Archive for the ‘Symptoms’ Category

New Therapy for Depression

“NeuroStar is an alternative to medication to treat depression in some cases. It is transcranial magnetic stimulation, which is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of patients with major depression who have not benefited from prior antidepressant treatment. It does not involve surgery or anesthesia, is not taken by mouth and [...]

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New Warning for Patients Taking Lamictal

FDA: Aseptic Meningitis Risk with Use of Seizure Drug Lamictal The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that the drug Lamictal (lamotrigine) can cause aseptic meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord not caused by bacterial infection. Aseptic meningitis has a number of [...]

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How does alcohol interact with medications used to treat bipolar disorder?

Amber says: “What drives me nuts is that no one ever says how medication can interact with alcohol. I know that they can interact, some more than others, but I would like specifics so that I can make an informed decisions as to whether or not I’ll have a couple of glasses of wine. Self-medicating [...]

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All About Bipolar: Security Blanket?

I know that this sounds absolutely ridiculous, but I have a security blanket. It didn’t start out being one but that is exactly what it is. Now, I do not lug this blanket around the house. I do take it with me when we camp. It’s still in the camper from last weekend and I [...]

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Volunteers needed for Bipolar Disorder Awareness Month

vvvFebruary 2010 will be the second annual Bipolar Disorder Awareness Month! Our goal is to reduce discrimination through awareness and education. I need your help! You can help raise awareness in several ways: Host a badge! To increase the amount of participants and spread awareness, I am asking you to consider placing a Bipolar Disorder [...]

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Take that, voices!

“It’s me again…the voice of despair.” I am ignoring my voices today and feeling pretty smug about it. Why? Because I told on them and they know they are in trouble. Last night, I decided it was time to enlist help. I need someone to make sure I take my medication every night. I laid [...]

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We’re going down! Abandon ship!

As I continue my downward spiral into the depths of depravity in the midst of December, my “brave face” is already starting to wash away. This is not going to be good. I have agoraphobia and that is a terrible thing to have during the holidays. I am okay with a crowd of friends because [...]

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Side effects of medication

Lamictal Withdrawals

Day 2 of no medication. Let the Lamictal (lamotrigine) withdrawals commence! Oh wait, they already have. Withdrawals are always fun but I did manage to do some research and I am finding that some of the things I didn’t even think were withdrawal symptoms really are. Bear with me. I may not make much sense [...]

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Bipolar disorder without meds isn’t fun for me

I didn’t take the medication prescribed to me for bipolar disorder last night and it is looking like I won’t take it again tonight. I currently take 200 milligrams of Lamictal every day. Last Monday, I told my husband that I wouldn’t have enough to last the weekend so he needed to pick it up [...]

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More Mental Health Freebies! Free Publications

Looking for free mental health publications? Here is a big list of FREE booklets, posters, downloads and more! Booklets Women’s Mental Health: What it Means to You A consumer booklet that addresses the stigma associated with mental health, with information on the signs and symptoms of mental illness. It also provides suggestions for support and [...]

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