treating bipolar depression ?
Q.There was some debate as to whether antidepressants should be used in the treatment of bipolar depression. I found a really good site that discribes why they should not be used as a first line choice for depression in bipolars and when they are used they should be stopped as soon as possible after the depression subsides to prevent mania.
A.In spite of its bad press, ECT may be beneficial for bipolar disorder women who become pregnant disgusting! When mothers used lithium in the first three months of pregnancy, some studies reported a higher incidence of heart defects and other birth abnormalities in the baby. Antiepileptic drugs, such as valproate or carbamazepine, greatly increase the risk for physical malformations, for developmental delay, and for spinal bifida in babies. There was some debate as to whether antidepressants should be used in the treatment of bipolar depression. I found a really good site that discribes why they should not be used as a first line choice for depression in bipolars and when they are used they should be stopped as soon as possible after the depression subsides to prevent mania. I dont know about other bipolars out there but i find that all antidepressants pretty much either make me even more depressed or put me into a hypomanic/manic state. My understanding about bipolar is that antidepressants should be used as little as possible in bipolar individuals. If one is required, the preferred AD for bipolar is extended release Wellbutrin. Also, antidepressants with very short half lives should be used if one is required. But in general, the preferred meds for bipolar are mood stabilizers, anti-psychotics and benzodiazapines. Also, ECT is said to be very effective at correcting both the mania and the depression phases of bipolar. Overall I would say this is a topic for the bipolar message boards, not this board.
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