Posted by Momof1BPKid on September 28, 2003, at 14:51:03
In reply to Re: Abilify- worth another try?, posted by Lazarus on September 28, 2003, at 14:37:42
Lazarus,
Thanks for your help and concern, Yes I love him dearly. his pdoc tells him everytime, that "your mom is so very patient and loves you so very much to help you this much" I guess I just think thats what moms are supposed to do, although i get very very frustrated and jump when the phone rings it has caused me severe anxiety and depression trying to help him.His doc never ever mentioned lithium at all. Does it require blood monitoring? I am guessing that is why cause he tries to keep away from any meds that require blood monitoring. He is now on depakote after failure with trileptal. His doc is not a "new doc" he is an older gentleman, at Mclean hospital for a number of years. He had one other doc who was very "old fashioned" with bp he is the one who put him on the depakote actually and he didnt even know what zyprexa was.
> Thank you for writing the post. Others can help you.
>
> I have Bipolar Disorder, Type II, Rapid Cycling. I was diagnosed in 1987 so I have a lot of knowledge about BP disorder.
>
> The best medication for BP is LITHIUM. Your son should probably be taking 900 mg daily (300 mg, 3x daily). Lithium works like oil does on an airplane motor. It lubricates it and keeps it running well. All other medications only treat the symptoms of BP disorder.
>
> Only when lithium doesn't work should other medications be tried. I supplement lithium with Zyprexa, 1.25 mg at night (I was taking 2.5 mg nightly). I also take Abilify, 2.5 mg in the morning. Abilify can cause excitability and insomnia, so always take it in the am. 2.5 mg is a very low dose; for me that is all that is required. Possibly your son was put on a dosage of Abilify that was too high. Yes, it's difficult to cut the small pills up properly, but the effort is worth it.
>
> I am so sorrry that you are going through this right now. I know that you love your son dearly.
>
> Lazarus
>
poster:Momof1BPKid
thread:263856
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030928/msgs/263975.html