I usually drink a few cups of coffee every day and occasionally 1 or 2 occasionally to 4 rarely (max) drinks of alcohol (beer or wine usually). I am male and weigh 220 so this is not a lot of alcohol for my body weight.
I find that coffee in the morning makes me happy, but too much can make me feel slightly hypomanic. Alcohol on the other hand also makes me happy but seems to slow me down and relax me (good in the evening).
I understand that these are mood altering drugs and that bipolar is a mood disorder so I have tried to cut back on alcohol, but coffee seems to be fine as long as I am getting adequate sleep.
I take 6mg invega daily in the morning and I notice that alcohol is not suggested, but I don't think I can go my whole life without a beer/glass of wine now and then.
Does anyone else avoid alcohol/caffeine completely or at least try to limit themselves?