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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 hours, 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 diagnose 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 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® (lamotrigine) Tablets Prescription LAMICTAL Tablets are not for everyone. Most people who take LAMICTAL tolerate it well. Common side effects with LAMICTAL include dizziness, headache, blurred or double vision, lack of coordination, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremor, and rash. LAMICTAL may cause other side effects not listed here. If you develop any side effects or symptoms you are concerned about, or if you need more information, call your doctor. Although most patients who develop a rash while receiving LAMICTAL have mild to moderate symptoms, some individuals may develop a serious skin reaction that requires hospitalization. It is not possible to predict whether a mild rash will develop into a more serious reaction. Rarely, deaths have been reported. These serious skin reactions are most likely to happen within the first 8 weeks of treatment with LAMICTAL. Serious skin reactions occur more often in children than in adults. Rashes may be more likely to occur if you: (1) take LAMICTAL in combination with valproate [brand names are Depakene®* (valproic acid) and Depakote®* (divalproex sodium)], (2) take a higher starting dose of LAMICTAL than your doctor prescribed, or (3) increase your dose of LAMICTAL faster than prescribed. If you experience any of the following with or without a skin rash, tell your doctor immediately: hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, or swelling of lips or tongue. These symptoms may be the first signs of a serious reaction. A doctor should evaluate your condition and decide if you should continue taking LAMICTAL. Serious blood problems or liver problems have been reported with LAMICTAL, so tell your doctor if you develop symptoms such as unusual bruising or bleeding, severe muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and/or frequent infections. You should not take LAMICTAL if you had an allergic reaction to it in the past. Always check that you receive LAMICTAL. Some patients prescribed LAMICTAL have been given the wrong medicine in error. Taking the wrong medication can cause serious health problems. When your healthcare provider gives you a prescription for LAMICTAL, make sure that both you and your pharmacist can read it clearly. Compare the tablets in the pill bottle to those pictured in the Patient Information leaflet that comes with your prescription. |
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