There is no cure for BD but, with proper therapy, people with this disease can lead stable and productive lives. Bipolar disorder will not get better without medical treatment.
Self-care without medical treatment is not recommended. Self-care measures are not effective in relieving symptoms or preventing harmful behavior.
Treatment of bipolar disorder centers on (1) medications to stabilize mood swings and (2) counseling with a therapist. However, therapy is more successful with strong support from family and loved ones.
Medications don't always work the first time and may need to be changed many times until the right medication or combination of medicines is found.
Those people who are a danger to themselves or others will have their medications started in the hospital and will remain there until they are able to control their emotions enough to function at home.
Not all episodes are serious enough to require hospitalization. Many people can be treated as outpatients.
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Bipolar Nose Test for Better Care
Bipolar disorder produces extreme mood swings that can be debilitating. Researchers think the nose's "smell" cells may lead to better care. See more WebMD Videos »
Cymbalta is approved for the treatment of depression.
Important Safety Information
Cymbalta® (duloxetine HCl) is approved for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder, and for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia.
Patients on antidepressants and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, restlessness, or extreme hyperactivity. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have thoughts of suicide or if any of these symptoms are severe or occur suddenly. Be especially observant within the first few months of antidepressant treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.
You should not take Cymbalta if:
Before starting Cymbalta, tell your healthcare provider:
While taking Cymbalta, tell your healthcare provider:
If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Cymbalta.
The most common side effect of Cymbalta was nausea. For most people who had it, the nausea was mild to moderate. Other common side effects included dry mouth, sleepiness, constipation, decreased appetite, and, increased sweating. This is not a complete list of side effects.
Bipolar disorder, or manic-depressive illness (MDI), is one of the most common, severe, and persistent mental illnesses.
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