Can a guy not take Zyprexa, Effexor and Lithium and still function with this bipolar thing? My dad shot himself in Brentwood. He was one of your patients, don't know if you remember.

Anyways this no sex, the weight gain and the constant cost of this stuff is just too much so I am going to wean myself off of this stuff. Hope I don't hit a brick wall but it's gotta go. Anything out there for what is bi polar because I can't remember what was said yesterday so I think memory loss is a side effect also.

Can something simple like fruit juice work? Can you do brain transplants? I am game for anything so if you wanna do the cutting edge transplant, just yell.

-Allen

I do remember your Dad very well, and I am still sorry about his loss. The best advice you can obtain on your treatment is from your doctor or psychiatrist. I will provide you with some general comments that might help clarify some of your questions.

The answer to your question about the medication you take is not straight forward. Many patients require the mood stabilizing effects of Lithium and Zyprexa along with the antidepressant effect of Effexor. Unfortunately, both Lithium and Zyprexa can cause weight gain. If you are thirsty, only drink water, which might help the Lithium weight gain effect. Pop and fruit drinks have a large number of calories. An option with Zyprexa is eating protein like peanuts when you are hungry, rather than carbohydrates. If the Effexor is producing any mood instability, stopping it might diminish the need for the other mood stabilizers. I would assume that you require some of the medication you take (and maybe all of it) to remain well.

Fruit juice is not an answer, and neither is a brain transplant. I would agree with you that we need more options for people with bipolar disorder. Thanks for your question, and again I am sorry about your Dad.