I want to switch my meds and I'm seeing my psych tomorrow

[Veritas_et_Aequitas]

Right now I'm on Effexor XR and Lithium for bipolar and take trazadone for sleep. I don't have any real complaints about the Effexor, but the Lithium is making me nervous. I've been on it for 5 years now and I know it's not good to take long-term.

Do any of you have experience with alternatives to Lithium? The only one I've tried is Abilify, and that didn't work well with me (colors moved). Anything you all could share would be really appreciated.

Thanks.

[MrMonk]

1. My pDoc substituted Lamictal for lithium

Lithium started to make me nauseous. Lamictal is much more expensive,however, even as a generic.

[Veritas_et_Aequitas]

2. Thanks for the input.

[amyrose2712]

3. My boyfriend is on Depakote...

he has never been on Lithium so we can not compare. But, it has helped him tremendously. However, I think there are some side effects. He has to get liver function tests often. But, also with the Depakote he takes Lexapro 10 mg and Seroquel to sleep. They have all worked very well for him. We have been together 13 years. He is much HAPPIER and LESS manic. He still cycles a bit, no where near what he was. Good luck hope you find the right combo!

Edited to add: Depakote is also pretty costly.

[mopinko]

4. isn't depakote available as a generic?

my daughter took it for a while, and i thought it was available as a generic. it works well for a lot of people.

[amyrose2712]

5. Actually, there is for the regular Depakote, not Depakote ER,

which is what he takes, my mistake.

[mopinko]

6. aahhh.

now i remember. always a way for them to keep the price high, isn't there.
yes, my daughter was on both because her compliance was bad, so they tried the er. i think it was a 3 times a day pill. which sounds like nothing to doctors.