People who suffer from bipolar disorder are individuals so different people may suit different types, doses and combinations of medication. Some people may not fully respond to medication or simply may find medication difficult to tolerate. A range of treatment choices exists and deciding on the best approach for a particular person is a complex task. If you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder you should try to find a doctor with specific training and experience in treating it or someone with good access to other mental health professionals with this experience who can provide advice if required.

Many people do find that the most important factor in keeping stable is taking prescribed medication regularly. You will need to take extra precautions if you are changing anything in your routine that might affect your ability to take or absorb medication (e.g. diet, fluid intake, vomiting, diarrhoea, pregnancy etc).

Some people, when feeling very well, may wish to stop their medication. It is better not to do this or to change medication without first consulting your doctor.

Some people are reluctant to use medication for a variety of reasons. While the higher doses of some drugs a person may be given in hospital may produce a very slowed down effect, this is generally not permanent. Doses will be reduced. However the decision to use or not use medication longer term is a very personal one and each individual needs to have an honest discussion with the health professionals involved in their care about the advantages (or disadvantages) of medication use.

Certain other non-prescribed drugs and selected medications may need to be avoided because these can have a detrimental effect and make the illness worse or even initiate an episode of mania or depression.
For the person with bipolar disorder


For the person with bipolar disorder

Doctors can do their job much better if you are honest and open with them. This involves giving good descriptions of your symptoms and side effects and letting them know when you are unhappy with your medication. If, for instance, you stop taking your medication for any reason, it is much better to let them know than to pretend to be taking it for fear of being told off or hurting their feelings. You should be aware it could be serious to stop your medication abruptly.

Medication is often not a quick fix. Frequently, different drugs and doses may need to be tried to get the best results.  These changes don’t mean your doctor has made a mistake or is confused. It may be because you respond differently from others, and what you need may change as your ability to manage your illness and/or your life circumstances changes.

If you have any concerns about the effects of medication you may be taking, discuss them with your doctor. It may be helpful to write down your concerns before you go, and you may wish to share them with someone you trust and take that person along with you for support. If there have been no episodes of mania or depression for a long time (for example, five years) you may request a review of the drug treatment. Some people can manage without medication.


Charges
Prescription charges vary continually as government health policies change and will continue to do so. Please consult your doctor and/or pharmacist for payment procedures and ask for the subsidies available on particular medications. Check with Work and Income (WINZ) about your eligibility for claiming a disability allowance to offset the cost of medication or other treatments.


Note
The medicines listed in this booklet are used in the treatment of mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder/manic depression, anxiety states, neurotic and psychotic conditions. Although listed according to their therapeutic class (most commonly used treatments) a particular medicine may be prescribed for a condition outside its particular class, possibly for an unrelated condition, e.g. pain, skin disorders, insomnia, nausea or vomiting. Check with your general practitioner (GP) if in doubt. For more information about medicines visit www.medsafe.govt.nz and www.pharmac.govt.nz. Also contact local pharmacies for their medication leaflets.