipolar depression. If symptoms are persisting even on these medicines then for such resistant symptoms drugs like Lamotrigine can be used. Mood stabilisers like Lithium, Sodium Valproate will also help in controlling the symptoms. Consult a psychiatrist for proper prescription of drugs.

Thanks, hope this helps you.
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Psychiatrist Dr. Abhishek Kapoor's  Response
Hi
Thanks of using healthcare magic

I think, you have recurrent depressive disorder rather than bipolar disorder. in that case, you need combination of antidepressant rather than single. Better to consult a psychiatrist for proper management and in case, you need further help, you can ask.

Thanks
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Suggest Treatment For Bipolar Disorder

Hello, In a patient suffering from Bipolar depression, antidepressant can further destabilize the mood and you are taking two antidepressant at the same time? In my view, you should first discuss with your doctor about stopping one antidepressant which could be Paroxetine. Abilify is a good mood stabilizer but if you are not responding to it at the appropriate doses, in that case, your doctor can switch you over to Lamotrigine or Quetiapine or Valproate which are very effective mood stabilizers. Lamotrigine is the usually the first choice for treating Bipolar depression and it can be a useful option in your case. Kind regards Vikas