Author: jwalker82
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Seroquel (Quetiapine)
Seroquel (quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It can be used to manage both manic and depressive symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. Seroquel works by blocking dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, which can help to regulate mood and reduce symptoms of psychosis. It…
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Zyprexa (Olanzapine)
Zyprexa (olanzapine) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. It works by blocking certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, which can help to regulate mood and reduce symptoms such as agitation, aggression, and anxiety. When used to treat bipolar disorder, Zyprexa is typically prescribed as a…
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Pressured Speech
Pressured speech is a symptom commonly associated with bipolar disorder during the manic or hypomanic phase. It is characterized by a rapid and continuous flow of speech that is difficult to interrupt, and the person speaking feels an urgent need to express their thoughts and ideas, often without regard for social norms or the feelings…
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Friends and Family
Friends and families of those with bipolar disorder can experience a range of difficulties. Support groups (see below) and other options are available to help. Here are some examples of the difficulties faced: These are just a few examples of the difficulties that friends and families of those with bipolar disorder can experience. Loved ones…
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Antipsychotics
Antipsychotics are a class of medications commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. These medications work by altering the activity of certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, which can help reduce the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Antipsychotics can be used to treat both manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder,…
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Manic Eyes
Is there such a thing as “manic eyes?” Can you tell if a person is manic by looking at their eyes? It may be possible. During a manic episode, some people may experience changes in their eyes, which could include: It is important to note that these eye changes are not unique to mania and…
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What is a depressive episode?
A depressive episode in bipolar disorder (occurring in both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2) is a period of intense sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that a person typically enjoys. It is one of the two main mood states that people with bipolar disorder experience, the other being manic or hypomanic episodes. During…
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What is the difference between mania and hypomania?
Mania (seen in bipolar 1) and hypomania (seen in both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2) are both elevated mood states that are part of bipolar disorder. However, there are some key differences between the two: It’s important to note that both mania and hypomania can be associated with increased risk-taking behaviors, such as reckless spending…
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Topiramate (Topamax)
Topiramate, also known by its brand name Topamax, is an anticonvulsant medication that is sometimes used off-label in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Topiramate is believed to work by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin, which play a role in regulating mood. Topiramate is typically used as a mood…
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Trileptal (Oxcarbazepine)
Trileptal, also known by its generic name oxcarbazepine, is an anticonvulsant medication that is sometimes used to treat bipolar disorder. The exact mechanism of action of Trileptal in bipolar disorder is not well understood, but it is believed to work by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain. Trileptal is typically used as a mood…