Side Effects of Bipolar Medications

Anti-depressants without a moood stabiliser

Please read this page with care as it may put you off wanting to take your medications. Just as each medication includes a leaflet warning of possible side effects this site will warn of possible side effects as experienced by those of us who have put our thoughts down here on the website. If you wish to add to this page please email John

Lithium: John

I tolerate Lithium reasonably well. My side effects are restricted to a hand tremor and an excessive thirst. the need for regular blood tests is a nuisance and my Lithium level has always been too low even on the maximum dosage, so I have to take another mood stabiliser as well as Lithium.

Anti-depressant: John

Use of an antidepressant without an effective mood stabiliser has pushed my mood into hypermania. This has happened at least 3 times and each time it was a different anti-depressant. Amiltryptiline Venlofaxine and Escitilopram all sent me high.

Olanzapine: John

My weight shot up when taking this drug

I am not limited by any past thinking. I choose my thoughts with care. I
constantly have new insights and new ways of looking at my world. I am
willing to change and grow.

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