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stocksailor
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Default Jun 03, 2023 at 06:03 PM
  #1
Hi everyone, my first post here. My wife (female, 30yo) was diagnosed with bipolar disorder yesterday. We went through her first manic episode last week and it was scary. Her delusion drove her to do very crazy and reckless things. She's been in hospital for about 3 days and been put on Zyprexa 5mg. She still has delusion but she's a lot calmer and I can feel her delusion has started to shake a little. I am here to learn more about this illness and hope to get a glimpse of what to expect for the rest of our life.

I asked these questions to her doctor but he wasn't able to give a clear answer:
1. how long does it usually take Zyprexa to get rid of her delusion after the first manic episode?
2. does delusion go away completely or does it coexist with reality? would she ever be able to tell reality from delusion?
3. do people take Zyprexa for life or only when they feel like a manic episode is coming?
4. how often are the relapses? do the tend to get worse or better?
5. is a manic episode always followed by a depression or not necessarily?

Thank you!
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raspberrytorte
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Default Jun 04, 2023 at 07:02 AM
  #2
Hello! Everyone experiences bipolar a different way, but I can try and help. I can't answer your Zyprexa questions because I'm not too familiar with that med (I was only on it for like a month twenty years ago or so. I just remember it making me gain a TON of weight), but I'll try and answer your other questions.

For me my delusions go away completely and my hypo/manic episodes are not always followed by an episode of depression. It just depends on my life circumstances.

I hope your wife feels better soon!

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Default Jun 04, 2023 at 08:59 AM
  #3
The reason the doctor couldn’t answer the questions is because everyone responds differently. Though for the most part delusions occur only in episodes and disappear during stable moments. The best thing she has going for her is you and a home to return to.

On meds there’s two schools of thought. One says to remain on APs to maintain stability. The other school says after a few weeks of stability to wean off APs and use a mood stabilizer to maintain stability. It really is trail and err, there are no fixed answers.

Mania is often followed by depression but not always, it’s individual. But imagine you’ve been feeling intensely and endorphin highs, just returning to stable is going to feel depressing. It’s hard for a none bipolar to understand the loss of those feeling even when they are accompanied by disaster. Offen in the beginning of bipolar people chase those highs even though it’s destructive. There’s no other feeling like it. It usually takes a few rounds with the roller coaster to seek stability. Give her time and provide a save place to land.

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Default Jun 04, 2023 at 08:34 PM
  #4
As Nammu said everyone is different so it's hard to answer your questions but I will give you a website I found very helpful when I was newly diagnosed (and sometimes even now, over 20 years later). Psych Education It's written by a psychiatrist (pdoc) who specializes in bipolar and it has tons of information explained very clearly.

I hope you wife is feeling better.

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Default Jun 04, 2023 at 09:41 PM
  #5
I can't speak to Zyprexa on a personal level as I've never taken it. Generally, when I've started a new med, I've been told to give it a few weeks to see whether or not it's effective for me. Meds are tricky things though. You might find out very quickly that it works great. You might find side effects. Sadly, it might not work at all.

For me, it was trial and error finding the right meds to manage my condition, but once I found them... it was a beautiful thing! I've got my two maintenance meds that I'll be taking into perpetuity, but if needed for an acute manic or depressive episode, there are other meds I can take as well. I'd wager your wife will end up with a similar setup. What those meds will be, I obviously can't tell you.

As far as the rhythms of the illness go, each person has their own particular response to it. The severity of mania and depression, whether or not you go into mania or depression or just go to baseline and even the time of year are all contributing factors to each person's presentation of the illness.

"Relapses" can happen, but the overarching theme would be management. In my experience, finding the right mix of medications, therapy, coping mechanisms, support and more can mitigate the severity of those relapses and Bipolar in general. The trouble is finding that mix.

Hope this helps! All the best to you and your wife!

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Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
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June08
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Default Jun 06, 2023 at 05:52 PM
  #6
It's wonderful that you are already taking steps to help understand what your wife is going through so you can help her to the best of your ability!

In regards to your question about Zyprexa, I started taking the generic form (olanzapine) not to long ago and noticed a difference very quickly. My pdoc actually just increased my dose and I noticed an small improvement the next day. I learned the hard way that I am very sensitive to the medication though (I had major side effects at the 5 mg dose which is a pretty low dose) so it's possible this is why I am experiencing improved symptoms so quickly. I do not know enough about the medication to know how others have responded to the medication.

As others said though, it really does depend on the person. I hope your wife sees improvements soon!

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