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A question about alcohol



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03/30/2008 17:22
pyrogirl00
Posts: 22
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Hello, I am new here and looking for advice about my husband. He is Bipolar II, and has been struggling to keep his head above water for 3 years. Just this past month he has been feeling better (very little depression) due to a med change. He is on Lamictal, Lithium, and Invega.

Now, to my question. I am aware that some BP's cannot use alcohol due to its negative effects on them. I have even read a book that stated that for optimum mood stability you should completely avoid it. I also hear that some with bipolar disorder drink in moderation. So I am very confused as to what to think.

I wouldn't say my husband has an alcohol problem, but when he hangs around with certain friends he has a tendency to overindulge. We hang out with his brothers and their wives, and the guys sometimes get tipsy. I am probably a little hypervigilant about this topic, especially because his father is bipolar and an alcoholic. My husband probably drinks about one night a week, but its almost always to the point of being drunk. So I try to discuss things rationally with him and ask him if he notices any residual effects from the alcohol. The few times I have brought it up he completely shuts down. He will barely discuss this with me. This is because he knows its an issue I have, and he has this really bad problem with conflict. But I want to get through to him! I want him to at least understand the risks he may be taking, but it seems like he doesnt care. So, I am trying to gather information, so I can print some things out and maybe write a letter. That way I can still reach him, but in a very non confrontational or emotional way. Any advice would be appreciated.

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03/30/2008 17:41
red1965
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Pryogirl, one of the best things I can think of to do is look up his meds on line and look at the drug interaction lists on them and the cautions. I suggest that people do not drink with the meds used to treat bipolar. Alchol is a depressant and tends to lean toward self medication. You can also check with his health professional to see what direction they give on the use of alchol with his condition. They cannot discuss his case by law but if you ask their opinion in such a way as to avoid case specific discussion.

GOD BLESS

RED

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03/30/2008 22:12
Gypsy
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Welcome pyrogirl,

I am glad you have found us. I am a recovering alky, and got sober, before, I was diagnosed bipolar. I know alcahol made things alot worse for me. I don't think alcahol should be mixed with meds. It can mess with the dosage, and cause instability.

But, you can't convince anyone who wantsa to drink, not to drink. They have to be ready, and willing, and make that decision for themselves. You can look up alcahol, and bipolar meds online. You might be able to find more info on the subject.

Anyway, hang out, there is a lot of support here from bipoars, and those who love them. Feel free to vent, share, and ask questions.

God Bless,Gypsy


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03/31/2008 10:50
pyrogirl00
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Thanks for the responses. I have looked up the meds hes on, and apparently there are no indications about interactions with alcohol. So, I am going to print some stuff out for him to read, and just leave it at that for now. I can't make the decision for him!
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