Bipolar-When do you call?

Question

I haven't really slept in a couple days, I haven't been doing anything dangerous or anything maybe a little spending and have been alternating between very depressed and then very outgoing so not sure since normally my mixed episodes are bit different. My question is, sine I have never really called my doctor for anything although I have been back and forth hopelessly crying, when am do you normally call? Or better when are you supposed to? What do most people do? I don't think I am at a point that I need to be hospitalized or anything. I finally took my "as needed" Risperdal and so far it hasn't worked, but I figure I would give it more time. What should I do? What would you do?

Answer 1

All docs are diff, but if I were your doc, I'd call NOW.  My PMD would chew me out if I didn't call him if I were like that.  If you have one of those 'call 911 if this is an emergency' pdocs, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Have you tried Seroquel?  You'll get your sleep and appetite back immediately (which is half the battle).  It's an anti-psychotic, that Stanford Univ. Clinics used to shove down my throat at every opportunity.  It also has anti-depressive qualities, but can slow down the metabolism a bit.  Through your doctor may say otherwise, for me 1/4 of a pill will knock me out in short order (and it gives me the munchies).

Now, I'm also on Lithium and Lamictal, as well as Ritalin and Kolnopin.  Kolnopin is great, and takes care of those anxious times.  Don't have any experience with your other meds.  I'm just looking at this as a "sleep and food are half the battle" perspective.  

See what your doc says about Seroquel for your symptoms.  Unless you're diabetic, you should be able to take a small amount.

I wish you the very best of luck, and I hope this helps you at least a bit.

Answer 2

im wondering why they gave you risperdal to take "as needed" when my son went on it, the doctor said it would take up to a month for the levels to build up in his blood so it could work. maybe your doctor isnt as familiar with this condition as he should be. if he isnt, then ask him to refer you to a psyciatrist that would be more informed. it doesnt make sense if you are bi-polar, and they dont have you on medicine that you take on a daily basis- risperdal included. i always called the doctor when his behaviour became increasingly bizzare- either too high or too low.  

Answer 3

Get an appt. and simply tell the dr. the same thing you telling us. This is exactly how we all make appts and tell the dr. what we are experience.

Answer 4

have you ever actually been diagnosed bipolar? call the doc n let him know whats happenin

Answer 5

check to see if you can mix sleeping medications with your risperdal  

Answer 6

I was always intimidated by calling the Dr. but he said to call whenever needed and then he would give me direction to either go to the hospital or what not. I would recommend if you dont want to call the Dr. go to the emergency room and tell them that you are rapid cycling and either going into mania or severe depression and you are scared, they will call your Dr. or decide what to do. Dont be ashamed of feeling like this

Answer 7

I was diagnosed as BP about 15 years ago, any good doctor wants to know about a change in his patient. If you had chest pain or an increase in blood pressure you would call your internist, it's the same with mental health.

When symptoms change in bipolar, it means things are usually going to get worse before they get better.

If it was your child you would call, treat yourself with the same love and respect.

Call your doctor, that is what he is there for.

Answer 8

Shudder. Hardly any sleep in two days... Honey, I'd be MANIC after 24 hrs without sleep.

You should call the doc. Sleeping pills help tremendously. They are the ONLY way I can force my body to shut down when manic.

Don't create a new outer limit with your Bipolar condition. If I had never went nearly 10 days with very little sleep, I never would have gone horrendously manic and been hospitalized. Now, my body seems to think that outer limit is an acceptable destination and I have to work hard to keep the limit in a narrow band.

Answer 9

As a doctor and bipolar patient, I would recommend telling your doctor you are having this episode. Episodes are usually a time to think about the current medication regime and make adjustments. You don't need to be hospitalized for this. You mention you have had mixed episodes and you might be experiencing one right now. Mixed episodes are dangerous and should be kept in check. Also ask your friends and family to keep an eye on you. And you could be taking the Risperdal (which is a mood-stabilizing antipsychotic, not just a sedative) not just as needed, but also prophilactically.