Q. I am bi polar and BPD. I am having a hard time finding medication that does not hurt me. Depakote and now lithium has lowered my thyroid level and among other symptoms my hair is falling out. he has me on 200 mg of Seroquel but may have to take me off lithium which was helping. he is waiting to see if 600mg of lithium will not hurt. what does a bipolar do if they can't tolerate necessary medication.

  A. Finding the right medications is difficult for some. Other options are available. Lithium causes decreases in thyroid. The Depakote is causing your hair to fall out. Other options are Tegretol (may sedate), Lamictal (may cause tremor and mild sedation), Neurontin (mild sedation), and Topamax (mild sedation but it causes weight loss, not gain).

Likewise, you may benefit from only being on an antidepressant depending on the type of illness you have. Go over all the options with your doctor.