Parents of Bipolar Children Support Group

My daughter was treated with Lithium and Tenex while in the hospital. Since coming home a new psychiatrist has added Seroquel but continues to reduce her Lithium. I thought those were really two different drugs for different things. Lithium for mood stabilization and the Seroquel for rages. She also takes Tenex for Anxiety and Vistaril and trazedone to sleep. I feel like she is getting worse since her lithium level is decreasing. Im not feeling very confidant in her doctor. I understand she doesn't like to put children on alot of meds but we've got to survive too.

I would call the dr and let her know that she seems worse with a lower lithium level.

I agree, call aand give your feedback. I feel for you (hugs). finding a Dr. is one of the hardest most stressful parts and once you do find a good one, somethings usually goes wrong and your back at square one. My SS (step-son) Dr who has been the best so far and was finally getting to "know" him went off on medical leave and I just found out she has lukemia. I pray everyday she gets well, she is good at her Job and I know many of use need her.

We saw the doctor yesterday and I voiced my concerns. Thank goodness she agreed to raise her Lithium back to 450mg in Morning and 675 in the evening. We have made the decision to decrease her Seroquel from 100mgER to 75mg as she did seem angrier at the higher dose. Since she made two changes at once by lowering the Lithium and increasing the Seroquel, who really knows which caused the additional aggression. I'm banking on the increase in Lithium helping to level things out.

Hi Minnie112! My daughter is also on Lithium for her mood swings, Seroquel for her raging, plus Buspar for anxiety. Things are a bit better since starting her on these meds, but there is still a lot of room for improvements!!! I don't know how "normal" to expect her to be, but I hope things will get better than they are right now. She is angry and verbally abusive most mornings and unpredictable in the afternoons. I love my daughter and miss her fun-loving side. She is delightful at times, then at other times, I don't want to be anywhere near her because of her insulting and degrading behaviors. I hate living this way.

We are in crisis mode right now. The GP has finally sent an urgent request to get my 19 year old son to a psychiatrist. I'm sure the diagnosis will be bipolar. Everything fits. Currently he is on Pristiq for depression, but needs a mood stabilizer. The irritability and hostility is awful. He won't let me go to the doctor with him--and since he's 19 I don't think the doctor will talk to me. He hates having to take meds and I know he won't tolerate the time it takes to work out the proper meds and dosages. Already anticipating hell. I'm a single parent (although my ex is in town and willing to help out---but he doesn't "live it" like I do). Guess I'll know more once the official diagnosis is in, but in the meantime I worry about all the different meds in his body---but at the same time, we can't live like this. Talk about a catch-22.

Mom93, please let us know how everything goes and what the official diagnosis turns out to be.

(((HUGS)))

My heart goes out to you, Mom93! I remember all too well what it was like before my daughter had the correct meds on board. It was hard on us all! Keep us posted!

Don't give up -- it can take a long time to find the right mix of medications. Keep a journal that tracks changes in your child's medications and any changes in mood or behavior. Also keep track of other events, as this might help you pinpoint triggers (it did for us).

Remember also that you can always try to talk TO the doctor -- the doctor, however, may not be able to legally talk to you back. I did that until my daughter signed the paperwork that allowed them to discuss her treatment with me. I would go with your son to the appointment, and if he doesn't let you go into talk to the doctor, fine. Have him tell the doctor in front of you that he doesn't want you to be there. At least the doctor knows that there is an involved parent in his/her life!

Good idea.... I'll keep a journal. That will be helpful. Thanks.