Connect
Comment receiving replies
I’m going to take a stab at addressing this long standing issue. Unfortunately your brother is not out of the norm when taking into consideration the length of time he’s been ill. The yo-yoing of psychiatric patients on medications is an old story. I gave meds to our outpatients in an intensive OP treatment program and say this happening repeatedly. I believe it is the nature of the illness. Depakote is used to only treat manic symptoms of bipolar disorder not the other aspects of the disease. Lithium toxicity is a common problem and typically watched very closely by the treating provider. Yes patients can go back on this wonderful medication after experiencing toxicity. His doctor is the one to discuss drug changes, symptoms, etc. since they can make the necessary changes.
Replies to "I’m going to take a stab at addressing this long standing issue. Unfortunately your brother is..."
Connect
I cannot believe that it is 2025 and we are continuing to address the issue of lithium. Your response helps me yet again. Our brother continues on depakote and is miserable with his moods going up and down but he is not interested in trying to return to lithium. He is seen by the VA doctors and he trusts them completely. He has so many challenges that we are often left hoping for the best with no true evidence that there is room for improvement. We travel to go to doctor visits with him and are aware of him most of the time. We are going to pursue a return to lithium if my brother will allow it. I will keep you informed here. Good mental health is such a blessing. I may be a bit crazy but I am not torn apart by mental illness, thanks be to God.