Before you go to your doctor's office, consider writing down questions to ask your doctor. Your doctor can help you with your treatment plan.

I don't feel right asking my doctor some questions.

• All questions could be important. Do not be afraid to speak up if you do not understand something.
• Call your doctor if you have any problems with your medicine or are not happy with your treatment plan.
• Consider asking someone you trust to join you for doctor visits. They can write down your doctor's answers.
• Don't be embarrassed to bring up more personal problems, like your sexual health. Your doctor is used to talking about these problems.

If you have trouble understanding what your doctor says:

• Ask for written information. Is it available in large print or another language?
• Here are some questions you may ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Some Questions to Ask My Doctor or Pharmacist:

• What is the name of the medicine and how will it help me?
• How and when do I take the medicine, and for how long?
• When and how do I refill my prescription?
• What do I do if I miss a dose?
• Will other nonprescription or prescription medicines affect my medicine for bipolar disorder?
• What foods or drinks may affect my medicine for bipolar disorder (like grapefruit, alcohol, etc.)?
• How can I make sure I get the exact medicine for bipolar disorder each time I get my prescription filled?
• What are the possible side effects? What should I do if I get them?

 

Other Tools

• My Medicine Schedule