Bipolar is a disorder that many people all over the world suffer from; some are already diagnosed with the disease but a lot of undiagnosed cases are also noted. What people should know is that bipolar disorder can worsen if it remains untreated. And therefore, those individuals who think that they have the disorder must seek medical attention at once to get the proper treatment and medication.
Having episodes is but natural for a person having bipolar disorder. Though it may not bother the individual, his or her family members and friends may be gravely affected by it. Your doctor can prescribe medications to control or treat the current episode symptoms. Medications for bipolar patients may be for short term only, but now, the FDA has approved a particular medication that is intended for long term treatments.
The medication is called LAMICTAL. This medication is especially for adults with bipolar I. Clinical studies have shown that LAMICTAL prevents mood episodes for extended periods. Although it may not remove initial mania or depression feelings, preventing the episodes from occurring is already for the good of the patient.
Only your doctor can tell if LAMICTAL is the right medication for you. Long term studies on bipolar showed that the medication delays time until the mood episodes need additional treatment. Depression symptoms last longest and LAMICTAL is quite effective in delaying it. If you want a long term medication that offers stability for about eighteen months, LAMICTAL may be for you.
You must remember that this medication is not offered for all bipolar patients. Those patients using LAMICTAL can tolerate the medication. Some were able to experience side effects like headache, dizziness, double or blurred vision, sleepiness, nausea, lacks coordination, vomiting, rash and insomnia. There are also cases when patients require hospitalization due to severe skin reactions; but this is very rare and happens mostly with children.
LAMICAL is best prescribed for people 18 years and older, and is used as a standard therapy. You must be warned that the effectiveness of this medication is not yet established.
How can you start using LAMICTAL? It's quite easy especially if your doctor thinks that the medication will work for you. Kits are available which makes it easier for you to follow the course of your medication. If you want to achieve the best results, make sure that you take the medication as prescribed. And it is important to bear these things in mind:
1.Your doctor will let you start using LAMICTAL whether you're having an episode or not, since the medication is specifically for delaying episodes and not as an on-the-spot treatment. 2.Your doctor will prescribe a low dose at first which will gradually increase over time. 3.If you experience any problems or side effects, inform y our doctor immediately. 4.You can only experience full effect after several weeks of using LAMICTAL. If during the initial period of taking the medication you experience distressing experiences and thoughts, inform your doctor immediately or go to a hospital. In the event that your mood episodes worsen, contact your doctor.
If you're out to buy LAMICTAL, make sure that you receive the right medication. Getting the wrong medication can cause serious problems. Always check and read the labels.
When you're using LAMICTAL, or any medication for that matter, make sure that you follow your plan. Bipolar disorder is already a condition that you're bound to suffer all your life. When you're already feeling well and better, that doesn't mean that you can stop medication.
If in case you've stopped taking the medication because of a valuable reason, consult your doctor right away and don't restart without getting help first. Remember to stick with your dose, don't increase or decrease it unless otherwise specified indicated by your doctor.
It is also necessary to keep track of the symptoms and the side effects (if any), and report any problems that you encounter. It would be best to have a mood chart to track your moods, sleep, and side effects. Every time you visit your doctor, don't forget to bring the chart.
Precautions should also be observed for people having an allergic reaction to LAMICTAL. If you're planning for your pregnancy or is already pregnant, or planning to take hormonal products like pills prior to taking the medication, you must inform your doctor first.
Your aim in taking any medication is to be able to live a normal life again, and this can only happen with the right treatment and medication.
It is not easy to deal with your fears, bipolar, or anxiety problems while being a parent. The first step is that you should talk to a professional who can get you started in the right path of getting better. Getting help from a counselor or other professional is very important and can provide you much help and insights in dealing with your current problem. In addition, here are some techniques a person can use to help manage their fears, bipolar, and anxieties.
Learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or coming month, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. Focus on the present and stop trying to predict what may happen next week. Next week will take care of itself.
A good way to manage your fear is to challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make your fearful or anxious, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.
Sometimes, we may be nervous doing a certain task that may be scary. When this happens, visualize yourself doing the task in your mind. For instance, you and your team have to play in the championship hockey game in front of a large group of people in the next few days. Before the big day comes, imagine yourself playing the game in your mind. Imagine that your playing in front of a large audience. By playing the game in your mind, you will be better prepared to perform for real when the time comes. Self Visualization is a great way to reduce the fear and stress of a coming situation.
Remember that there is one power that is stronger than your fears and that is the power of God. A person does not have to be religious to use the power of God. When the going gets tough, talk to God about your problems as if you were talking to a friend. Review the Bible and pray hard. Be persistent and be open in the avenues that God may provide to you in solving your problem. It is not always easy, however God is in control and he will help you if you ask him.
As a Layman, I realize it is not easy to deal with all of our fears, however there are all kinds of help available. The key is to be patient and not to give up. In time, you will be able to find those resources that will help you with your problems.
Both Jesus Sabu & Stanley Popovich are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Stanley Popovich has sinced written about articles on various topics from Recreation and Sports, Anxiety and Mens Health. Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear" an easy to read book that presents a overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to:. Stanley Popovich's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.