Bipolar Disorder

[melsy227]

Hi there

Can anyone help me. I have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder for 2 years and have been stable on Carbemazepine as a mood stabiliser along with Quetiapine. However the Carb. is making my white cells low (i.e. v low neutrophils) I think the doctors will be thinking of changing me onto Lithium but I have heard that people gain weight and all sorts of negative things on this drug, is it really that bad?

Please help with your response and what other drugs have been useful - I would be so grateful...

Helen xxx

[haserjn]

I take Lithium and it is very effective in stabilization, however it does have some nasty side effects. I have to monitor my lithium levels like crazy because if I get too much in my system and I feel terrible, and I have too little in my system I crash. Now I only have Bipolar II, so I am not sure what your side effects might be when mania is possible. The drug really does work, but I am trying to see if Lamactil will do the trick and I will be able to stop taking Lithium.

One alternative that may work for you is Fish Oils. There were very powerful, but too powerful as I am very sensitive to all of these treatments. It may really help you in stabilization.

Good luck to you.