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What Are The Side Effects Of Long Term Use Of Bipolar Medication?
Question: My father was having problem of bipolar behavior and he was prescribed some medicine for it , now it is about 1.5 year past since medicine started , and doctor suggested us that we have to continue medicine for life long . I want to get to check prescription and suggest me ,what is use of medicine mentioned and any side effect of these , as my father still fells slowness in mood.
Brief Answer:
I think he is right in continuing
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
Bipolar disorder is common relapsing remitting type of disorder in which every occuring episode makes person more vulnerable for further episodes. If he had only single episode till date a genuine attempt to withdraw medications from his prescription should be made. In case he had two or more episodes till date your doctor is perfectly right in choosing to continue medication. The medicine prescribed in case of your father is to prevent any such similar episodes.
Slowness of mood is common side effect of Divaa OD. In addition the slowness could be the part of bipolar disorder itself. In my view if the slowness is not too much the medication can be continued in current dose. There are some other side effects related to gastrointestinal function but if he he tolerating medication for last one and half year there is no need to worry about same. Having said this a six monthly liver function tests should be conducted to rule out any side effects.
The other two medicines in current dose are generally safe but can cause weight gain and other gastrointestinal side effects.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
I think he is right in continuing
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
Bipolar disorder is common relapsing remitting type of disorder in which every occuring episode makes person more vulnerable for further episodes. If he had only single episode till date a genuine attempt to withdraw medications from his prescription should be made. In case he had two or more episodes till date your doctor is perfectly right in choosing to continue medication. The medicine prescribed in case of your father is to prevent any such similar episodes.
Slowness of mood is common side effect of Divaa OD. In addition the slowness could be the part of bipolar disorder itself. In my view if the slowness is not too much the medication can be continued in current dose. There are some other side effects related to gastrointestinal function but if he he tolerating medication for last one and half year there is no need to worry about same. Having said this a six monthly liver function tests should be conducted to rule out any side effects.
The other two medicines in current dose are generally safe but can cause weight gain and other gastrointestinal side effects.
I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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