I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER MANY YEARS AGO. I

Posted on Tue, 15 Jan 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER MANY YEARS AGO. I HAVE HAD FOUR DIFFERENT DOCTORS OVER THE COURSE OF 35 YEARS .THE FIRST PUT ME ON WELLBUTRIN AND NEURONTIN.THE SECOND PUT ME ON LITHIUM AND AND KLOZONAPAM FOR OVER 20 OF THOSE YEARS (HATED LITHIUM IT SEEMED TO DEADEN MY SPIRIT AS A PERSON). THE THIRD PUT ME ON LAMICTAL,RIDALIN,KLOSONAPAM AND SERAQUIL. MY LIFE I'MEDIATELY CHANGED .I BECAME BETTER AT MY JOB AND MY ARTISTICNESS CAME OUT FROM MY MOTHER'S SIDE OF THE FAMILY.I ACTUALLY WAS CON SIDDERED QUIT GOOD .THE FOURTH TOOK ME OF THE RIDALIN AND THE KLOZONAPAM. I'M OBVIOUSLY NOT AS PRODUCTIVE BUT HE BELIEVES RIDALIN AND KLOZONAPAM ISBAD FOR YOU.WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Details about Ritalin and Clonazepam are explained below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I understand your concern.

Ritalin is mainly used to treat hyperactivity disorders.

In bipolar disorder Ritalin can induce mania.

So, I agree with your last doctor who informed that Ritalin is not recommended in this condition due to side effects.

Clonazepam can be used in bipolar disorders as an additional treatment to reduce the anxiety that can inflict mood swings.

It can be used only when needed, so it is not intended for long-term use.

So, to conclude, I agree with the fact that both medications are not used to treat primarily bipolar disorder.

They should be used only under the supervision and when prescribed by a Psychiatrist for a short term use.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee