Join Our Community!
Share
Mental Health > Bipolar Disorder Forum > on lithium and heavy drinking with blackouts
Do you know what bipolar is exactly? And what types of bipolar do doctors classify and diagnose? Learn more basics about bipolar disorder here....
Can stress put you at risk of developing bipolar disorder? Read here for information on risk factors which increase the likelihood that someone becomes bipolar....
Bipolar is difficult to diagnose as an illness ... but bipolar symptoms are usually accompanied by extreme changes. What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?...
Avatar
Q: on lithium and heavy drinking with blackouts
asked by: ebaris on March 10th, 2008
New User
It's been a while since I've been on here. The last time, I posted a flurry of messages and then dropped off the face of the earth. Thanks to everyone who welcomed me Smile

I'm on 900 of lithium currently, and I think I'm doing well with it. The nausea is tolerable if I take it right before bed. My moods are, well...damper, at least, though I guess I'm still not sleeping very much.

But, I've been something of a hot smoking mess lately with regards to partying. I'm in college, so it's just that sort of environment. Also, since my upswing a few weeks ago, I've felt like I've been reborn, and that I'm a real rockstar, so I've been SUPER social. I've always been a heavy drinker, so I guess bad habits are hard to break.

I ended up blacking out completely a few weeks ago and doing some things I really should not have done. So, I figured once is once, I'm allowed it. But this past weekend, I blacked out two nights in a row. The worst part is, I don't just pass out or get drowsy, I'm full on active without realizing it. I'm a walking, talking amnesiac. I'm hesitant to ask my friends what I do because I honestly do not want to know. What I have been told sounds very very foolish, but unmistakably me. I just feel as if I have NO control whatsoever over what I say, or do. I already have a reputation for being wild at parties but this excessive even for me.

Ugh, I hate that I don't remember a thing, not even with with triggers. Am I alone with these behaviors?
Did you find this post useful?
|
Replies(11)
Avatar
antigone
replied on March 11th, 2008
Extremely eHealthy
No judgement here just some info for you to ponder. Bipolar disorder shares some of the same gene markers as alcoholism. Frequently families will have alcoholism and bipolar disorder as common hereditary disorders. Blacking out with drinking is considered a huge red flag by alcoholics.

Yikes, black outs are frightening because of what may happen to you. Not only can you do things that are embarrassing but you can do things that are dangerous. You can become a target for any predatory individual. I am sure you know these things but reconsider the world we live in and take care not to become a victim.

You share blackouts with many people that drink. Be careful with drinking and meds. Liver toxicity is one nasty thing that can happen and lead to liver failure or disease.

Take care of yourself. You only get one shot at life. Make it the best you've got.
Did you find this post useful?
|
User Profile
Georgia59
replied on March 12th, 2008
Especially eHealthy
You really need to stop the partying!!! Like antigone said, medication (especially psychiatric medication) is NOT supposed to be mixed with drugs or alcohol! This is really dangerous. Yes, you can do things that risk your life.

College is not an excuse. I am a senior college, I have never blacked out.

I'm with antigone on this one- bipolar disorder and drug addiction sometimes come together- think seriously about your substance use and try to determine if it is use or abuse.

And, realize that having bipolar disorder means you have to be more careful (read: responsible) than most. I know it's not really fair, but you gotta play what you're dealt.

I'm not trying to say you're a bad person or anything, I can totally sympathize. But you have to take a little more control and decide if this behavior is more than you can handle.
Did you find this post useful?
|
User Profile
Muthoni
replied on March 14th, 2008
Supporter
My doctor said I can drink...
...as long as I use caution. I have been on mental health medications since 1999 and all this time, I have had an alcoholic drink here and there. While this might not work for everybody, it works for me. I was tired of my friends telling me not to have a drink and I asked the doctor to give me a note saying it is OK to drink responsibly. The doctor said he would not give the note because it is not anybody's business but mine if I drink or not. I am on low doses of lithium and olanzopine. To each their own. Be cautious though.

The only time I was asked to stop drinking was when I started olanzopine. I was asked not to drink for three months. Also with my AIDS medication Kivexa, I was asked not to drink for 4 weeks and asked to proceed with caution. I followed the rules and I am doing fine. But that's my story.

Always
Muthoni (Mson)
Did you find this post useful?
|
Avatar
CarolDiane
replied on March 15th, 2008
Extremely eHealthy
Only thing I can say is:
Not Good!
Did you find this post useful?
|
User Profile
Muthoni
replied on March 15th, 2008
Supporter
Smile

respect
Did you find this post useful?
|
Avatar
CarolDiane
replied on March 15th, 2008
Extremely eHealthy
Re: My doctor said I can drink...
Muthoni wrote:
...as long as I use caution. I have been on mental health medications since 1999 and all this time, I have had an alcoholic drink here and there. While this might not work for everybody, it works for me. I was tired of my friends telling me not to have a drink and I asked the doctor to give me a note saying it is OK to drink responsibly. The doctor said he would not give the note because it is not anybody's business but mine if I drink or not. I am on low doses of lithium and olanzopine. To each their own. Be cautious though.

The only time I was asked to stop drinking was when I started olanzopine. I was asked not to drink for three months. Also with my AIDS medication Kivexa, I was asked not to drink for 4 weeks and asked to proceed with caution. I followed the rules and I am doing fine. But that's my story.

Always
Muthoni (Mson)


I was talking to ebaris . Just an FYI. To each his own.

~Carrie~
Did you find this post useful?
|
User Profile
Muthoni
replied on March 15th, 2008
Supporter
I see.
I had no way of telling who you were talking to Ms Carrie. Sorry and more respect.
Did you find this post useful?
|
Avatar
x-Rachel-x
replied on March 15th, 2008
New User
can any1 help me?
i have a pain in my lower ribs && in my back when i breath in its sore and eat and twist does any1 know what it is??xSadSadSadSadSad
Did you find this post useful?
|
User Profile
Muthoni
replied on March 15th, 2008
Supporter
x-Rachel-x
I am sorry to hear about your lower ribs and back pain. Please see a doctor if you can. Also, I suggest you post this here:- http://ehealthforum.com/health/lower_back_ pain.html

On the top left corner of the page is a button saying NEW TOPIC. Click on it and ask your question again because I think you will get more information from there.

I am you happy you are seeking information to help yourself. I admire your courage and please keep it up.

All the best to you.

Always
Muthoni (Mson)
Did you find this post useful?
|
Avatar
CarolDiane
replied on March 15th, 2008
Extremely eHealthy
Great suggestion Muthoni
I was just about ready to suggest that myself as the poster would get more replies and help in that forum. Thanks for you help. Good job!

~Carrie!
Did you find this post useful?
|
User Profile
Muthoni
replied on March 15th, 2008
Supporter
Acknowledged.
Did you find this post useful?
|
Quick Reply
Search