How Many Medications Should I Try?
This is a difficult question for many health care professionals as well as people with the illness. It’s known that the first bipolar disorder medications tried are not always successful and that a trial and error process is usually indicated. Some people try medications for a year or more until [...]
Bipolar Medications: Lamictal Side Effects
I love Lamictal. That could be a bumper sticker on my car. I hope you have a medication that you love.
Unfortunately, I have some pretty tough side effects. Right now I’m dealing with the super stiff neck that often comes with the drug. It disrupts my sleep, which isn’t good! [...]
Reader Comment
I often get letters from readers telling me how they use my books. Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder has a lot of workbook elements.
Hi Julie,
I’m reading and writing about your book, “Take charge of bipolar disorder”. My favorite chapter is on behavior change. It’s true I’ve gone through some very positive experiences lately, and [...]
Hi! Here is the latest newsletter from bipolarhappens.com.
My Bipolar Brain is Lying to Me!
All right bipolar brain! I’ve had enough! Shut up!
This is what I had to say to myself today when my brain would not leave me alone. I sat outside at a cafe to get work done today. The weather was great, my hands [...]
Here are some stories that illustrate a fact: bipolar disorder medication efficacy can change over time.
Lithium: My dear friend Sherri- who has bipolar I- took Lithium successfully for over eight years. Two years ago she had a severe manic/psychotic episode without a major trigger. My coauthor Dr. John Preston calls them breakthrough mood swings. She [...]
Bipolar Disorder Triggers
I just finished an article on bipolar disorder triggers for my column in BP Magazine.
I was going through some serious trigger issues when I wrote it! Do you write things down when you’re sick? I find it helps. I can often see my role in what’s going on if I write about what [...]
Pressured speech is a hallmark of mania. Here are the characteristics:
- Can’t stop talking – it’s not like it’s a choice when it get’s bad. You really can’t stop!
- The desire to speak is so strong you will talk over the other person.
- You can’t complete a sentence before going to the next one.
- Speaking [...]
Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder
Reader Comment
I often get letters from readers telling me how they use my books. Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder has a lot of workbook elements.
Hi Julie,
I’m reading and writing about your book, “Take charge of bipolar disorder”. My favorite chapter is on behavior change. It’s true I’ve gone through some very positive experiences lately, and [...]