Bipolar disorder
Scientific research shows that during manic episodes, the patient has higher activity of NMDA receptors and dopamine receptors. After the manic episodes, the activity returns to normal.
The patient has persistently lower activity of serotonin and adrenaline alpha-2 receptors, and lower activity of GABA receptors during both manic and depressive episodes.
The patient has higher activity of adrenaline receptors permanently during both manic and depressive episodes.
If we were to follow the philosophy that the activity of receptors in a bipolar patient should return to normal, then the ideal combination of drugs for a bipolar patient is:
- SSRIs (serotonin receptors)
- guanfacine (alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, adrenaline level)
- Lamotrigine (NMDA and GABA receptors)
- or Sulpiride only during manic episodes (dopamine receptors)
- SSRI can be replaced by tryptophan, but it is not possible to combine both.
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