Posted By atorturedsoul on September 1, 2010
All About Bipolar was honored as a 2010 Top Mental Disorder Blog! I was nominated by some of the wonderful people that read my blog. Thank you so much for all of your support!
Posted By atorturedsoul on August 13, 2010
FDA: Aseptic Meningitis Risk with Use of Seizure Drug Lamictal
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that the drug Lamictal (lamotrigine) can cause aseptic meningitis, an inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) that cover the brain and spinal cord not caused by bacterial infection. Aseptic meningitis has a number of causes including, but not limited to, viruses, toxic agents, some vaccines, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications, including Lamictal. Symptoms can include headache, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck and sensitivity to light. Hospitalization may be required for some patients with aseptic meningitis. The drug’s manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, will work with the FDA to update the prescribing information and patient medication guide for Lamictal to include this risk.
Lamictal is approved to treat seizures and bipolar disorder. Lamictal contains the active ingredient lamotrigine and is also sold as an orally disintegrating tablet (Lamictal ODT), a chewable, dispersible tablet (Lamictal CD), and as an extended release product (Lamictal XR).
For more information, please visit:
http://www.iguard.org/r/0A4zKwrMX0m
* * * *
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Although aseptic meningitis is a serious side effect of Lamictal, it is quite rare and symptoms usually improve or go away when the medicine is stopped. The benefits of this medicine will continue to outweigh the risks for most people. Please read the Medication Guide given to you each time you are dispensed your Lamictal. It will explain the risks and benefits of Lamictal. If you have any concerns about your benefits or risks from Lamictal, please discuss them with your doctor or other healthcare professional.
Please contact your healthcare professional right away if you experience headache, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, rash, abnormal sensitivity to light, drowsiness, or confusion while taking Lamictal. These could be early signs of aseptic meningitis.
You can report any side effects from the use of Lamictal or any other medicine to the FDA MedWatch program by phone at 1-800-332-1088; by fax at 1-800-332-0178; by mail at MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787; or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/medwatch
Posted By atorturedsoul on August 13, 2010
Congratulations, Mari! You are the lucky winner of a $25 Kroger gift card!
I have emailed you requesting the necessary information to send out your prize.
Thanks to everyone who entered! Check back often for the next giveaway at All About Bipolar!
Posted By atorturedsoul on August 11, 2010
Brandon Phillips of the Cincinnati Reds called the St. Louis Cardinals “whiny little bitches” before the series began. Game two started with a bang when Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina confronted Phillips as he stepped up to the plate in the first inning. The ensuing brawl had pitcher Chris Carpenter pinned against the backstop. Reds pitcher Cueto was also pinned and gave Cards catcher Jason LaRue a mild concussion and bruised ribs as he tried to kick his way out of the angry mob. After the teams went back to the bullpens, the game commenced with Phillips at bat. Phillips grounded out. Yadier Molina knocked out a home run when he stepped up to the plate in the second inning.
The Reds played one of their worst games after the confrontation ended–three errors and only six singles.
ESPN said:
“He (Phillips) dug in to lead off the bottom of the first and tapped his bat on Molina’s shin guard in a friendly gesture. Molina was taken aback. “The comment he made yesterday that he’s got no friends over here — then why you touch me?” Molina said. “You are not my friend, so don’t touch me. I mean, if we’re no good for you, you are not my friend.” The exchange turned angry. Phillips took off his helmet, Molina removed his mask. Both benches and bullpens emptied.”
Oh, this series was interesting. It was very interesting. Cardinals won the third game in the series to sweep the Reds. Adding to the hilarity, the team that Phillips dubbed as “whiny little bitches” knocked the Reds out of the first place position in the NL Central Division.
What can I say? There is only one thing that can be said. Brandon Phillips, this is for you.
Kharma just bitch-slapped you.
Oh, and way to go Colby! Rasmus pounded in a grand slam in the third game of the series. The boy has talent.
Posted By atorturedsoul on August 10, 2010
Amber says:
“What drives me nuts is that no one ever says how medication can interact with alcohol. I know that they can interact, some more than others, but I would like specifics so that I can make an informed decisions as to whether or not I’ll have a couple of glasses of wine. Self-medicating with alcohol is obviously a huge problem, but it’s in a different category.”
We all know alcohol is a depressant.
Tips for Managing Bipolar Disorder Medications:
“Reduce or discontinue the use of alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant and makes recovery even more difficult. It can also interfere with the way your medication works.”
Source: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Well, how does it interact with the medications?
Lithium
Drinking alcohol while taking lithium increases the risk of developing toxic lithium levels.
“Remember that alcoholic drinks can make you lose water overall. This is particularly important to bear in mind if you are on holiday abroad: you may feel like drinking more alcohol, and the weather may be hot so you sweat more.”
Source: Netdoctor.co.uk
Wellbutrin
Drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin can trigger seizures.
“Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin. Alcohol may increase your risk of a seizure while you are taking this medicine.”
Source: Drugs.com
Topamax
Drinking while taking Topamax can increase unwanted side effects.
“Alcohol may increase the severity of the side-effects of topiramate.”
Source: Psycom.net
DBS Alliance says:
“Substance abuse: Alcohol or illegal drug abuse may interfere with the treatment of depression or bipolar disorder. For example, alcohol reduces the effectiveness of some antidepressants. The combination of alcohol or drugs with your medication(s) may lead to serious or dangerous side effects. It can also be difficult to benefit from talk therapy if you are under the influence.”
Source: DBS Alliance
DBS Alliance also states that alcohol can cause interactions with these drugs:
Celexa®
Lexapro®
Luvox®
Paxil®
Prozac®
Zoloft®
Wellbutrin®
Wellbutrin- SR®
Remeron®
Anafranil®
Elavil®
Norpramin®
Pamelor®
Surmontil®
Tofranil®
Vivactil®
Asendin®
Ludiomil®
Symbyax®
Seroquel®
Topamax®
Zonegran®
Stelazine®
Mellaril®
At Health says:
“Alcohol (wine, beer, and hard liquor) or street drugs, may reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants and their use should be minimized or, preferably, avoided by anyone taking antidepressants. Some people who have not had a problem with alcohol use may be permitted by their doctor to use a modest amount of alcohol while taking one of the newer antidepressants. The potency of alcohol may be increased by medications since both are metabolized by the liver; one drink may feel like two.”
Source: At Health
At Health also says:
“It is wise to abstain from alcohol when taking benzodiazepines, because the interaction between benzodiazepines and alcohol can lead to serious and possibly life-threatening complications.”
Some popular benzodiazepines are:
Ativan
Klonopin
Xanax
Valium
Lunesta
Ambien
For a list of other benzodiazepines, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_benzodiazepines
I am sure I could find more information on the interactions of alcohol and medications used to treat bipolar disorder. This was just what I found in a couple of minutes. Aside from causing mood swings, alcohol can cause mildly annoying to potentially fatal side effects. It depends on the medication you are taking.
On a personal note, alcohol decreases the effectiveness of medications for me. It triggers mania, followed by depression. I take medication to avoid it, so I avoid alcohol because I take medication to prevent it.
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