[Jeanie]

for over a year- pdoc doesn't talk about this. I've read that before meds, mania was observed for months and years, even, but my boy (yes this is about him) is on meds (lithium and serequel) and the mania, delusions and hallucinations fluctuate in intensity but are always happening.
Anyone know anything about this? I'm worried about his brain becoming irreparably damaged

[Gemstone]

(((((((Jeanie and son))))))))))))))))

Sorry I really can't be much help. I have never had symptoms of mania for that long of a period. Maybe it would be good to consult with another doctor. Maybe h/she will have some further insight.

[darkeyes]

Hi there,
I don't think this about brain damage. I do feel your son, may need med. dose change or actually a different med or combo.
If he is in puberty (teens) hormonal changes can also factor in to bahavioral changes, not a definate thing, but possible. Have you spoke to another pdoc? If the present one is not answering your question(s) and avoids doing so, I would personally seek a new one.
Lithium is an excellent med. for mania, has a long track record when compared to newer mood stabilizers for Bipolars with severe and/or violent manic episodes.
Seroquel (sp?)I know is fiarly new, I am not too familiar with, you may ask his pdoc if this is interferring with the Lithium's efficiency.
My brother has been on Lithium alone for over 30 years and has been a Godsend, before he was put on this, the few other meds availble (sp?) were not effective, actually made his episodes more violent and even caused some hallucinations.
My suggestion again, is to contact his pdoc and demand answers to questions regarding medications, dosages, and other alternatives if any.
I wish you lots of luck and inner strength with this matter.
Welcome to the forum(s), you will meet many supportive, compassionate, and informative people willing to listen and reply.


PS
Try Drug Questions forum to see if T_MD, Larry, or Cam can help you with meds. and effacy, they are professionals, and are so very helpful to us here. Visiting many of our forums can help gather more info, and share other's experiences with this, there is so much involved dealing and working through this disorder as well as other disorders.
Lots of good wishes and luck to you and your son.

Sincerely,
DE

[Jeanie]

Yes, Darkeyes, thanks. I'll give the doc a call. We do have the right to ask questions!

My son is 28! I should have said that at the beginning.
His mania "broke" in Feb. of last year, on his 27th birthday. He was diagnosed 2 mths later. It's been 16 mths now.

He seems to have Some control. He says he can get high(er) at will but is aware of how it can spiral out of control. He also says that he can push the delusions back somewhat by ignoring them and not playing with them (it's entertaining- especially the hallucinations)

I do know the doc is concerned about increasing the Lithium because of summer heat, sweating, exercise etc. making it toxic, and 200mg Serequel is all he can tolerate. The other anti-psychotic meds were worse.

But I will ask. Even though my son is a big grown-up, he is shy when talking to the doc and like a child then.

[Dolfin]

Jeanie,

I myself am on Lithium and Seroquel for my bi-polar, and I have to agree with DE about the Lithium being a godsend. The Seroquel helps with my rapid-cycling, as well as my insomnia. My doc is leary of increasing my Lithium because of the fast-approaching summer. My doc told me that the theraputic level for most people on Seroquel is 600mg, but I myself can only tolerate 200mg as well.

Your son sounds like he is getting a better handle on his disorder (noticing he can make himself more manic, ignoring his delusions/hallucinations...). These are all great strides to make when dealing with this 'monster'.

I wish you son the best of luck, as it is a long, hard road to travel when trying to make oneself better mentally. It's a daily battle, but well worth it if you stick to your guns and keep your head up. There will be good and bad days, but in the end, with the right combo of meds, one can attain some level of "normalcy".

I wish the both of you the best, and continue to post. You learn more from your peers and their experiences than anything else.

Dolfin

[darkeyes]

My brother, I think I mentioned, has been on the Lithium for 30+ years and will be for life, he accepted that awhile ago.
Well the reason for this reply, is to let you know, the summer is not as huge as a big deal. His doc told him to be sure to drink water if he is working out in the heat or in, he lives in NC, summers get pretty hot.
His doc never encouraged him to increase dosage due to heat.
Mine didn't either, just to be sure to keep hydrated, naturally not over hydrated, I mean like drinking as a camel, ha!ha!
Once a good level has been established many pdocs will not want to mess around with dosage of Lithium unless a little fine tuning is needed, so increasing for warm season's sake, I personally do not think it would be good unless the pdoc periodically is doing bloodwork, monitoring kidney function, etc. I had a professor who also was bipolar, didn't have dosage changes during the summer but always had a beverage with him in our classes during the warm weather.
Well, enough of my chatter.

[Jeanie]

Thank you both so much- you've been very helpful

Maybe the brain-damage thing is a figment of My imagination...lol... it wouldn't be the first time!

But I will ask. I would like to keep posting here and I really appreciate the encouragement

J

[darkeyes]

Drop by anytime you wish. We are here

DE