Tips for Managing Your Medication
Taking medication is crucial to getting better if you have bipolar disorder. Here are some tips to help you manage your medication and your illness:
Visit your doctor regularly. Be sure to schedule regular doctor visits (at least once every six weeks) so you can check in with him or her and make medication adjustments if necessary. Symptoms of bipolar disorder vary, and different levels of medications are needed at different times to control the symptoms.
Get regular blood tests, especially if you are on lithium. It’s important to make sure that the medication levels are within the therapeutic range.
Keep taking your medication, even if you feel fine. If you feel okay, that means that your medication is working. If you stop taking your medication, you may have a relapse.
Understand that medication won’t fix all your problems. Getting therapy to help deal with your issues is very helpful in managing bipolar disorder, as well as establishing a support network and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Be careful with antidepressants. There is research to show that the use of antidepressants can actually make bipolar disorder worse. Some physicians still prescribe them for bipolar depression while others do not. If your doctor prescribes an antidepressant, be sure that you’re taking a mood stabilizer as well.
