What is the newer drug for bipolar disorder?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been on and off medicines for bipolar disorder for years, but lately, the depression spells are hitting harder. I am 45 years old and holding down a job, but it is like I go completely numb for days. Getting out of bed’s a battle, and then out of nowhere, I shall swing into this hyper-productive mode where I barely sleep. My current medicines (Quetiapine and Lamotrigine) do not seem to be keeping things steady anymore. I have not told my boss or family how bad it has gotten. Is there something newer I could try for the depressive side without triggering mania? What about those newer combo meds or ketamine stuff people talk about? Is it risky to switch meds if I am still somewhat functioning?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I understand your concern.

As per your mentioned symptoms and history, I think you are going through the bipolar depression phase. Do not switch medicines directly; otherwise, mania or severe depression may occur. So, you can gradually introduce new medicines and withdraw previous medicines if they are not effective. Ketamine (a dissociative anesthetic) will be helpful temporarily to come out of the depression phase.

Yes, you can try new medicines like Cariprazine (a drug for psychological diseases) for bipolar disorder. Other old medicines like lithium will help in such a situation.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.