Why does the same medication affect people differently?

In this episode of Bipolar Talk, Clement Baissat sits down with Dr. Leticia Shea, PharmD, a medication expert specializing in pharmacogenomics and precision medicine.

They discuss the role pharmacists can play in mental health care, from helping patients understand their prescriptions and side effects to identifying medication interactions and supporting better treatment decisions.

The conversation then moves into pharmacogenomics — the study of how our genes can influence the way we metabolize medications. Leticia explains how differences in genes such as CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 can affect how the body processes certain drugs, and how this knowledge could contribute to more personalized treatment.

Clement and Leticia also talk openly about bipolar disorder, depression, medication adherence, side effects, the challenges of stopping treatment, and why mental health care often needs to be personalized to the individual.

A conversation about medication, genetics, mental health, and the future of precision medicine.

🎙️ Bipolar Talk with Clement Baissat & Leticia Shea

Topics discussed:
• The role of pharmacists in mental health
• Medication management
• Side effects and drug interactions
• Bipolar disorder and depression
• Pharmacogenomics
• CYP2D6 & CYP2C19
• Precision medicine
• Personalized treatment
• Communicating with your psychiatrist, GP, and pharmacist

This episode is for educational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice. Speak with your healthcare professional before making changes to your medication.

⁠https://hopestage.com/research

What does long-term stability with bipolar disorder actually look like?

Michael Schneider has lived with bipolar disorder for decades—and has gone 26 years without another manic episode.

But getting there wasn't simple.

In this episode of Bipolar Talk, Michael shares the turning point that changed his relationship with bipolar disorder: learning to take ownership of his illness and becoming intentional about the habits that helped protect his stability.

We talk about sleep, medication, therapy, discipline, substances, early warning signs, asking for help, and the difficult reality of accepting that bipolar disorder doesn't simply disappear.

Michael also opens up about the years when he repeatedly cycled through hospitalization and recovery, why he once saw mania as exciting, and what finally made him realize that the pattern had to change.

We also explore:

• Why sleep can become an important warning sign
• How Michael built his personal “toolbox” for stability
• Why consistency matters
• The risks he associates with alcohol and drugs
• Why reaching out for help takes courage
• How stigma affects people living with bipolar disorder
• What Michael would tell his younger self
• What he wants newly diagnosed people to understand
• Whether stability is a skill or a personality trait

A candid conversation about bipolar disorder, responsibility, acceptance, hope, and building a sustainable life.

🎙️ Michael Schneider
🎤 Clement Baissat
🎧 Bipolar Talk

⁠https://hopestage.com/research

What does long-term stability with bipolar disorder actually look like?

Michael Schneider has lived with bipolar disorder for decades—and has gone 26 years without another manic episode.

But getting there wasn't simple.

In this episode of Bipolar Talk, Michael shares the turning point that changed his relationship with bipolar disorder: learning to take ownership of his illness and becoming intentional about the habits that helped protect his stability.

We talk about sleep, medication, therapy, discipline, substances, early warning signs, asking for help, and the difficult reality of accepting that bipolar disorder doesn't simply disappear.

Michael also opens up about the years when he repeatedly cycled through hospitalization and recovery, why he once saw mania as exciting, and what finally made him realize that the pattern had to change.

We also explore:

• Why sleep can become an important warning sign
• How Michael built his personal “toolbox” for stability
• Why consistency matters
• The risks he associates with alcohol and drugs
• Why reaching out for help takes courage
• How stigma affects people living with bipolar disorder
• What Michael would tell his younger self
• What he wants newly diagnosed people to understand
• Whether stability is a skill or a personality trait

A candid conversation about bipolar disorder, responsibility, acceptance, hope, and building a sustainable life.

🎙️ Michael Schneider
🎤 Clement Baissat
🎧 Bipolar Talk

⁠https://hopestage.com/research