Edition for October 31, 2006
Welcome to the October 31, 2006 edition of carnival of depression, bipolar disorder, and mental health journeys!
Thanks to everyone for submitting your entries. Therapy Doc Linda Freedman asked an excellent question about bipolar disorder, putting some reality behind a “romanticized” notion of this devastating mental illness. I know people whose families were torn apart because of bipolar disorder. Jon Schnaars also highlights an important risk factor in taking psych meds - drug interactions can be dangerous and patients must be as proactive (if not more than) as doctors in asking about potential drug interactions. Read more
Seroquel Approved to Treat Manic and Depressive Episodes in Bipolar Disorder
Seroquel or quetiapine fumarate (manufactured by AstraZeneca) has received US FDA approval to treat both depressive and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. The benefit of one medication that can treat both the depressive and manic symptoms is that patients can adhere to (comply with) the medication regimen more easily. On the other hand, patients’ symptoms may still require additional medications if Seroquel could not adequately manage the constellation of symptoms of someone suffering from bipolar disorder. Even depressed patients can sometimes be on multiple medications besides an antidepressant. Read more
Blog Carnival October 17, 2006 Edition
Check out what you have submitted so far to the October 17, 2006 edition of carnival of depression, bipolar disorder, and mental health journeys. As you send new entries I will update this carnival. Thanks for everyone who have contributed! Read more