Hi,
Hope you’re ok today.
You know how much I talk about medications and your loved one, and how you need to make sure they stay on their medications, right?
Well, I’ve had so many supporters write me to tell me their loved ones struggle with side effects from their medications that I decided to offer some suggestions on what you can do to help them with some of these side effects.
In my courses/systems below:
SUPPORTING AN ADULT WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
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http://www.bipolarsupporter.com/report11
SUPPORTING A CHILD/TEEN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER?
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http://www.bipolarparenting.com
HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER?
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http://www.survivebipolar.net
I have a whole section on all the side effects of bipolar medications and what to do about them, but here I’ll just go over the most common ones.
DRY MOUTH
This is one of the biggest side effects of bipolar medication. One of the things your loved one can do is to chew gum or suck on hard candy (make sure, if they have diabetes, that it’s sugarless candy, though).
Another thing is that your loved one can do to help with dry mouth is that they can suck or chew on ice chips.
NAUSEA
Another common side effect is nausea, and what they can do about this is to take their medication with food, or to eat a few crackers or a dry piece of toast.
If your loved one takes their medication in the morning or during the day, some doctors even tell their patients to take their medication at night instead if nausea is a bad problem for them.
WEIGHT GAIN
Unfortunately, this is a common problem with bipolar medication. The best way to combat this problem is with a proper diet and a good exercise program.
Other people have changed medications to other types of medications that do not make you gain weight, or at least as much weight as other medications.
However, I am NOT a doctor, and cannot advise you in this regard. All I can tell you is to contact your loved one’s doctor if they are having a problem with their weight because of their medication.
FATIGUE
If this is a problem for your loved one, have them talk to their doctor about it, so that the doctor can have your loved one take their medication at night instead of in the morning or during the day.
In most cases, you will find the doctor to be very cooperative, and this will solve the problem.
CONSTIPATION/DIARRHEA
If your loved one experiences either of these problems, over-the-counter medications are probably best.
If constipation or diarrhea continue to be a problem, however, it is best to contact their doctor for advice.
NOTE: These are just common side effects to bipolar medications.
If your loved one experiences any serious side effects like heart problems or problems breathing, contact their doctor right away, as they may be having a reaction to the medication.
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David Oliver is the author of the shocking guide “Bipolar Disorder—The REAL Silent Killer.” Click Here to get FREE Information sent via email on how and why bipolar disorder kills.