Bipolar II Treatment With Prozac

There are several types of bipolar disorder, including Bipolar Type II (or BPII), which is characterized by suffering at least one cycle of mania and then depression. One of the medications prescribed for the depressive phase is Prozac (fluoxetine).

Considerations

Using Prozac solely for Bipolar II is considered an off-label use. According to Eli Lilly, the makers of Prozac, the drug is not approved for use in BPII.

Combination

However, according to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), a drug that combines fluoxetine and the antipsychotic drug olanzapine (Symbyax) has been approved for bipolar disorder.

Dosage

According to the article "Bipolar Disorder Medication Spotlight: Prozac (Fluoxetine)" by Candida Fink, MD, the dosage of Prozac for bipolar patients can be anywhere from 20 to 80 milligrams per day, every day. Often this dose is higher during the depressive phase.

Controversy

Both Dr. Fink and NAMI state that Prozac's effectiveness on BPII patients are unknown because clinical studies have shown conflicting results.

Cautions

According to PsychNet-UK, any Bipolar II patients on antidepressants need to stay away from alcohol, illegal drugs and overuse of caffeine. These chemicals may greatly lessen their affects.

References

• National Alliance on Mental Illness: Bipolar Disorder
• PsychNet-UK: Bipolar II Disorder
• Psych Central: Bipolar Medication Spotlight: Fluoxetine (Prozac) by Candida Fink, MD

Resources

• Prozac Official Website
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• Symbyax Information

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