Q. I have bipolar disorder. What are the lifestyle changes I can do to improve my mood?
Hello doctor,
I am a 35 year old male. I am suffering from a bipolar affective disorder. Currently, I take Magnesium Valproate 400 mg BD with Amisulpride 100 mg HS. My overall mental health remains stable with the above-said dose of medicines. But, in spite of that, I have had anxiety in the past. I always want to be in bed, talk as less as possible with my family, and remain busy with my gadgets. I do not get actual sexual pleasure despite having erotic thoughts all day. My motivation levels are low. I do not spend quality time with wife any longer. I have been taking medicines for the last six years. If this dose is changed, I have so many other problems. So, I stick to this, so that my sleep and appetite remain good. Please suggest me the needful.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern. You are suffering from bipolar disorder and are on Magnesium Valproate and Amisulpride.
- The dose of Valproate is good and I hope you are stable with this dose. If your mood is stable and you are functioning normally at this dose, then there is no need to change this drug.
- You are also on 100 mg of Amisulpride. In a lot of individuals, the drug is known to cause sexual side effects like a poor erection, reduced libido, etc. Since you have symptoms like reduced sexual pleasure and poor motivation, we can consider reducing the dose. A low dose of Amisulpride like 50 mg will not cause sexual side effects and will help in curbing negative symptoms like reduced motivation, drowsiness, and poor social interaction. This will definitely help you.
Thanks and take care.
For more information consult a psychiatrist online --> https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/psychiatrist
Thank you doctor,
Other than medications, what can I do regarding life style changes and food habits to help me out?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I suggest the following lifestyle and diet modifications:
- Exercise every day and spend at least half an hour in a strenuous workout. This will release endorphins and lift your mood.
- Take a diet rich in complex carbohydrates and proteins, and low in fats and refined carbohydrates. This will help improve the serotonergic transmission of the brain and improve your mood.
- Supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and folate contribute to reducing the symptoms and improve the functioning.
- Foods like flax seeds, hazelnuts, walnuts, salmon, and sardine are rich in omega fatty acids and thus help in improving the mood.
Follow this, and you will see improvement in yourself. Thanks and take care.
For more information consult a psychiatrist online --> https://icliniq.com./ask-a-doctor-online/psychiatrist
Hi doctor,
When I reported to my consultant psychiatrist with the above complaint, he added Sertraline, an antidepressant, which I am taking since two weeks in lower dose 12 mg once a day. But my problem has not gone. I am fatigued, always tired, speaks less and feel no energy. When will I get rid of these medications? My family life is spoiling. I am also taking 400 mg Valproate BD and Amisulpride 100 mg. Should I continue antidepressants for longer periods to see a better result? Since my last episode before six years, I never used antidepressants. I used only Valproate and Amisulpride. I want to know how much time I have to take these medications. Please elaborate your ideas on issues.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The symptoms you have mentioned like poor motivation, like to remain bedridden, decreases social interaction and reduced energy, etc., are symptoms of depression. Sertraline 12.5 (I guess) is a very low dose and would not help much in symptoms. Increasing the dose might increase the risk of the manic switch.
- In that case, we can think of adding drugs like Lamotrigine. Lamotrigine is a mood stabilizer and an antidepressant of choice in bipolar depression. The drug will keep your symptoms under control and will reduce the depressive symptoms.
- You can start with a low dose like 25 mg and the dose can be increased after around two weeks. The drug does not cause sexual side effects.
- In the meantime, the dose of Amisulpride can be reduced to 50 mg per day. This dose adjustment will help to keep your symptoms under control.
For further doubts consult a psychiatrist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/psychiatrist
Was this answer helpful?
|Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions:
Brain Stimulation Techniques in Psychiatry
ECT is also used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant schizophrenia ... It should be noted that ECT is particularly effective against the positive symptoms of schizophrenia... Read full
Taking medicines for bipolar disorder, but unable to sleep. Is there any suggestions?When i go to the toilet i pass my stool and then when i wipe there is blood on the tissue Read full
How long do I have to continue medicine for bipolar disorder?When i go to the toilet i pass my stool and then when i wipe there is blood on the tissue Read full
Also Read Answers From:
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
Also Read
Coronavirus Variant Arcturus: | Omicron XBB.1.16 Variant
Arcturus is an emerging variant of the Omicron virus that causes various symptoms and spreads rapidly across the world. ... Read more»
Adrenaline Rush - Symptoms, Causes, Effects, and How to Control
Adrenaline is a hormone responsible for fight or flight response. It is also a neurotransmitter and medicine. It is also... Read more»
Fatty Liver - Types, Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment
The liver is the largest gland in the body. Its primary function is to process the food and drinks we consume. and filte... Read more»
Ask your health query to a doctor online?
Ask a Psychiatrist Now* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.
