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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Bipolar Living: Medication




I know been there, done it, walked around but there are no if ands or buts.  For a Bipolar you have to take medication.  It does not matter which medication you and your doctor choose a medication regime is essential.  Medication compliance, which means taken as prescribed, maximizes the prevention of future episodes and all of the drama that goes with an unstable mood.  Find the strategies that work for you and affirm them daily.

Finding the right combination and dosages can take time and can be frustrating.  Some Bipolars must take multiple medications each day; your own body makeup decides which medication works best for you with the least amount of side effects.  Medication is needed to get well and stay well.

The challenge of adhering to a medication routine is the major contributor to relapses.  Compliance with medication is the key to thriving with Bipolar Living.  Find a way to remind yourself when to take your medication: notes on the bathroom mirror, alarms, messages in your computer email; anything that encourages you to take that dose.  Keep the times you take your medication in your cell phone.  Use pill dispensers with days and times you take them.  Keep a log; write down when you last took it and when it is time again for it.

And for those that medication works well for, which is the majority, when you feel you are missing your high and creativity look at the risk of having a more serious depression if you reduce or skip a dose. It takes 1 time to crash and is the chance for a morbid depression worth even 1 hypomanic episode for what may be for a short time.

The effectiveness of medication is in your power.  Take control of Bipolar Disorder and Take Your Medication.

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