[caringmum]

My son went into hospital March 1 for 15 days following a 4 month trial with cymbalta 30 mg. He was "extremely manic" and psychotic. He was released for 12 days on risperadol and depakote, and ended up back in hospital still very manic and psychotic. 2 weeks later he is still committed and will be for at least another 5 days. He is now on invega sustenna and depakote but is still far from well, with some delusions and mood swings. Is this unusual? Will it clear, I am very worried? The hospital pdoc has not spoken to us this time yet, but the therapist said the whole team say he is still not right for release. Is this all due to cymbalta or is it because of his bipolar disorder? I am so confused and anxious ..

Sure, antidepressants can trigger and/or exacerbate mood swings. The problem he is experiencing could be due to bipolar or his cymbalta, OR it could be a combo of both.

Whatever the cause is, I'm sure his symptoms will clear. BP might be a lifelong condition, but it does not mean you experience symptoms 100% of the time. They may come back again, but they won't always be there. I think he'll be ok, especially since you're very caring of him.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I don't know what to say except it's great he has you

Cymbalta is an SNRI. To my knowledge it is the SSRIs that are problematic for Bipolar.

No two people are the same. I have had three hospitalisations for 5days, 4wks and 11wks respectively. The first I was manic, the second two I was depressed.

Please note when it comes to medication that it takes on average 6-12wks before they take effect. Frankly he hasn't been in long enough for the caregivers to see marked improvement.

How is his demeanor on the ward? Is he cooperative and working towards a release? This also will impact the length of a stayy. Some are non cooperative, some (as I was myself) are scared to return to the outside, and some are eager to do all they can to get released.

I am curious, is his stay voluntary or involuntary? They will impact what is going on.

Finally, I wish to say you are fabulous for being so supportive. You might have noticed that not everyone on hte ward may have the same level of support. I always found this so sad by the way. As good as you are to your son though I want to urge you to remember to be as good to yourself. Find your own supports like a support group.

One thing to think of... contact the local bipolar or mood disorders support group in your community. They may be able to offer you information. They may also invite you to one of their meetings with or without your son. My own group I once attended in fact encouraged this.

[Shazerac]

It must be a frightening experience for you. I think that it’s a good thing that they want to keep him until they get things sorted it out though. Instead of just dumping out and washing their hands of it.

[caringmum]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

Sure, antidepressants can trigger and/or exacerbate mood swings. The problem he is experiencing could be due to bipolar or his cymbalta, OR it could be a combo of both.

Whatever the cause is, I'm sure his symptoms will clear. BP might be a lifelong condition, but it does not mean you experience symptoms 100% of the time. They may come back again, but they won't always be there. I think he'll be ok, especially since you're very caring of him.

He stopped his cymbalta 6 weeks ago, but he is still having a problem. It may be rapid cycling the doc initially said.

[caringmum]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

Cymbalta is an SNRI. To my knowledge it is the SSRIs that are problematic for Bipolar.

No two people are the same. I have had three hospitalisations for 5days, 4wks and 11wks respectively. The first I was manic, the second two I was depressed.

Please note when it comes to medication that it takes on average 6-12wks before they take effect. Frankly he hasn't been in long enough for the caregivers to see marked improvement.

How is his demeanor on the ward? Is he cooperative and working towards a release? This also will impact the length of a stayy. Some are non cooperative, some (as I was myself) are scared to return to the outside, and some are eager to do all they can to get released.

I am curious, is his stay voluntary or involuntary? They will impact what is going on.

Finally, I wish to say you are fabulous for being so supportive. You might have noticed that not everyone on hte ward may have the same level of support. I always found this so sad by the way. As good as you are to your son though I want to urge you to remember to be as good to yourself. Find your own supports like a support group.

One thing to think of... contact the local bipolar or mood disorders support group in your community. They may be able to offer you information. They may also invite you to one of their meetings with or without your son. My own group I once attended in fact encouraged this.

Thanks for your reply. He started depakote and risperadol 6 weeks ago, the risperadol was changed out for invega sustenna, a similar class of antipsychotic, I am wondering if that class doesn't work for him?

[Wild Coyote]

Hi caringmum,

I am sorry I don't have answers for you. I wish I did. It can take many med trials and a lot of time to sort things out.

I think a lot of you. So, wanted to say hi and want to show support.

With Admiration,

WC

[Merlin]

There is a forum for partners and caregivers as well. You might find support there too.

https://forums.psychcentral.com/part...ivers-support/