Expert: Libby Bonner - 11/7/2006

Question
I meant to say marriage not magic.  I was reading that the paxil is an antidepressant which deals with the depressive end of bipolar but the infidelity problem lies in the manic side. I read about depakote and lithium helping with the manic side.  What do you think?  If you concur, can both be taken together?
thank you
Daniel  
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I have been suffering with mild bipolar all my life. the worst problem is infidelity.  i am presently on paxil. it helps with the other symptoms.  what can i use to eliminate the infidelity problem - it is killing off my magic.
thank you
daniel finn
-----Answer-----
Paxil is your only med?  Who prescribes it - family doc? psychiatrist?

Pls clarify:  in what way is the infidelity problem killing off your magic?

Answer
I am not a doc, so my opinions are from observations and conversations w/ many consumers and families

If you are bipolar, the most usual treatment would be w/ lithium or perhaps lamictal.  They could, in fact, be used together.....or can even be supplemented by other drugs like Depakote, Tegretal, or even some of the atypical antipsychotics.  

Antidepressants are used cautiously w/ bipolars; they can trigger mania.....so are usually started at low doses, when used, and monitored carefully.

Hope you and your wife will use good online resources to get well-informed about your diagnosis and about the meds used to treat it.

Thank you for writing.