Bipolar Medications Adherence:
How to Help
For patients suffering from bipolar disorder, it's not uncommon that they
don't take medications as prescribed. There are many reasons for this. Some
medications can cause unpleasant side effects in some patients. Treatment
may not be effective, or may be perceived as not effective by the patient.
Patients may miss the "high" feeling that comes with manic episodes.
Bipolar patients who have substance abuse problems are much less like to take their
medication.
Bipolar patients may not view themselves as ill, especially during an
episode. This is, perhaps, the greatest obstacle to medication compliance
among some patients. Someone who does not think they are sick can hardly be
expected to take medication.
If medication noncompliance is a problem for your loved one, consider
these steps:
- Ask your loved one's health care professional for specific advice.
- Explain that taking medication regularly can help reduce the
severity and duration of a manic episode.
- Investigate psychotherapy options. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for
example, has been shown to improve medication compliance in bipolar
disorder patients and help them better cope with stress.
- If side effects are a problem for your loved one, ask his or her
health care professional about changing medications, reducing dosage,
and/or treating side effects.
- Simplify your loved one's medication regimen by using a pill
organizer.
- If appropriate, think about giving your loved one
incentives/positive reinforcement for taking medications.
Sponsored message: If you are taking Seroquel, have you visited our handy Tools section yet?
In our tools section you will find some easy-to-use tools that may help
you and your loved one:
- Keep track of medication — Medication Reminder Calendar
- Monitor symptoms and side effects, and set lifestyle and
productivity goals — Progress Diary
- Track moods and medications — Mood Tracking Diary
- Gather important information about treatment, progress and goals —
Health Care Professional Questions
Managing medications can be confusing and difficult.
These tips may help.
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