My Support Forums - View Single Post - Parent may have mental disorder-please help

(JD) · May 16, 2009, 07:55 PM

No one can tell you what exactly you should do... but I have an -out of the box- suggestion:Write her now and share how you won't be making time to see her, or for her to spend time with the kiddo. You might say it softly, or if you know she won't get the point that way, say it closer to the above. Softly would be more of how you think she's probably wanting to spend more time with you and her grandchild... and then share how you spend the day and how busy you are and that while it's a nice thought if she's thinking of moving close-by, it isn't going to work out that way....

Speak truth, but not all the truth as that might just hurt her needlessly. If you think she's married to a good guy, encourage her to stay and enjoy what she has.

I mean, even if she gets angry, it's better for her to be where she's at rather than in town, right?

Regarding the meds, I wonder how you know what she's taking...and if you can find out the doses for the last two, and if they are all from the same doctor.

Here are the drugs she is currently using:

Alprazolam .25 mg 1 pill three times a day
Hydrocodone/apap 750 mg 1every 4-6 hr
Ambien cr 12.5 mg 1 @ bedtime
Gabapentin 1 x 2 DAY
Cymbalta 1x 2 a day
alprazolam is a short acting anxiety medicine
ambien is a short acting night time med, and the CR is time release to stay asleep
Gabapentin was originally for seizures, but is used for treatment resistant mood disorders and for MS type pain such as neuropathy (Neurontin.)
Cymbalta is also used for MS patients, and those with neuropathy,anxiety and depression (I think also off label.)
The hydrocodone is of greatest concern, imo, if she drinks much at all (as you suggest.) She may have begun this synthetic narcotic through her dentist (Lortab)... or she may be in real body pain.

Are you sure she still drinks? She may have been drinking all that time trying to self medicate, not knowing what was wrong with her. From what you say, she really does need some stability in her life, and treatment. Good wishes on the tough love.