Medical bracelet for bipolar disorder?

Question

I take lamictal and lithium for bipolar disorder. They work well but if I forget to take them even for one day, I start getting seriously dysphoric and start having suicidal thoughts - which I NEVER have since I started taking meds. (I thought withdrawal side effects were't supposed to happen that fast, but I no longer believe that.) It's very disturbing and makes me worry what might happen if I were unable to take my meds for a longer period of time. Not to mention things like the risk of seizures from suddenly going off lamictal...

I spend a lot of time traveling alone overseas for my work, and I've take to wearing a MedAlert bracelet there so that if I'm incapacitated for any reason, doctors will know that I need to take these meds. I also wear it when I go running. Sometimes I think maybe I'll just wear it all the time: it gives me a sense of security and (very important) reminds me to take my meds.

Is this a reasonable thing to do? Do other people do this? Or am I overreacting? It has just been a long road to get this far, and I don't want to take any chances with my current, unfamiliar sense of stability.

Answer 1

Yes, definitely.  If you want to be a little more discreet about it, you could also put a card in your wallet with your ID simply stating you are bipolar, and include your meds and their dosages and frequency.  This could also save you from being arrested too.

Answer 2

hello, i am bipolar affective too, and I believe that anything that stops you having the dark thought process is helpful.  I have chosen to tell all my friends about my condition, and they will often remind me to take my medication.  I think that you are being sensible without sounding patronising and totally reasonable, after all who wants to get ill, bipolar ill.  My medication, Lithium and Citalopram are my lifelines to well mental health which I would not compromise at all. Good luck and i wish you all the best, but most of all thank you, as you have inspired me to get a bracelet (must ask CPN).  Take care..... B

Answer 3

FYI....Lamictal remains in your system for up to forty-eight hours so that's not the culprit.  Lithium levels will vary slightly but will not travel below therapeutic levels (assuming you are at the typical .75) for thirty six hours.  I put my meds on the toilet seat.  It's the first place I go in the morning so it's impossible to forget.  After I take them in the morning I put them on my pillow.

Answer 4

This is a VERY reasonable thing to do. It's for your own health and safety - you're definitely not overreacting if you get so ill when you forget your medications for even one day.

Answer 5

Of course it's reasonable. Anything you can do to alert medical authorities of your condition, especially if your incapacitated, is a wise precaution.