[lauren_helene]

I admit I do not know much about bipolar. However, someone is asking me if a 12 year old should be taking Prozac for Bipolar. She also has ADD. Apparently, she is raging a lot on this combo.

I'm wondering if this is too much on such a young girl? Any thoughts?

[dreamrunner]

I dont know much but I do know if the kid is raging somethings rotten in denmark.Does seem like too much.

[darkeyes]

I do not see Prozac an antidepressant (SSRI) a main med to treat Bipolar, a mood stabilizer would be the first course of action, then add an AD if necessary. Unfortunately, those with Bipolar depression will recoginize the depression or it will be so obvious that a friend or family member will notice it, and will bring it to the depressed person's attention. Most people with Bipolar disorder recieve treatment for depression, while in another case, very rarely seek help when they are hypomanic or manic for the first or 2nd time in their lives. It's extremely important for the patient to be evaluated and DXed by a licensed,reputable, psychiatrist in order to recieve proper treatment. Sadly, too often too, GP's feel they can treat those with mental disorders with their "power" of the pen and prescription pad, but they really are NOT qualified, it's best to see a Psychiatrist.
Sorry for my ramblings, just felt a need to put my 2 cents in here.
AD's and Ritilin can trigger mania in a Bipolar patient, most reputable pdocs will prescribe Concerta or a none CNS med to address ADD in those that also suffer with Bipolar.

[ellipse]

Darkeyes has it right: both Prozac and Ritalin can trigger manic episodes in someone with bipolar disorder. Therefore, most good pdocs would never take that sort of risk. I'm not sure if that changes with mood stabilizers, though, so this is based just on things I've read about them being taken alone.

You've said it all, we need your two cents worth................


me

[January]

Very good postings!!!!

Jan

[ellipse]

I have not found out if Prozac and Ritalin's effects are changed by mood stabilizers, but I have found out that Prozac does interact with certain drugs used for bipolar disorder, mainly lithium, Abilify, Geodon, Zyprexa, and Tegretol, making it a rather stupid idea to combine Prozac and one of these other drugs without good monitoring (people do it anyway). I'm not sure about Ritalin.