Manic - other options besides antipsychotics or lithium

Hi. I've somewhat posted on this topic under a different title, so for those of you who may have read the other post, please forgive the repitition. Anyway, to make a long story short, I had a severe case of tardive dyskinesia that thankfully reversed and I am no longer having symptoms. It was an absolute hellish torture and not one that I would wish on my worst enemy. I am just so thankful it has resolved, considering my age (60). Given what I have gone through and given the fact that ALL antipsychotic medications can cause tardive dyskinesia (yes, I have researched them all), I will never, ever take the risk of developing this condition again. I just can't chance it. I have been going through a manic cycle and am having insomnia, rapid speech, anxiety, short temper, and rushing all over the house trying to get things done. I'm not having racing thoughts though, which is unusual because I always have them when I'm manic. My psychiatrist suggested lithium but I can't take that because of kidney problems. I see her in two weeks (I'm not in crisis mode right now so I think I can wait). I know she's going to suggest another AP again and I'm going to refuse. I'm really not familiar with what happens when you're noncompliant. Can she force me to take it? Can she have me hospitalized against my will? I've never refused to do anything she's suggested before so I don't know what will happen and probably none of those things will happen. I just don't feel like I have any options. I'm going to discuss it with her, but I'm afraid anything she may suggest is going to do me harm. I'm pretty scared and pretty desperate too. Just as a side note, I've only been going to see her for a couple of months because my previous psychiatrist retired. I don't like her at all. She talks down to me, doesn't listen to me and constantly interrupts and is completely unsympathetic. I am looking for a new one but it will probably take a couple of months to get in, because there aren't many in our community.

Have they ever tried you on Sodium Valproate? Think the brand name is Depakote in the US. I just looked it up and it says it has an extremely low chance of causing Tardive Dyskinesia.

(Percentage of EPILIM patients where TARDIVE DYSKINESIA is a reported side effect: 0.1767% -

http://factmed.com/study-EPILIM-caus...DYSKINESIA.php)

Edit: just saw your other post, not sure if you've already tried this stuff. I said I'd try it as I was a bit afraid of Lithium - they were the two options my shrink gave me. I know what you mean about finding a new doctor too - God that's a pain. I've had some real beauties!

what about kolonapin? (sp?) It's a benzo but it helps with all your symptoms.

they can't hospitalize you for being noncompliant. only if you go in there and are at risk of harming yourself or others.

I don't know what to tell you about meds. Will you consider an ap just short term. otherwise just make sure you sleep and try to ride it out . like induce coma sleep. that knocks it down a few levels

I second depakote. It works well to take you out of mania. Hope you find something that works.

I am of the opinion that your doc should work with you. You have very valid concerns for not taking an AP. I would consider switching docs if I was "made" to take a medication that I know could cause "hellish" symptoms. They are supposed to be helping you, not changing your symptoms. Tardive dyskinesia is not acceptable side effect.

Welcome to the forum NolaMae. The depakote sounds like a good idea to try. That sucks AP's are not an option for you. I hope you can find a new psychiatrist soon.

hi. depakote, trileptal, a benzodiazepine (I'd think it'd be a high potency one, like ativan or klonopin...), some mix of these options...something for sleep, definitely.