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Britney Spears — who an insider says has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder — is being treated with a combination of four different medications, Life & Style reports.
Two of them, Risperdal and Seroquel, are powerful anti-psychotics that help to improve manic episodes. She’s also taking the laxative Correctol to help with constipation, a side effect of the Risperdal. Finally, Britney takes the sleep aid Rozerem.
And to the relief of her family, Britney hasn’t been putting up a fight about taking them. “She’s doing it willingly,” says the insider. But while her family remains hopeful the drugs will work, Dr. Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist who doesn’t treat Brit, worries that the star’s strange behavior is a sign of trouble. “Too many medications can increase the risk of side effects,” Dr. Lieberman explains. “One possible side effect is acting like a zombie.”
Of course, for Britney, that still may be an improvement over her previous out-of-control mood swings. And her family remains adamant that she follow her doctor’s orders, says the insider, who adds, “She’s getting closer to her old self every day.”
WHAT’S HELPING BRIT GET BETTER
Risperdal: Britney’s taking 6 milligrams a day of this anti-psychotic, which is used to treat bipolar mania and schizophrenia in adults. It’s recommended that patients don’t drive while using it.
Correctol: Britney takes a laxative to help combat constipation, a common side effect of the Risperdal.
Rozerem: Britney has agreed to take a sleep aid every other night to help her rest. The nights she doesn’t take it, her father sits up with her, says an insider.
Seroquel: She also takes 600 milligrams a day of a second anti-psychotic that’s commonly used to treat bipolar disorder by regulating chemicals in the brain.
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