Zyprexa

Causes dramatic changes in energy, behavior and mood, from overly happy to sad and back, often with periods of normal mood in between.

The highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.

This can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance and suicide.

Treatment: Medicines known as mood stabilizers, such as Lithium and Depakote, can help people lead full and productive lives.

Other medicines can be added, when necessary, to treat episodes of mania or depression that break through despite the mood stabilizer.

Resources National Institute for Mental Health: Part of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md.; toll-free (866) 615-6464, www.nimh.nih.gov.

Sources: National Institute of Mental Health, National Center for Health Statistics, and Dr.

Ervin Thompson of Carolinas Medical Center-Randolph Road Behavioral Health Services.

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This is known as a "step therapy" requirement, and it was supposed to be waived during the first several months of the Medicare drug program.

But many drug plans are insisting on the requirement, said Galletta.

The start-up of Medicare's huge new drug program has been bumpy for tens of thousands of seniors, and in recent weeks more than 20 states, including Illinois, have stepped up to ensure that consumers continue to get their medication.

Another issue for nursing home residents is that early information indicates at least 100,000 of them nationwide somehow got lost in data exchanges and weren't assigned to a Medicare drug plan by Jan.

1, as expected, said Tom Clark, director of policy and advocacy for the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists.

If residents previously received their drugs through Medicaid-a joint state and federal health program for the poor-they shouldn't be charged substantial co-payments on drugs now.

But because of data issues, those co-payments are being billed in many cases.

"I have hundreds and hundreds of these charges sitting on my desk and accruing every day," said John Stoecklin at HealthOne of Southern Illinois, based in Marion.

-- jegraham@tribune.com Copyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune Site index News ...