7 Questions You Need to Ask About Bipolar MedicationWritten by David Oliver
One of most critical parts of bipolar treatment is medication. Without correct medication, you or your loved one may go in and out of episodes without long periods of stability in between. However, even once your doctor has helped you find right medication for you, there are still some important questions you need to ask about that drug.1. Is a small overdose dangerous? Sometimes individuals take their medications incorrectly by accident. They may take pills too close together or take too many pills at one time. With many medications, these small overdoses don't pose a threat to your system. Other drugs are more powerful and can cause serious harm to your body if you take more than prescribed. While it's never a good idea to deliberately overdo medication, you need to know what might happen if it accidentally occurs. 2. Will there be withdrawal or rebound effects from previous medication? Generally, if you are trying a new medication, then you'll need to be taken off of previous medication you were using. In some cases, something as simple as switching drugs can be quite difficult for patient. Prescription medications can be addictive and quitting "cold turkey" can sometimes result in serious withdrawal effects, including rebound symptoms (meaning treated condition comes back with greater intensity). Your doctor should advise you about potential for withdrawal and/or rebound effects. 3. Is there a major FDA warning about drug? When you take any type of prescription medication, it's a good idea to pay attention to news. As we've seen in recent months, a few drugs that are being sold can cause significant problems for patients. If FDA puts out a warning about your medication, you want to know about it so you can speak to your doctor about potential dangers. By paying attention to news, you can ensure that you won't be last one to find out about these type of developments. 4. Does drug interact with any other medications/supplements you are taking? Problems with drug interaction should be taken very seriously by you, your doctor, and your pharmacist because it can cause serious health problems and even death. When you talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your prescription, make sure you tell them names of all medications you are currently taking, including both prescription and over-the-counter types. You should also ask about potential drug interaction difficulties between medication and any vitamins or herbal supplements that you take regularly.
| | Ten Mistakes People Who Have Bipolar Disorder MakeWritten by David Oliver
Since I started working on bipolar education, I've had thousands of people subscribe to my mailing list, I've received at least 1000 questions and comments about disorder, I've spoken to hundreds of people over phone, and I've attended dozens of meetings about bipolar. As a result of all that communication, I've been able to come up with a list of ten biggest mistakes that people with bipolar disorder make.Keep in mind that following list is not in any particular order. 1. They don't realize importance of money. Money makes world go around, especially if you have bipolar disorder. The less money you have, more limited your options are when it comes to doctors, treatments, hospitals, etc. Unfortunately, most people with bipolar disorder don't realize that they need to watch their money carefully and plan for future. They have to take steps to protect their finances during an episode and to not get cheated by erroneous medical bills. 2. They don't take their medicine properly. Some people with bipolar disorder don't take their medications regularly, so they are usually in and out of episodes. Other people actually go off their medicine to make sure it was working or to determine if they are really bipolar. Both of these are huge mistakes. You should always take your medicine as doctor directs. If there are problems with medicine or you're having side effects, then talk to your doctor. 3. They don't use free resources available. There are tons of FREE resources available that will help you manage your illness and become more stable, but very few people with bipolar disorder actually use them. You can contact mental health organizations in your area to find out what's available, then make use of them. 4. They don't accept help. Individuals with bipolar disorder are often very stubborn when it comes to accepting help, even from their friends and loved ones. Unfortunately, disorder simply can't be managed without outside assistance. Every bipolar person needs at least one individual they can trust to protect their interests and look out for them during an episode.
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