Bi Polar

[tiggerblue10]

My mum is very unwell at the moment. She has been diagnosed with bi polar and has relapsed into a severe episode and the lockdown and restrictions have exacerbated the situation. She has been prescribed Clomazepam and olanzapine and we have no idea when when will come through this.

My dad can't cope and I and my brother have no choice but to go and help him. We keep our distance and wash hands regularly. 2 mental health nurses come round every day to observe her.

How long do these meds usually take to work?

[Ringlet]

I hope I am not making you downhearted when I say my experience of the meds you describe tells me that it can be between six weeks and three months before they begin to make a real difference. However, the "edge" is taken off the highs and lows (especially the manic symptoms) once the medication is started. Clonazepam is an anti-seizure drug which works by calming the brain, so Your Mum may appear drowsy and slurry to begin with but you might find the drowsiness preferable if she has been displaying severe manic symptoms. Olanzapine is an anti-psychotic, which will calm any inappropriate or frightening delusions she may have been experiencing as a result of the manic symptoms. I hope your Mum soon feels much better. Bipolar is a horrible illness, both for the sufferer and for their families.

[tiggerblue10]

Thank you Singlet x

[tiggerblue10]

Flamin predictive text!

Ringlet x

[pixie374]

Has she been on either before, tiggs? It's usually a bit of trial and error to get the right combination and may take some time. Keep in touch with them and update them, so they know how she is getting on. Best wishes xx

[tiggerblue10]

The last time she had a severe episode was 35 years ago, Pixie. Not sure how advanced bi polar was recognised back in the 80s. I was 14 at the time and went to live with my aunt and uncle.

She has had very mild episodes over the years and with regular sleep seems to have suppressed it but this time it has returned very bad.

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks Pixie x

[wolf63]

Tiggs I am sorry to hear about your mother, I agree fully that it is an awful disease. I was diagnosed with it in 1996.

I have been on Lithium and various anti-depressants for many years.

During this lock-down, I have worried about my mental health as well as my physical health. It is frightening, I live on my own and my friends are also stuck indoors.

These are the two best websites:-
https://www.bipolaruk.org/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bipolar-disorder/

Don't bottle up your feelings, you need to talk about it as a family.

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks, Wolf x

We are hoping that once she gets through this she will continue with calming drugs. Probably for the rest of her life.

Take care x

[rowanwitch]

, sorry to heard your problems this but if she takes her meds she should be more settledwithin a few days although she might be a bit zonked until she gets used to them. As to full effects I agree it takes a lot longer
My mum was showing signs of dementia before this and lack of contact is making it so much worse. It's not just the virus but the isolation that is taking a huge toll I feel for you.

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks Rowan x

I can't wait for the day she zonks out. She's talking incoherently, screaming, crying and fighting her exhaustion. She's hardly sleeping and it's taking it's toll on my dad who is 77. My brother has to stay round every night.

[rowanwitch]

They might increase her doses in stages, under normal conditions she would probably be considered for admission, I am sure although it doesn't feel like it you are doing brilliantly.

[tiggerblue10]

We're trying our best Rowan, although it feels like a very steep hill to climb at the moment :o(

[Patsy33]

I remember my Mil used to be on Lithium, which kept her on an even keel. Hope drugs kick.in soon. Such a worry for you all. x

[tiggerblue10]

It is Patsy, and it couldn't have come at a worse time :o(

[wolf63]

Sleep deprivation is my main trigger. So you are right that if she gets a good sleep it would help.

Maybe talk to her GP, one of my psychiatrists prescribed me Valium to help me relax and sleep.

[tiggerblue10]

She's fighting sleep, Wolf, even when prescribed tamazepan. Her mind just doesn't stop and she letting everything out. She says the same things over and over again. It's quite distressing listening to it all :o(

[wolf63]

She is in a world of her own. At the start of a manic episode I loved how it made me feel, a buzz, endless ideas and energy. Everyone is different. In the long run a combination of the illness plus the Lithium has left me with some cognitive dysfunction. My brain is fried.

I feel for you, your dad and your brother. At any other time it would have been difficult for all of you but the way things are just now it is difficult to access any medical help.

Are you still working? Or are you and your wee man at home and driving each other up the wall?

:-)

[gness]

What a lovely supportive thread. I wish you all well. X

[tiggerblue10]

Good news.....she's responding well to the drugs and has slept a lot over the last 12hrs.

My brother said she's a lot calmer today and not talking as much. She's still saying weird stuff but not screaming and shouting like she has been.

Hopefully the corner has now been turned :o)

I'll be back working from home tomorrow, Wolf and wee man is either watching TV or on his tablet x

Thanks everyone for your support xx

[rowanwitch]

Good to hear, hope things continue to improve....stay safe