Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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how do they det. meds

deleted_user
deleted_user
How are meds determined, as to how much you should take etc. Arent some dangerous to take too many of. So many people see to mbe taking so much of stuff and THEY are concerened. Are alot based on weight or illness or does it differ per meds? I know you guys are not pdocs but seems I get more info here than anywhere.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It seems like they ususally start you out on lower dosages and then go up until it works. Thats what they did with my lithium I started at 300 now Im at 1200 and my lamictal ... dont remember what I started on with that cause I was in the hospital but I am now on 400 and there was a course for that too. Since everyones bodies process stuff differently its hard for them to guage precisely what is going to do what to who. So its like educated trial and error
computerbob1
computerbob1
I agree ...
Some medications are detected in a blood test to determine what the dose level should be.

I suspect a lot of med combinations are based on clinical tests and some may just be a combination that has worked for the doc.

If you are new to meds, I suggest you keep a med diary noting dates, amount and succes. it can help with future changes.

It is important to use a good pharmacy that checks for drug interaction in case your doc prescribes something that can cause a problem.

I looked here to see if I could find you a specific answer. I am sure weight plays a factor too:
http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/taking-your-medication

http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-disorder-diagnosis
deleted_user
deleted_user
Unfortunately psychiatry is not an exact science as far as meds are concerned. Dosages in drug books are usually listed as mg/kg but then are translated into strengths that the med is available in. Most psychiatrists err on the side of caution and start at the lowest dose and titrate up slowly observing for side effects in between. As mentioned individuals react in different ways so that's why it's important to keep a list of all of your symptoms to share with your pdoc
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