Some Understanding

I have a question about bipolar and the use of meds to treat it

Someone I greatly care about is diagnosed as bipolar 1.. from the time I've known them they have been on a combination of drugs that included abilafy Klonopin and Lamotrigine.. these have all been being prescribed by a nurse practitioner and hasn't seen a psychiatrist or therapist in some time.

Over the past year I have noticed many of changes finding out through that time that they discontinued taking their Klonopin out of the blue and to my knowledge no longer is taking the abilafy as well just leaving them the Lamotrigine.

Over this time I have witnessed self destructive behaviors.. a lot of lying.. saying things deep and meaningful only to turn around a few days later to discredit it all.

I'm not completely naive about bipolar and the episodes it can bring.. I've noticed few where they deny it and a day or two later tell me their manic.

But my question is how much does playing Dr with one's own meds effect someone with bipolar or not keeping up with actual Drs and therapy play in the mood changes and behaviors cause I'm loosing a good friend over the stress of it all.

Any input I would deeply appreciate

Thank you Karen

I deal with a TBI (possible CTE) and severe PTSD myself.. that has been exacerbated by all that I've been dealing with.. I have some knowledge of bipolar but feel I'm in deeper water than I'm used to with all this.

Barcode:

It’s good that you’re looking out after this person. Most people don’t have that.

You said this person has been diagnosed as Bipolar I. As a bipolar I myself (with the full mania), these people can be hard to work with.

1. Drugs.com says Abilify is an anti-psychotic…used to treat psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder and is also used together with other medicines to treat major depressive disorder in adults.
2. Klonopin it says is a benzodiazepine, and can be habit forming.
(drugs.com says it is in the same group as Xanax and Librium, tranquilizers)
3. Lamotrigine is an anti-epileptic medication also used to delay mood episodes in adults with bipolar disorder.

If they are just taking the Lamotrigine, does it stop or slow down the mania? Does it reduce or take away the depression?

You say, “Over the past year I have noticed many of changes finding out through that time that they discontinued taking their Klonopin out of the blue and to my knowledge no longer is taking the abilafy as well just leaving them the Lamotrigine.”

You said, “Over this time I have witnessed self destructive behaviors.. a lot of lying.. saying things deep and meaningful only to turn around a few days later to discredit it all.”

“I'm not completely naive about bipolar and the episodes it can bring.. I've noticed few where they deny it and a day or two later tell me their manic.”

“But my question is how much does playing Dr with one's own meds effect someone with bipolar or not keeping up with actual Drs and therapy play in the mood changes and behaviors cause I'm loosing a good friend over the stress of it all.”

You said, “these have all been being prescribed by a nurse practitioner and hasn't seen a psychiatrist or therapist in some time.”

Is there a psychiatrist that you can see? It sounds like this person could benefit from seeing one, and then taking their medicines. And making return visits to the psychiatrist.

Can you look up on the net and see if there are any psychiatrists in your area that you can see? You can also look on the net for Mental Health Clinics in your city.

Such clinics usually have a sliding scale for pay, which goes all the way down to zero if you can’t afford to pay.

If so, can you call one of these places and see if you can get an appointment? If so, check with this person to see if that is alright with them, and if so, make an appointment?

You’re on the right track. You may be just a phone call away from help.

That is really sad Barcode. It sounds like your friend has an issue with drugs. But you can only do so much. They have to want to stop. And if they don't want to they wont. Especially if they can get them easily. I am sorry you are going through this. I hope your friend knows how much you care about them. And I hope that they decide that they want to stop.

Can you tell this person that their behavior is destroying your friendship? I don't mean like giving them an ultimatum, just let them know how you feel? You said they were giving you a silent treatment but eventually they will talk I am sure.

I wish you the best. I am glad you are posting.

Hugs, Karen...

So this person has 4 children and a drug problem and is off her bipolar meds and won't see a psychiatrist.

How does she take care of 4 children?

Is there a third person involved or is there just this one other person?

You said, "Last week after a period of not speaking I broke it totally down for her and told her I needed her to be real and honest with me and stop doing this to me cause I will be forced to give up."

Stop doing this to you? You are an adult. She's also doing this to her 4 children. Are they of any import in this?

Are we talking DEFACS (Department of Family and Children Services)?

Hi Barcode,

Welcome to the forum!

I am sorry to hear about your friend and their episodes. You are a good friend. They are lucky to have you being concerned.
You can only offer them support and help them a certain amount. However, if they are not willing or want to get help, there is not much we can do. The person must be willing to receive help and our support.

Different medications, dosage and combinations work differently for everyone. Despite this, your friend should work closely with their psychiatrist on finding the right meds. However, if they are not taking their meds, there is not much anyone can do.

I hope your friend will eventually see that you care and want to help her, and she will turn around and seek treatment.

UA

Barcode,

I don't think Tim Tam was threatening, but maybe suggesting. I could be wrong.

Hang in there,

Hugs, Karen...