Herbal Therapies

A number of herbal remedies are available for the treatment of depression, sleep, memory difficulties and anxiety, symptoms frequently experienced in Bipolar Disorder. People are often tempted to use herbal treatments for illness because they do not think of them as medications. However, herbal therapies are medications and they can interact with a number of the medications used to treat Bipolar Disorder. They can increase the risk of developing a manic episode or the risk of heart arrhythmias. It is important not to combine St. John?s Wart or any other herbal remedy with prescribed medications without talking with your physician and your pharmacist. Prescription medications have more research studies carried out with them and better controlled studies which generally make them safer treatment choices.

References
Dopheide, J. (2005) Bipolar Disorder Managing the Ups and Downs of a Complex Illness. The Rx Consultant; 24(3):1-9
2. Naidoo, S. (2006) Bipolar Disorder. Pharmacy Practice; 22(8): 1-8