[tracy33]

I was wondering if I am getting hypomanic because I slept 2 1/2 hours last night and I feel fine today. But I had an energy drink late in the evening that kept me up until 4:30 in the morning. I took myself off of my antipsychotic 8 days ago because I've been feeling great, so this could be a factor too I suppose. I usually have those energy drinks on a daily basis and it never keeps me up like this. I don't really have any other signs of hypomania. I just don't want to sit down and relax even though I'm not doing anything. I was supposed to visit my mom but she called and cancelled on me. I cried because I was looking forward to getting out of the house and talking to someone.
So do you think it's the energy drink or the lack of Abilify making me feel like this?
Tracy

[darkeyes]

That's a tough call, it could be both, or just one reason.
I do not recommend,messing with your meds. but you should always consult with the prescribing physician first.
Certain medications should not be just stopped, many require gradual reduction.
Maybe what you are feeling is temporary? Maybe, it's not, that is why there is another good reason to contact your pdoc and/or therapist, to help rule out if this is something brewing.
As a preventative of possible de-railing.
Hope things work out for you.
Take care now,
DE

[DaveyJones]

Well, only time will tell...if you're really manic, it should last several more days, at least. I would back off on the energy drinks...if you don't sleep, even if you're not manic now, you may be later, especially without your Abilify.

You should really start taking your meds as prescribed. Think of your logic here..."I've been taking these drugs...I feel great now, so I'll stop taking them". Bipolar isn't a sore throat or an abcessed tooth...your meds don't make it go away like antibiotics do an infection; they simply control the symptoms. Take the meds away, the symptoms come back!

Anyway, I would call your doctor and ask him or her the question you're asking us...what do you think she or he would say?

Get better,
DJ

[tracy33]

Thanks for your replies. And DJ, you're absolutley right, it's not like a sore throat. I don't know what I was thinking.
Well, I got some sleep last night and I feel better this morning. I'm now regretting stopping the Abilify but I think with the two other meds I have I should be alright. We'll see.
Tracy

[biplol]

Tracy33 I don't think that getting out of your meds is really good, even though you were feeling great.
Also, I just take energy drinks when I need to travel and driving for a lot of hours can get really tiring but I really don't think they are good for an every day basis kind of drink.
I hope you can figure it out and start felling more relax.

I've read that too much caffeine is not good for bipolar so I'd slow down on the energy drinks. Talk to your doc about this. I know going manic or hypo manic is "fun", but the consequences can sometimes be dangerous & often you fall into a deep depression when the mania ends. That's why they want you to stay as stable as possible on meds. I take Abilify, too, & it has helped a lot, except for the wieght gain, which I'm trying to address. Take care.--Suzy