These agents are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Bipolar is characterised by swings in mood between depression and mania.

The aim of these agents is to ‘stabilise’ the mood so that the flucations between moods are not severe or frequent.

Lithium Priadel, lithicarb

Sodium Valproate Epilm

Carbamazepine Tegretol, Teril

Patients taking lithium require regular blood tests to establish how much lithium is in the blood.

Tests to check thyroid function are also carried out regularly as lithium can effect thyroid function.

Excessive thirst

A need to pass urine regularly

Fine tremor of the hands

A number of other medication interact with lithium and so it is very important for patients to tell their doctor or pharmacist that they are on lithium before they take any other medications

.

SODIUM VALPROATE This medicine is also used for treatment of epilepsy.

Sedation - usually wears off over a short period of time

Nausea - usually wears off after a short period of time – may be reduced if the medicine is taken immediately after food

Weight gain

CARBAMAZEPINE This medicine is also used for the treatment of epilepsy.

Carbamazepine can cause a drop in the number of white blood cells (those responsible for fighting off infection). Consequently patients should be advised to have blood test if an infection develops

I hope this information is valuable , you may find your family member on this sort of

medication

DON’S COMMENT

Hi there. A few months ago, our daughter presented me with a wee birthday present. A delightful little book – small enough to slip into a shirt pocket – that contains a selection of quotations on Calm from the pens of some of the worlds most profound thinkers. And better still, is illustrated with miniatures of stunning paintings from the brushes of the truly great masters. It’s title is Words On Calm. A Helen Exeley Giftbook. And it’s a cracker. Indeed, for me at least, it’s an indispensable source of inspirational wisdom. So with your permission? I’ll give you two quotations:- ‘IF YOU CAN SPEND A PERFECTLY USELESS AFTERNOON IN A PERFECTLY USELESS MANNER, YOU HAVE LEARNED HOW TO LIVE.’ Lin Yutang 1895 – 1976. And the second:-

‘Happiness is as a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.’ Nathaniel Hawthorne 1804 – 1864. Both are particularly relevant to we caregivers, and I suspect that such practices can do nothing but good, eh? So why not give them a go, and learn to wallow – down in the hollow? – for the occasional hour of delicious, delightfully disgusting sloth. Can’t think of any injurious side-effects, and it’s got to be much easier on the pocket too.

Do you realise that it’s only three weeks to PROP’s Christmas Party at Thames R.S.A. in Queen St. It promises to be a genuine ‘bit of a do’, and I’m really looking forward to sharing it with all you old, and new acquaintances. Oh yes, and one things for sure, there’s no need to give me a farewell. I’m not leaving – abandoning ship – call it what you will. No way: this elderly rooster intends to be around for a wee while yet!!!!!

Hells teeth, I’d better get the old rear into gear, and e-mail this little lot to our delightful Christine, or she’ll be reading the riot act. I’m that laid back, I’m just about walking backwards to Christmas. Bye now – and hey,

don’t forget to indulge in an occasional idle afternoon…….