[LiteraryLark]

I am bipolar that has moderate problems with concentrating in school. I saw my pdoc today and she said she can't give me any meds for concentration because it will induce a manic episode.

I am wondering what I can take instead that will help without causing mania.

I am considering trying Redline which is one of the most powerful energy drinks that will not cause mania in me.

[doyoutrustme]

Taking any stimulant power drink is not necessarily going to increase concentration. aren't there non-stimulant options, or is that also not ok?

After that, there are ADHD coaches for teaching you how to use what you have to succeed.

Originally Posted by DrSkipper

I am bipolar that has moderate problems with concentrating in school. I saw my pdoc today and she said she can't give me any meds for concentration because it will induce a manic episode.

I am wondering what I can take instead that will help without causing mania.

I am considering trying Redline which is one of the most powerful energy drinks that will not cause mania in me.

You're considering trying it... but you know it won't trigger a manic phase?
You lost me there Doc. If you know it won't cause mania then you must have been using it already right?
According to the website the ingredients are caffeine, amino acids, some sketchy herbal substances, and 5htp. I'm not bipolar so I don't have experience but some people think 5htp and bipolar don't play well together.
5-HTP to Treat Bipolar Depression - Can it Work? | The Bipolar One

[LiteraryLark]

Originally Posted by George H.

You're considering trying it... but you know it won't trigger a manic phase?
You lost me there Doc. If you know it won't cause mania then you must have been using it already right?
According to the website the ingredients are caffeine, amino acids, some sketchy herbal substances, and 5htp. I'm not bipolar so I don't have experience but some people think 5htp and bipolar don't play well together.
5-HTP to Treat Bipolar Depression - Can it Work? | The Bipolar One

My previous pdoc told me that energy drinks will not cause mania, but the lack of sleep will.

I just don't know if it will affect concentration.

[LiteraryLark]

Originally Posted by doyoutrustme

Taking any stimulant power drink is not necessarily going to increase concentration. aren't there non-stimulant options, or is that also not ok?

After that, there are ADHD coaches for teaching you how to use what you have to succeed.

I have found strattera and I'm waiting to see what the pdoc says about it.

[growlithing]

I've heard that meditation can help. It is very difficult for me to even try to meditate without meds though

[redbandit]

I used to take Straterra, I didn't think it helped a whole lot. But now that I'm not on it, I can tell I was better on it. I have bipolar disorder also, never knew it was bad for that.

[Tagless]

I would consider looking up some self-relaxation methods and trying those out. Various therapies can also help improve focus. A technique known as EMDR to treat PTSD was shown to increase visual focus in a recent study, so there is a lot of research underway. From a clinical perspective, a lot of patients I've worked with were able to achieve better concentration after inducing self-relaxation methods on theirselves. It is something you might want to try!

[Tagless]

It really depends on how your ADHD effects you. For me, the internet is too big of a distraction, and even when I close everything, I become overpowered. As silly as it sounds, I'll go on the subway from one end of town to the other (a good hour and a half ride) with my laptop and read over notes because I won't have reception on my phone or internet access and so will not be able to be distracted (it also helps that Windows 8 doesn't have the built in games..or maybe I just haven't found them yet). In short, try to get as far away from your distractions as possible rather than just limiting them: it's worked for me!