How Bipolar Medication Makes You Feel

Characteristics of bipolar disorder include mood swings, some very severe. There are symptoms of both mania and depression. Medication brings these disorders under control. The medication helps to prevent relapse, once the medication has been prescribed that is correct for that particular individual.

It is helpful if the patient takes the medication as prescribed and then keeps track of side effects to share with the doctor. If medication is used in combination with therapy, self-help coping strategies, and healthy lifestyle choices, it will be more effective. Good lifestyles include a strict sleep schedule, regular exercise, relaxation techniques, and a solid support system. Different people respond to bipolar disorder drugs in various ways. The amount of dosage is also important. Some of the characteristics the bipolar patient has may include suicidal or violent feelings and changes in mood, sleep, or energy.

If the kind of medication and the dosage is right for the individual, there should be a feeling of wellness in the individual. The appropriate medication for the individual is a mood stabilizer without side effects. The person acts "normal" as dictated by the "outside world." The medical doctor and/or psychiatrist needs to know what symptoms the patient has and the dosage can be fine tuned or another medication prescribed in order to get that "normal" feeling for the bipolar individual. The bipolar individual also needs to check if there are any foods or other substances that should be avoided while on bipolar medication, as well as any possible interactions with other prescriptions which the bipolar patient may be taking.