Information provided in the “Ask the Doctors” column is not meant to take the place of individual consultation with a qualified health care provider. See your health care provider to discuss specific questions about your health, medication and treatment plan.

Question: There are many medications that people with mood disorders should avoid because of their potential to trigger an episode. Can you explain how to know which medications to avoid?

David L. Dunner, M.D.: If you have taken a medication and had a manic or depressive episode, it is probably best to avoid that medication. I say “probably” because the manic or depressive episode may not have been caused by the medication, your illness may be simply following its natural course.

People with bipolar I disorder are sensitive to dopamine agents (L-DOPA, bromocriptine, many stimulants) and may experience mania due to the use of such medications. In general, these medications should be avoided or used with caution and a mood stabilizer should be added. Depressive episodes can be triggered by many antihypertensives (high blood pressure medications). Hormones can also frequently affect moods.

If you are seeing more than one doctor for more than one illness, make sure all your doctors know all the medications you are taking, and encourage them to share information with one another. Make a list all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter and “natural”/herbal supplements. This will help you avoid medication interactions and stay aware of any side effects that may be interfering with your mood disorder treatment. Ask your pharmacist for written information about your medications.

More Medication information
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html
www.DBSAlliance.org/bookstore/FPOM.html

Dr. Dunner is Director of the Center for Anxiety and Depression and Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington.