Medications

[gayld]

My partner has been prescribed an antipsychotic (Zeldox) a mood stabiliser (Epilum) as well as taking Lipitor for cholesterol.

I read somewhere that antidepressants are also given to BP people and was wondering if this is right, as he hasn't been given any even though he is depressed at the moment.

He has been out of hospital for nearly 2 weeks and is just hanging in there and I am worried about him as he also talks to himself and laughs - it's as though he is having a conversation with someone!!!!

Is an antidepressant usually prescribed with the mood stabiliser and antipsychotic?
Thanks
Gayl

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Sometimes an anitdepressant is prescribed as well as a mood stabilizer or other drugs but the use of antidepressants in bipolar disorder runs the risk of inducing a manic episode.

The newer antipsychotics like Zeldox (aka Geodon) are also serotonin reuptake inhibitors like the newer antidepressants. Epilum (aka Depakote) is valproic acid and sodium valproate, which is used as a mood stabilizer. Both will be expected over time to relieve symptoms of depression, although for some patients the addition of an antidepressant is beneficial at times.

Given your description of his behavior, it sounds like he may be either exhibiting some psychotic symptoms or cycling between depression and hypomania. Either way, the doctor is probably treating the most severe symptoms with the most appropriate medications.