What medicines are prescribed to 8 year old bipolar children and what works best other than serequel?

Answer 1

When treating a child who has Bipolar disorder it is important to find a Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner that specializes in treating children. Your pediatrician will not have enough background to effectively treat this condition as it has been very recent that children have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.

A really good book that discusses childhood bipolar disorder:

The Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring Guide to Childhood's Most Misunderstood Disorder. Author: Demetri Papolos, MD Effective treatments for Bipolar Disorder include a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy coupled with medication.

A psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner are professionals that can prescribe medications to treat Bipolar Disorder. It is important to be followed by one of these professionals.

Since every individual is different, it may take time to for your doctor to find the medication combination that works best for you.

Medications that have been used to treat Bipolar Disorder include atypical anti-psychotics that have mood stabilizing properties.

Medications in this category include:

Seroquel

Risperdal

Zyprexa

Symbyax (zyprexa + prozac)

Abilify

Geodon

Anti-convulsant medications in conjunction with an anti-psychotic are also used to treat Bipolar Disorder.

Medications in this category include:

Lamictal

Depakote

Tegretol

Many individuals who have Bipolar Disorder may also need an anti-depressant at different times in their cycle.

(again, every individual is different and every individual who has bipolar disorder is different.)

Common Anti-depressants include:

SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors):

Paxil

Celexa

Zoloft

Lexapro

* Prozac is often not recommended for individuals with bipolar as it has been known to induce mania.

SSNRI's (selective Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors):

Cymbalta

Effexor

Serzone

Older Drugs Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder include:

Lithium - Mood Stabilizer

A combination of medications that my clients have been prescribed in the past includes: an anti-psychotic, anti-convulsive, and an antidepressant.

For example, Seroquel, Lamictal, and Cymbalta.

Finally, If you have a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, I can't stress enough the importance of staying on your medication and maintaining regular appointments with your psychiatrist. Bipolar Disorder is a medical condition that is managed with medication. In order to maintain a consistent and stable life you must take your medicine, as prescribed by your psychiatrist, every day.