Hi, I just had a letter asking me to talk abot Lamictal side effects. I will do a few here and then give more information in the bipolarhappens.com newsletter.

 I call Lamictal my wonder drug. It gave me a much more normal life. It can have some intense side effects though.

Lamictal side effects can be there from the beginning- literally from the first week- in the form of a stiff neck, clenched jaw or some mild breathing problems. I had these for quite a while and then they went away.

There is definitely a rash associated with Lamictal- one is serious the other benign. I will talk more on this in the newsletter. My coauthor Dr. John Preston said that most of the rashes from Lamictal are very mild and not of concern- but I also know people who have the rash from head to toe.  No matter what, see your doctor if you see a rash. This does NOT mean you have to stop the drug unless there is a serious rash. People do learn to manage the itchiness. Talk with a doctor who really, really understands Lamictal. You can get on chat boards as well.  Many psych drugs have potentially fatal side effects, so don’t throw Lamictal out too soon!

It’s important to know that the serious rash is extremely rare.  All rashes need to be reported, but there is no need to panic.

I’ve been on Lamictal for three years. My side effects come and go. It’s frustrating, but I need this drug so I deal with them. The stiff neck is hard and I’m now experiencing extremely intense itching- without a visible rash.

I’ve talked with my doctor.  It’s pretty bad.

So, it’s always a tradeoff with psychiatric meds like Lamictal. Can you live with the side effects? Are there ways to make things easier such as massage, chiropractic help and ice packs? That’s what I do. The itching is worse. I’m going to do all I can to pinpoint what is going on so that I can take care of it.

More on this later!

Julie

================================

A very close friend of mine was just in the hospital for ten days- he had a manic episode. This is only his second in over ten years. They can sneak up on you so fast.

August is the most dangerous month for mania- for those of us above the equator!

If you think you’re getting manic or you see the signs in someone that they are having a manic episode,  you can go to the menu on the right and click on the manic button- it will show you all of my past mania blogs.  The manic button is the panic button!

I had a hypomanic episode a few weeks ago. Now I’m in a depressed episode.

It is AWFUL! This illness isn’t fair, but I’m here writing on this blog. I got out of bed and I’m going to get on with my day. We can function during most mood swings- but mania is tricky!

Julie

Three Tips for Family Members

Three Tips for Family Members

1. Read, read, read: Knowledge about bipolar disorder is your number one tool. Read the DSM-IV diagnostic manual and learn about bipolar disorder. It’s only about ten pages- but you can learn so much! All libraries have this book in their reference department. While you’re there, read about psychotic disorders as well. And if you’re really interested, read about personality disorders and anxiety disorders. People with bipolar disorder share symptoms with all of these disorders which is why it’s such a tough illness to treat. And of course, my books are a great read as well!

2. Set limits: It’s hard to set limits when the person you care about might leave. But…. that’s what has to be done when someone has mood swing problems.

A. You cannot smoke pot or drink in my house.
B. Yelling is not an option. If you feel angry, please take care of it before you come into my house.
C. I can only see you if you’re on medications.

Tough stuff to say. It often takes families years to do this. I find that saying the following helps:

“You have bipolar disorder and I can tell you’re in a mood swing. I’m here to help, but only if you communicate with me. It’s not acceptable for you to yell at me or ignore my feelings. This is an illness and you have to take care of the mood swings if you want me in your life. I will help in any way I can.”

I’ve had to do this with a family member a few times. I used to fight when they wanted a fight, but not anymore. It’s an illness and they need help. Only they can choose to get it.

3. Learn about the Bipolar Conversation and use it 24 hours a day. I created this technique and it’s in all of my books. You can just read the Bipolar Conversation chapter in Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder and change forever the way you interact with a person who has bipolar disorder. I guarantee it.

It’s hard to care about someone with this illness. We’re difficult people when we don’t manage the illness successfully. Learn all you can about our symptoms, set limits and learn how to talk to us when we’re in a mood swing. All of these ideas can start immediately. I created the Health Cards for families just as much as for people with the illness. It really does take a village to help us stay stable! You can use the Health Cards even if the person you care about won’t take your help. They work.
Julie

To ensure delivery of our newsletters please be sure comments@bipolarhappens.com is in your address book , buddy lists and is added  to your email white list.

News Release
Julie will be presenting at the 2008
DBSA conference.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
More information about the program here:

If you have not signed up for the newseltter- you can do so at www.bipolarhappens.com.  There is a sign up link on the top menu. This is a great place to find out more about my Health Cards Treatment Plan.

I write as much practical information as possible in these newsletters. This is a tough illness to manage and we need all of the help we can get!

My book Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder is an excellent resource for partners of people with bipolar disorder. ( We have some challenges!) Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder also has excellent family tips.

 Julie

Hi, if you’re new to this blog, make sure you go to the video tab on the right and check out my videos.

You can see my cat…  and hear more about my work and how I started writing books after being sick for so long.

I will post later today.

Julie

Bipolar Disorder Mood Swings are so unpredictable!

Well, I just got out of a rotten down swing. What’s so amazing and just as frustrating about this illness is that we can be extremely ill one day- even suicidal and then boom. It’s gone. It wears me out, but I’m glad to be my normal self again.

When I get really sick- no matter what the mood swing- I use all of my energy to remind myself of one thing:

I think, say and do certain things depending on the type of mood swing I’m experiencing. This means it’s an illness.

Once I learned all of my symptoms- I wrote them on my Health Cards and my life changed forever.

I used the Health Cards all week last week! Depression is so hard.

Julie

I’m going to rename the Health Cards so feel free to send me your ideas. If you’re not familiar with the Health Cards, they are the treatment plan I created in 1999. You can read about the system on www.bipolarhappens.com