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Should I Be Concerned

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Bipolar Disorder
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Posted 8/7/2008 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all,

My wife was diagnosed with bipolar several years ago. For the most part she has been medicated since her diagnosis and it's been going ok. However about 6 months ago she was switched from zyprexa to abilify since she didn't like the way the zyprexa made her gain weight. about two months ago she stopped taking the abilify and refuses to tell her pdoc about this. I am concerned because she is still taking her effexor anti depressent. I have heard that this can elevate the tendency towards mania in those with bipolar disorder.

So my questions are these. First, should I be concerned that she is no longer taking the abilify or any sort of mood stabilizer? Second, if there is cause too be concerned how do I bring this up with her without immediately getting her temper to display? Third, is it possible that off the abilify she simply doesn't recognize her temper is flaring a lot more than usual? I have told her a few times that i think she should go back on the abilify or zyprexa but she seems to think she is doing just fine so I haven't wanted to push the issue very hard because doing so tends to make her rage.
Posted 8/7/2008 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi WorrierHusband,

Welcome back to the board.

Yes, you have reason to be concerned. Generally docs don't prescribe only anti-deps to bipolars for just the reason you mentioned. You do need to talk to your wife about this, which can be tricky. Try to wait for a time when she seems most receptive and you can tell her, not that you're concerned about her moods, per se, but that you're concerned that she may get more ill. Tell her about your research and that you're afraid she's going to get manic. If you've observed any signs of mania in her, you can bring those up, but in the interest of trying to avoid upsetting her, avoid mentioning just general "crabbiness."

One idea is to suggest going to her next pdoc appointment with her. She is still going to her psych appt's isn't she? If not -- press this issue.

Hope all goes well,

serafena
Posted 8/8/2008 2:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi worrierhusband.

Serefena is correct. Both poles have to be treated. The rage could be a result of a hypo or a mania. It should be quickly treated.

Good luck

Cap
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