No. Zoloft is in the same class of anti-depressants as Prozac and would not be helpful. Depressive episodes of Bipolar disorder are treated differently than major depression. Prozac and Topamax may/may not be helping the situation. Lamictal is considered first line for depressive symptoms of bipolar I disorder. If Lamictal (lamotrigine) is not helpful for controlling depressive symptoms, usually an atypical antipsychotic is added, such as quetiapine (Seroquel). The term "bipolar depression" is fairly general and is important to a response about treatment. Treatment for depressive episodes of bipolar depression differ from treatment of manic episodes. I would recommend that you look at the Texas Implementation of Medication Algorithms for Bipolar I Disorder in order to tailor therapy for your patient's symptoms. You can access the TIMA Guidelines via medscape: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/524957_print or Google it to find the original page.
There is an algorithm that your doctor probably follows. Everyone fills in a different drug-profile. But, yes there is other medications for Bipolar disorder. The benefit of quetiapine (seroquel) is that can be prescribed for lows and ups (depression and mania) in bipolar disorder. Other drugs are lamotrigine (lamictal), lithium, aripiprazole, risperidone, carbamazepine, olanzapine, clozapine, ziprasidone, fluoxetine combined with olanzapine (symbyax, specially for bipolar depression).
I would recommend trying other medications in place of Adderall / concerta (i.e. Wellbutrin, Strattera, etc). Stimulant medications are linked to irritability in some people.
Lithium which is a mood stabilizer. Hi. I am personally living with one of the most advanced stages of Bipolar Disorder. I have been on the same two medications for it my whole life. They are Lamictal, which is a mood stabilizer and Risperidal, which is another mood stabilizer to be taken at night. I would recommend these two medications to anyone with Bipolar Disorder.
Medications, such as Trileptal, which are designed to treat seizures, are also successfully used to treat depression and bipolar disorder.
Perhaps you mean, Lamictal. Lamictal is a mood stabilizer used to treat Bipolar disorder or seizures.
The effectiveness of Lamictal (lamotrigine) versus Seroquel (quetiapine) for treating bipolar disorder can vary based on individual patient needs and symptoms. Lamictal is primarily used for mood stabilization and is effective in preventing depressive episodes, while Seroquel is an atypical antipsychotic that can help manage both manic and depressive episodes. The choice between the two often depends on the specific type of bipolar disorder, patient history, and potential side effects. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the best treatment option.
There are a variety of drugs that have been found effective in cases of bipolar disorder. Consult with a physician for help in determining which would be best for you. You should know that it sometimes takes several weeks for psychoactive drugs to have an effect. Be patient and don't give up on yourself.
mood stabilizer
Yes, Wellbutrin (bupropion), Seroquel (quetiapine), and Lamictal (lamotrigine) can be taken together, but this combination should only be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. Each of these medications serves different purposes, such as treating depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety, and there may be potential interactions or side effects. Always consult with your doctor to ensure that this combination is safe and appropriate for your specific circumstances.
Two mood stabilizers and an antipsychotic (used as a minor mood stabilizer) is very common, but the specific ones will vary from patient to patient. The fact that Lamictal is one of the mood stabilizers suggests that the patient has slightly more problem with depressive mood swings than manic mood swings.
No. Lamictal (and I'm using a quote from healthline.com) "is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant. Lamotrigine (aka Lamictal) is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. Lamotrigine is also used to delay mood episodes in adults with bipolar disorder." Opiates strictly deal with nerves, and are not meant to treat seizures or bipolar disorder.
Lamictal is not a barbiturate. Rather, it is a prescription medication used to treat bipolar disorder, and is classified as an anticonvulsant.