In recent years there has been more and more discussion among the bipolar population about alternative treatment methods. Many are unhappy with the medication side effects they must endure - the fatigue, memory loss, weight gain and other effects combine to make the individual frustrated with following the treatment prescribed by their doctor. The book Prozac Free written by Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman and Robert Ullman, explains the use of homeopathic medicine in the treatment depression, anxiety and other mental and emotional problems. For regular depression they promise a way to throw away the antidepressant medication and live free of the sadness, and gloom of prescription medication, thus eliminating their side effects. Patients symptoms may be alleviated by alternative medicine, they may feel better, but may never be able to stop taking the lithium or other mood stabilizer they need.
Drug interactions can also occur.
The authors recommend consultation with both a homeopathic practitioner and the patient's own psychiatrist. Please read the reply by clicking on the link. Alternative treatment is not a panacea or a cure, any more than the conventional medications and treatments used today. In my search for further information about the practice and use of alternative medicine I found some very interesting web sites. Or visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine for issues, FAQs, and a way to search Medline for more alternative information.