I've been on heavy duty psych meds for bp 1 for years (Abilify, Lamictal, Trazodone, Klonopin, Provigil (stimulant), & Concerta for ADD). Recently--within the last month--I was being decreased on the Abilify due to gaining 50 lbs. on it (NO ABILIFY IS NOT WEIGHT NEUTRAL despite their reps claims--just ask everyone in my support group, NAMI Peer-to-Peer class, etc. & pdoc).

So I've been slowly adding Topamax which has the added side effects of decreased appetite & drowsiness (I have serious insomnia despite sedating meds so that is a plus). So in the first month I have lost 10 lbs.--yes!!

BUT--in this last week my husband & I were having another couple over for a glass of wine & appetizers before going out to dinner at a Thai restaurant. I have had no problem drinking 2 glasses of wine (occasionally due to trying to limit calories) in the past. Well, I had 1 glass at home & had ordered another with dinner. I was eating dinner & the LAST THING I REMEMBER is the other husband saying something about how I was looking sleepy. I totally went into a walking coma. I can't remember anything, but my husband said I walked out of the restaurant. I changed into a nightgown. I don't remember anything until the next morning. I've read about people on Ambien experiencing this kind of thing--maybe that it what I had--but scary, embarrassing...

I wasn't drunk or woozy or tired. I just almost ceased to exist yet was still functioning on some level though I don't remember what I said or did & my husband isn't giving details so I'm not sure if I totally acted like a zombie or a looney or what.

THEN 3 days later I go in for a colonoscopsy (sorry, folks, my father had colon cancer when he was in his 50's so I have to do this more frequently than most people). So I had it done a couple years ago--no problem--worst thing was drinking that yucky stuff & spending a night in the bathroom.

THIS TIME: I had sent in my forms same as always like 6 weeks in advance with my list of meds & even had a note that my meds were in the process of being adjusted (due to having a relapse) so I would let them know of any dosage changes, etc. So 4 days before the procedure I had not heard anything from them so I called--concerned--I'm taking drugs that are sedating in the evening & stimulants in the morning--these have to have an effect on the anesthetic.

So the office connects me with a nurse who says just don't take your night meds the night before or your morning meds the day of. Well, stupid me, how could I expect a run-of-the-mill nurse (no disrespect intended but psych meds are a specialty) to know how they would affect the anesthesia.

Apparently the doc had not bothered to look at my list of meds or looked at it quickly & didn't notice that I had switched one med for another. In any case, they had to remove a polyp & the anesthesia DIDN'T WORK!

I was screaming at him to stop, but what could he do--he's part way through removing this thing? I'm screaming like you wouldn't believe (& I had 2 kids with no drugs what so ever--piece of cake compared to this). So I had 3 nurses holding me down while he's telling me he's almost through. I don't think so, but what is he supposed to say? I'm going to make you suffer & scream & be in excruciating pain for another 45 minutes?

Needless to say, I had some concerns about what happened. The doc said that the meds I am on would take so long to get out of my system (1-2 weeks) that that is not feasible for someone with bipolar & that the meds I am on interfere with the anesthesia (NO KIDDING) & that he had me on the highest dose safe for me before it would cause my heart & organs to slow down & malfunction (well, if he had given me a choice at that point...).

Anyway, you young ones these tests are important to get. Don't avoid them, but do talk to your meds provider well in advance & do some preplanning. I mean, really, so someone on bipolar meds needs open heart surgery so we just say oh well, it's going to hurt so much you wished you had just died instead??