To grasp when your bipolar medicines work nicely and once you would possibly want a change, it helps to maintain observe of your signs and unwanted side effects.
Your Signs Aren’t Getting Higher
“Or in the event you’re already on the utmost dose, that will be an indicator that it must be modified,” says Dr. Lee. “Many individuals with bipolar dysfunction must take a temper stabilizer daily, and it might take making an attempt a number of medicines to seek out the most effective mixture.”
It’s possible you’ll not at all times know in case your signs have improved, however your supplier and family members might help you work it out, says Charles “Ken” Dunham, MD, a psychiatrist in personal observe in Virginia Seaside and the manager director of medical operations for behavioral well being at Sentara Well being. For instance, “fairly often, a affected person doesn’t see themselves getting higher, however the partner does discover,” says Dr. Dunham, who recommends getting a beloved one’s opinion earlier than contemplating a drugs change.
Aspect Results Change into Unmanageable
Many unwanted side effects resolve inside a couple of weeks, says Lee. “Delicate points like feeling dizzy or sleepy, or having an upset abdomen, typically enhance as your physique adjusts.” But when these signs don’t fade after a number of weeks, your medicine will not be a great match, says Lee.
Monitoring unwanted side effects requires a great relationship together with your psychiatrist, so you’ll be able to voice your considerations and weigh the dangers and advantages of your medicine, says Suraj Modi, MD, a toddler and adolescent psychiatrist with Orlando Well being Medical Group Behavioral Well being in Florida.
You Have Important Breakthrough Signs
If in case you have frequent breakthrough signs — like mania or melancholy — your medicine or dose may have a change, says Dr. Hurd.
It’s possible you’ll not have to vary medicines — simply the dose, says Hurd. “Some sufferers could have management of some signs on medicines, and that usually means a dose adjustment is required due to a partial however not full response,” she says.
