Bipolar Support Group

I have sleep apnea and my sleep doc is attributing the severity of my apnea to all the meds I'm on and asking if my pdoc can decrease some of them. Sometimes these doctors don't understand the time and effort (years worth) that goes into getting our meds just right and why we would be very hesitant to change them. This would be a very big tradeoff and I'm not willing to risk my mental health. I do take hydrocodone at night- I have chronic leg pain from a back injury and would not be able to sleep without it. I am willing to try to decrease the nighttime dose and cut back on my daytime use. I think it's the main culprit. The psych meds might make me somewhat sleepy during the day, but I don't think they would effect my respirations during the night. Anyone else encountered a similar situation where a non pdoc wanted them to decrease their meds? I realize I would have no choice about switching things around if I had symptoms of liver of kidney failure. I know sleep apnea is not good for you, but a life of sadness and hypomania can be very bad, too.

Thanks,

Mary Z.

I can understand your concern, you will need to bring this up with your pdoc and find out what their plan of strategy will be. This is now 'out of your hands' and its up to the two doctors to figure something out for you. I sense you are very worried about this but try hard to just wait and see what will happen, you cannot get answers right away. Wishing you well, much hugs Dit

Hi Mary... I have sleep apnea too. I'm assuming you use a cpap at night?

I would be hesitant to question whether my psych meds were effecting my respirations as well. For me, I'd rather up the setting on my cpap than alter my doses that I've worked so hard to get to, so I totally understand how you feel! I would completely lean in the direction you are as well that the hydrocodone is the more likely culprit, but obviously you & I are both guessing at that.

It's certainly something to talk to both your pdoc & the doctor that prescribes the hydrocodone about.

By the way.... you reminded me that I'm due for a new sleep study & need to get my machine serviced, so thanks for that!

That's a hard one. I'd talk to your psychiatrist about it and see what he says. Giving up your mental stability is not really something you should have to do. This is important to stay mentally healthy. Maybe it isn't even your medications. I hope it's not. Let us know what your doctor says. I hope it all works out!