I'm 45 and was diagnosed bipolar five years ago because of my mood swings.?!

"Special warnings about Trileptal
Trileptal can lead to a loss of sodium from the blood, resulting in a serious medical condition which, left untreated, could lead to convulsions, coma, and death. Your doctor should carefully monitor your blood sodium levels during treatment with Trileptal. Alert the doctor immediately if you develop warning signs such as nausea, headache, sluggishness, confusion, loss of feeling, or an increase in the frequency or severity of seizures."

I happen to know that it is important for those using lithium to maintain their sodium (salt) levels, yet Trileptal can redce those levels!

"Moderate Interactions:
Trileptal, "


You would do well to, at the very least, inform the prescriber, ASAP!!! Personally, I'd find someone else:- prescribing drugs which interact, probably without bothering to check, with you as the human guinea pig! Anger management is addressed in section 4, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris See page C first. Bipolar disorder is addressed in section 10; view page O first. Check out the BIPOLAR SUPPORTER website; there is advice for family of bipolars; print, refer, or show her, but she is getting on in years, may be set in her ways, suffering niggling pains, or early Alzheimer's, (section 29) so I don't know how much good it will do, but you will have at least tried.

I'm always particularly gratified when I go to the trouble of a medication interactivity search, and am rewarded with a positive result.Health Question & Answer

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Here's some information from the MayoClinic that may help your mother understand. It's difficult for those who do not understand the disorder to cope with loved ones with bipolar disorder. I have worked in bipolar research and I can tell your mother it is a real disorder and the more she reads information on the disorder the better she will be able to understand and cope. I truly hope the following information helps.

Bipolar disorder symptoms are characterized by an alternating pattern of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). The intensity of signs and symptoms can vary from mild to severe. There may even be periods when your life doesn't seem affected at all.

Manic phase of bipolar disorder
Signs and symptoms of the manic phase of bipolar disorder may include:

Euphoria
Extreme optimism
Inflated self-esteem
Poor judgment
Rapid speech
Racing thoughts
Aggressive behavior
Agitation
Increased physical activity
Risky behavior
Spending sprees
Increased drive to perform or achieve goals
Increased sexual drive
Decreased need for sleep
Tendency to be easily distracted
Inability to concentrate
Drug abuse
Depressive phase of bipolar disorder

Signs and symptoms of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder may include:

Sadness
Hopelessness
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Anxiety
Guilt
Sleep problems
Appetite problems
Fatigue
Loss of interest in daily activities
Problems concentrating
Irritability
Chronic pain without a known cause
Types of bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is divided into two main subtypes:

Bipolar I disorder. You've had at least one manic episode, with or without previous episodes of depression.
Bipolar II disorder. You've had at least one episode of depression and at least one hypomanic episode. A hypomanic episode is similar to a manic episode but much briefer, lasting only a few days, and not as severe. With hypomania, you may have an elevated mood, irritability and some changes in your functioning, but generally you can carry on with your normal daily routine and functioning, and you don't require hospitalization. In bipolar II disorder, the periods of depression are typically much longer than the periods of hypomania.
Cyclothymia. Cyclothymia is a mild form of bipolar disorder. Cyclothymia includes mood swings but the highs and lows are not as severe as those of full-blown bipolar disorder.
Other bipolar disorder symptoms
In addition, some people with bipolar disorder have rapid cycling bipolar disorder. This is the occurrence of four or more mood swings within 12 months. These moods shifts can occur rapidly, sometimes within just hours. In mixed state bipolar disorder, symptoms of both mania and depression occur at the same time.

Severe episodes of either mania or depression may result in psychosis, or a detachment from reality. Symptoms of psychosis may include hearing or seeing things that aren't there (hallucinations) and false but strongly held beliefs (delusions).

Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition that requires lifelong treatment, even during periods when you feel better. Bipolar disorder treatment is usually guided by a psychiatrist skilled in treating the condition. But you may have others on your treatment team as well, including psychologists, social workers and psychiatric nurses, because the condition can affect so many areas of your life.

Effective and appropriate treatment is vital for reducing the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes and allowing you to live a more balanced and enjoyable life. Maintenance treatment

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