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Bipolar Disorder GlossaryAcuteA disease or condition that occurs suddenly and does not usually last for a long time, but could produce strong symptoms. Adverse event (see also "side effect") Any effect caused by a medication or therapy other than the reason for which it was prescribed. It may or may not be expected. Anticonvulsant/Antiepileptic medication Medications used to control or prevent seizures; some of these medications also are used to treat symptoms of bipolar disorder and other conditions. Antidepressant medication Medication used to treat depression and other conditions. Usually not used alone to treat depression in bipolar disorder. Antipsychotic medication Medication mostly used to treat psychosis (for example, seeing things or hearing voices that are not actually there). Also commonly used to treat mania. Bipolar disorder Also known as manic depression, an illness that can cause extreme shifts in thoughts, energy, mood, and behavior; a person's mood may swing between "highs" (mania) and "lows" (depression); in between mood swings, a person may have few or no symptoms. Bipolar I disorder (BP I) The most common type of bipolar disorder. This condition is associated with one or more manic or mixed episodes. It may also include one or more major depressive episodes. Bipolar II disorder (BP II) A type of bipolar disorder. This condition is associated with one or more major depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes. Chronic A disease or condition that is long-lasting. Cyclothymia A mood disorder in which a person may have repeated periods of mild depression and periods of normal or slightly elevated mood. Depression A condition of feeling sadness that may include symptoms such as hopelessness, loss of appetite, sleep disruption, anxiety, low energy, poor concentration, inability to feel pleasure, and thoughts of suicide. Depression may also be a symptom of different conditions. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) A form of treatment for severe mania or depression. It can also help people who do not do well with medication. Episode In bipolar disorder, a period of either mania or depression that may last for days, weeks, or even months. Hallucination Something seen, heard, felt, tasted, or smelled that is not really there. Hypomania A milder version of mania. Major Depressive Disorder (see also "Unipolar depression") A specific disorder of feeling extreme sadness, for at least 2 weeks or more, that may include symptoms such as hopelessness, loss of appetite, sleep disruption, anxiety, low energy, poor concentration, inability to feel pleasure, and thoughts of suicide. Mania An excited mood that may result in mental and physical hyperactivity, disorganized thoughts, and erratic behavior; symptoms may include an extreme feeling of well being, irritability, racing thoughts, less need for sleep, rapid speech, impulsiveness, recklessness, and in severe cases, psychosis and hallucinations. Manic depression Another name for bipolar disorder. Mixed state An episode in which symptoms of both mania and depression are present. Paranoia A mental state characterized by suspiciousness, hostility, extreme sensitivity to rejection, and self-importance. Placebo A substance containing no medication that is used as a control in an experiment to determine the effectiveness of a medication; also called a "sugar pill." Psychiatrists Physicians who specialize in evaluating and treating mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders; they are medical doctors (MDs) who can prescribe medications. Psychologists Specialists who are skilled in the science of the mind and behavior; they are not medical doctors (MDs), but are trained to treat mental illness and provide psychotherapy. Psychopharmacologists Usually psychiatrists (medical doctors) who are specifically trained to study the effect of medications on the mind and behavior. Psychotherapists Individuals (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers) who are practitioners of psychotherapy, also called "talk therapy" or counseling. Psychosis A symptom, state, or condition that may include delusions, hallucinations, unreasonable fears, withdrawing from friends and family, and problems with concentration. Psychotherapy Also known as "talk therapy" or counseling; involves regular conversations with a trained mental health professional and can be combined with medication to treat various types of psychiatric (mental) illness, such as bipolar disorder. Racing thoughts A symptom of mania in which a person has uncontrollable and quickly changing thoughts and ideas. Rapid cycling A variation of bipolar disorder in which a person switches more quickly between symptoms of depression and mania or hypomania, experiencing 4 or more episodes within a year. Side effect (see also "adverse event") Any effect caused by a medication or therapy other than the reason for which it was prescribed. It may or may not be expected. Unipolar depression (see also "Major Depressive Disorder") A specific disorder of feeling extreme sadness, for at least 2 weeks or more, that may include symptoms such as hopelessness, loss of appetite, sleep disruption, anxiety, low energy, poor concentration, inability to feel pleasure, and thoughts of suicide. |
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Important Safety Information about LAMICTAL and LAMICTAL ODT Prescription LAMICTAL Tablets are not for everyone. LAMICTAL ODT is another form of LAMICTAL. LAMICTAL may cause a serious skin rash that may cause you to be hospitalized or to stop LAMICTAL; it may rarely cause death. There is no way to tell if a mild rash will develop into a more serious reaction. These serious skin reactions are more likely to happen when you begin taking LAMICTAL, within the first 2-8 weeks of treatment. But it can happen in people who have taken LAMICTAL for any period of time. Children between 2 to 16 years of age have a higher chance of getting this serious skin reaction while taking LAMICTAL. The risk of getting a rash is higher if taking LAMICTAL while taking valproate [Depakene* (valproic acid) or Depakote* (divalproex sodium)], taking a higher starting dose of LAMICTAL than a healthcare provider prescribed or increasing the dose of LAMICTAL faster than prescribed. LAMICTAL can also cause other types of allergic reactions or serious problems which may affect organs and other parts of your body like the liver or blood cells. You may or may not have a rash with these types of reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following: a skin rash, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around your eyes, swelling of your lips or tongue, yellowing of your skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, severe fatigue or weakness, severe muscle pain or frequent infections. These symptoms may be the first signs of a serious reaction. A healthcare provider should examine you to decide if you should continue taking LAMICTAL. LAMICTAL may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call a healthcare provider right away if you have worsening depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts or actions about suicide or self-harm, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you (see Medication Guide). You should not take LAMICTAL if you have had an allergic reaction to lamotrigine or to any of the inactive ingredients. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, blurred or double vision, lack of coordination, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremor, rash, fever, abdominal pain, back pain, tiredness, and dry mouth. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you have any changes in your menstrual pattern, such as breakthrough bleeding, while taking LAMICTAL and birth control pills. These are not all the possible side effects of LAMICTAL. Always check that you receive LAMICTAL or LAMICTAL ODT Patients prescribed LAMICTAL have sometimes been given the wrong medicine because many medicines have names similar to LAMICTAL, so always check that you receive LAMICTAL. Taking the wrong medication can cause serious health problems. When your healthcare provider gives you a prescription for LAMICTAL or LAMICTAL ODT, make sure you can read it clearly. Talk to your pharmacist to check that you are given the correct medicine. Each time you fill your prescription, check the tablets you receive against the pictures of the tablets in the Medication Guide that comes with your prescription.
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