need to understand my friends illness

Hello. My good friend suffered what we thought was a brief delusional episode last year. She was put on risperidone and tapered off to nothing. Everything seemed to be going well. In January she became extremely delusional again. She has been if hospital ever since. They are now considering bipolar disorder. Apparently these delusions (she believes she is physically ill with AIDS, hepC) are from the manic swing of her illness. 2 months later and still trying to find the right meds, she is very down but refuses to give up the fact that she is not physically ill. She is mad at all of us for pulling her out of her life and sticking her in an institution. I can live with this as I know it is the disorder talking and not her. I really need some help understanding this disease so I can help her and possibly advocate for her if needed. I really know nothing about this. I would like to know what are the drugs usually used. Do the side effects of the drugs eventually go away? Last year she was almost catatonic on the risperidone and she does remember this. She refuses to get in that state again and will not consider risperidone again. If you were on a low dose of risperidone, would that help with side effects? They have tried zyprexia but that is not helping either. Would appreciate any input you have to offer.

there are lots of different web sites on medication for bp. I have bp and have at different times found myself in hospital being pumped with different druggs to make me stable. In a psych ward you feel you have no rights and essentially you don't. A psych can force you to take any med he thinks will help. There are a large selection of anti psychotics that can help. I take serequel Quetiapine and this helps control mania and stabilises mood. The problem with all of these meds are they are very sedating and can leave you feeling like a zombie. But with regular contact with a doc it is possible to find a right level. Sodium valporate is commonly used as a mood stabiliser but isnt right for some as it has many side effects. You need to have weekly blood tests to check the level in your system but at least with this drug there is a level that the bloodtest results can tell you are helping with mood stabilising. Lithium is commonly used in patients prone to psychosis caused through mania. It is also a stabliser but can cause problems with your kidney function. The best drug I used in regards to side effects is a mood stabiliser called Lamotrogine. I have not experienced side effects at all and unlike the rest it allows me to function mostly as a normal person. I only take a couple of tabs nightly and have no reason to not be compliant as it helps me function not make me like a zombie. Some people can take too much and have mania symptoms so it is a good drug to try in hosp where she is in care.In aust this is not covered by govt so can be expensive. There are also alot of anti depressants that can help with the low side because with every high there is equally as devastating lows. I have tried many from Zoloft, arapax cipramil evanza and others I cant recall. All of these have good and bad things about them but are safer to start taking in hsp as the side effect can be like feeling depressed. nauses tired and the benefits dont kick in for at least 2-3 weeks. Usually doctors will prescribe (in Australia any way) a combination of these dif drugs to help all areas. The worst part for bp is compliance in taking their druggs when they are manic they feel so good they think they don't need them. This is usually the case and so drugs aren't the only solution. Education of the patient to understand the effect this will have on their life and that of those they love is important. Also psychology is helpful, that is teaching them to take responsibilty for their own illness. Teaching them to recognise there own warning signs of their illness (every one can see after wards where they got sick) teaching them to avoid certain things in life and stresses that compound problems.Remember to always offer your support but you can't do it for her.

Wow, I read your story about your friend. I'm on here b/c I'm so frustrated, it takes a long time to get the meds right and I feel bad I have no life. I just want to give up!

Then I read about your friend who prob went through more than me.......you know. Please let her know.