Bipolar Disorder Forum - Prednisone and bi-polar disorder

Mental Health > Bipolar Disorder Forum > Prednisone and bi-polar disorder

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Q: Prednisone and bi-polar disorder

asked by: DoctorQuestion on April 29th, 2008

My father has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He recently developed pneumonia and was taken to the emergency room and was given prednesone. He is now manic. Is there anything that can be done to counteract the prednesone? Would taking more depakote help? He has a time-realease depakote that he takes daily. Thanks for your assistance.

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on May 5th, 2008

Bipolar Disorder Answer A4038

There are data that prednisone can cause mania as a short-time side-effect but very rarely. Maybe the possibility for such a side effect occurring is bigger in patients who are already experiencing manic-depressive disorder (bi-polar disorder). We can’t be sure if a manic episode occurred because of the prednisone or because of the disorder itself. Prednisone can be replaced by another corticosteroid drug.

You should consult a psychiatrist about any changes of Deprecote dosing .

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