As may of you know if you’re a regular to this blog- I had a very bad reaction when I changed from brand name Lamictal to to generic Lamictal (lamtrigine.) Others made the switch just fine. If you have switched over from your brand Lamictal to generic Lamtrigine and have noticed a difference in the efficacy of the drug, there are many blog entries under the Lamictal tab to the right that explain generic bipolar drugs in great detail. You can also ready my story- it was quite a saga! But it has all worked out.  My mother who takes Lamictal had no problems and has stayed on the lamotrigine. I went back to brand Lamictal and am very happy with the results. No matter what you take, knowledge of generic bipolar disorder drugs is essential!

Julie

 This is not generic Lamictal…. yes, I am trying to make you laugh!

Have you ever noticed how articles always refer to large companies as giants? Well, Pfizer has been hit with a giant fine for misrepresenting the benefits of three well known drugs- one of them being Geodon – an antipsychotic used to treat bipolar disorder psychosis.

Here is an excellent article on the topic:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Pfizer-to-pay-record-23B-apf-1176280604.html?x=0

Julie

Try BreathRx Fresh Breath System- this company provides a mint and gum that increases saliva. There are so many drugs that cause a dry mouth, so this is a life saver! (Get it!) SSRIs such as Prozac, Zoloft, Welbutrin and Celexa are known to cause dry mouth.

Dry mouth from bipolar drugs can make your teeth brittle- which means they can crack more easily! So, keeping your mouth moist helps. A night guard is a good idea as well.

Have you been to the dentist lately?

Julie

 Here is a link to the Breath RX products:

https://store.breathrx.com/refresh.php

All of my blogs are divided into categories- you can see the list on the right- I’ve been consolidating them for the past few weeks. Here’s an example of what’s included in the medications category:

Medications: Abilify, tegretol, depakote, lithium, lamictal, lamotrigine, zyprexa, serequel, anti depressants, medical treatment of bipolar disorder, medications used to treat bipolar disorder, side effects, anti convulsants, anti psychotics, mood stabilizers, mania medications, depression medications, anxiety medications, talking with your doctor about medications, family members on medications, family members who refuse medications, medications in the news, what medications should a person with bipolar disorder take, etc etc!

Can you believe there is so much to learn about medications and bipolar disorder! If you just take an hour to read all of the  blogs in this category, you will know more than most people on the planet about the drugs used to treat the illness. It’s fascinating information. I have learned it slowly- it’s the best way to take it all in.

Just one hour and you’re on your way to bipolar medication expertise!

Julie

Here is an interesting list- the FDA (federal drug administration) has to ok a drug for use with bipolar disorder before a drug company can advertise that the drug can be used for bipolar disorder. Here is a list of the approved drugs with their initiation dates. I will write more on this topic in the next few days:

FDA: Acute Mania
       *   1970:  Lithium
      *   1973:  Thorazine 
      *   1995:  Depakote
      *   2000:  Zyprexa    
      *   2003:  Risperdal  
      *   2004:  Seroquel
      *   2004:  Abilify
      *   2005:  Geodon
      *   2005:  Equetro (Tegretol)  
 
FDA: Acute Bipolar Depression
            *  2004: Symbyax
                 (Prozac-Zyprexa combo)
         *  2007: Seroquel

FDA: Maintenance (for use in managing bipolar disorder in general)
  
            *  1974:  Lithium: both
         *  2003:  Lamictal:
                         depression
         *  2004:  Zyprexa: both
         *  2005:  Abilify: both

This list can be a bit confusing- especially when it comes to how the drugs are categorized- I will go through this information step by step in future blogs!

Julie

Oh the itching! If you follow this blog you know that I tried generic Lamictal for my bipolar disorder and then had to go back on brand Lamictal. Well! Since there were little meds in my system, I’m having major side effects from going back on the Lamictal!

I itch! I really itch! And it’s not the rash that comes with the drug. It’s internal like little squiggly creatures are crawling under my skin. It’s like they are amped up on caffeine! They itch.

I also have neck issues that make it difficult to find a comfortable place for my head when I try to sleep!

These are normal side effects and will go away. I was talking with a friend last night and we agreed that it’s such a fine balance between the side effects and the efficacy of the meds! For me, these side effects are uncomfortable, but definitely worth it. My friend is on Zyprexa and she truly struggles with whether the side effects are worth it- sleeping 12 hours, feeling mentally dull and physically tired. But…. the drugs helped her keep her job during a tough evaluation. She of course is great at her job, but the stress made her ill- thus the Zyprexa and the side effects!

It’s always a challenge and a balancing act.

Julie

Here is a letter from V. about her son and Invega- also previosly known as extended release Risperdal.

 Julie,

My son has been treated for bi-polar with a mix of medications which includes Invega.  This is a newer version of risperdal which is supposed to have fewer side effects.  I think my son is suffering from reduced cognitive functioning, like he is in a fog.  It is hard to tell because he definitely had a real drop in IQ testing (about 20 points) which the doctors thought were due to his anxiety and depression at the time of the testing, but I think it might be the meds too. 

He seems “dumber” than ever and complains about it.  He used to be very sharp, although he had other emotional problems which are better controlled now.  Do you have any experience with invega or has anyone heard of this?  He also seems to have significantly thinning hair and I suspect the 2000 mg of depakote he takes.  Any ideas?

Hi V,

First of all, I am not a doctor! I always say that because I truly believe a medications specialist is our best friend in managing this illness.

To answer your question, there is no doubt that Risperdal  (Risperidone) can cause fuzziness! All anti psychotics are known for this, though Abilify is supposed to have less. A friend of mine is on Zyprexa and always says it dulls her. And yet it keeps her out of the hospital and able to work part time!  There is a side effect called anhedonia that is described a lack of feeling- the official definition is without emotion. I definitely get it when my meds are off. It can definitely come with depression as well.  There are quite a few meds that can cause thinning hair and some cause hair to fall out in clumps. Remember, bipolar meds are chemo therapy!

Having said this, it’s wonderful that his emotions are more under control.  They can cause more trouble than being dull from medications. Anxiety and depression cause memory and focus problems- they can also make you feel emotionally dull, but the ‘dumb’ feeling sounds like meds.

I suggest you talk with the medications doctor and explain that you know the meds are helping and that it’s great for your son, but he feels dulled intellectually. At least it will start a discussion. It’s important that your son knows that what he’s going through may be a normal side effect of the meds and it’s not permanent. Once he is more stable, it may be he can reduce meds with the help of his HCP.  Treatment of the illness comes first- when it is more managed- it’s a good time to work on side effects. It’s a trade off!

Say hi to your son for me. It’s great that he takes his meds!

Julie