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Something’s not right

Bipolar mania while on antipsychotics

Amethyst2Casual Contributor

Bipolar mania while on antipsychotics

Has anyone had any experience with having mania while on antipsychotics? Something isn't right at the moment but because of the two antipsychotic medications I am taking the symptoms I'm having are quite dulled down. However I have had a lot of paranoia lately and I've told my boyfriend some of my thoughts and he thinks it is quite abnormal and has said that I've been acting strangely lately. I had a depressive episode earlier this year but it was resolved with a medication adjustment. I'm not sure what I should do in the present situation though. It's not extremely serious and it is under control but some of my paranoia is quite distressing and I don't know who to talk to about it.

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In response to: Bipolar mania while on antipsychotics

DimitySenior Contributor

Re: Bipolar mania while on antipsychotics

Hello @Amethyst2 and welcome to the forums. I can hear what you're going through is distressing but you're being proactive in reaching out and sharing. I have bipolar too and have experienced psychosis but haven't needed hospitalisation for a long time. I really admire your self-awareness.

Have you been on the antipsychotics long? Sometimes it takes the psychiatrist a while to get the dosage right. But if you've been stable for quite a while but at the moment you're particularly stressed, or you haven't been sleeping, your psychiatrist may suggest a short-term increase or perhaps a prn dose until things settle. It may be a mixed episode rather than mania.

Are you seeing a psychologist? Some therapies such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help you work through unhelpful patterns of thinking and practise mindfulness when they're troubling.

I guess talking to your MH team is the key. Observing a routine (meals, sleep, meds) and trying to de-stress with the help of your boyfriend and other support people might help too. I find a mood/activity tracker app useful too.

We have a community thread called Let`s talk about Bipolar for questions and mutual support and quite a few people have their own threads as well. To reply to someone or give them a cooee just prefix their username with @

@Shaz51 @Captain24 @PolarOpposite

Best wishes

Dimity

In response to: Re: Bipolar mania while on antipsychotics

Shaz51Senior Contributor

Re: Bipolar mania while on antipsychotics

Hello @Amethyst2 , @Dimity

My husband had to have his medication adjusted 8 years ago when he ended up in hospital

He was on antidepressants and anti anxiety medication

Last year the doctor took him off the anti anxiety medication

Has there been any changes in your life lately ?

We are here for you

In response to: Bipolar mania while on antipsychotics

RedgummybearCasual Contributor

Re: Bipolar mania while on antipsychotics

It took 6 months to get my antipsychotic right. I had those episodes for years. It’s really hard when a partner doesn’t quite understand but I remember what my doc said,” the meds only help prolong the episodes of stability, you’ll have shorter episodes of depression or mania but they will still happen “ that’s where coping mechanisms help. When I’m manic, I put that energy into something like cleaning or walking, something physical. When depression hits I watch comedies, snuggle up and listen to music. Helps keep me out of my head.
You may need to see about increasing meds or a change only due to the paranoia.
I hope things get better and just remember only you know you and between that you can make sure you have the help you need.
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