Quote:
Originally Posted by Wander
Both Lamotrogine and antidepressants do not address hypo/mania. They are both indicated for depression. Talk to your pdoc and see if there is anything you can add to deal with the upside. I take Lithium and Lamotrogine and when mania slips through I take Haloperidol which tends to nip it in the bud. This combo works well for me most of the time.
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With respect, I would like to point out that the main use for Lamictal (besides as an anti-convulsant) is to stabilize moods, which means it is definitely used to control mania (it markedly controls mine). Lamictal also has mild anti-depressant properties. You can google it if you want to check out my info. Oftentimes an AP is added to further stabilize moods and to help with sleep.
To answer the original question, the meds I take control my bipolar disorder quite well. I take Lamictal, Cymbalta, a low dose of Seroquel, and Klonopin. For me, sleep is essential to for my mental health. Music helps me a lot, as does doing creative things.
If you're using substances besides prescribed meds you're bound to have some major mood swings. I'm not judging you at all; I understand the pull toward drugs. All I'm saying is that making a tossed salad of a bunch of chemicals is bound to cause mood disorder. That's something I've experienced with many friends, and with my sister.