Amitriptyline for bipolar - playing with fire?

rovers95 · Aug 17, 2019 at 04:55 AM

Okay so I'm starring to believe my bipolar diagnosis (bipolar 2, rapid cycling perhaps). I've been mildly depressed with periods of mild hypomania for years, but a combination of a light box, jet lag, and some life stress early this year put me into a hypomanic/mixed state, followed by depression.

In hindsight whenever I drink alcohol now I go hypomanic for about 24 hours, the crash and. Last weekend I drank on the ami and I went really hyper - read excessive confidence and hypersexuality. I gradually fell back down and by Thurs I was feeling very down. But now I'm starting to recover again (or am I coming back up?!).

I'm currently on 100mg amitriptyline and 600mg lithium. What I can't fathom is whether the improvement in my mood is towards hypomania or whether I'm recovering from the depression. So basically am I getting better or am I just making my illness worse down the line?

sarahsweets · Aug 17, 2019 at 05:33 AM

I am of the belief if you are bipolar you shouldnt drink at all. Too many risks with meds and mood.

MickeyCheeky · Aug 17, 2019 at 06:14 AM

Yes, COMPLETELY agree with the wise and sweet sarahsweets, @rovers95. Avoid drinking if you can. It has a bad effect on you ESPECIALLY with other Meds thrown into the mix. If you're addicted to alcohol you may want to consider Therapy or an AA Group. Please take GREAT care of yourself. If there are any doubts contact your Pdoc and ask him/her for Advice. Follow his/her instructions carefully. Be kind to yourself and avoid doing yourself ANY harm! Sending many safe, warm hugs to BOTH You, @rovers95, and ALL Of Your Loved Ones!

fern46 · Aug 17, 2019 at 06:28 AM

It might be helpful to keep a mood journal. That way you can look for patterns over time. It might help you distinguish hypomanic behavior from a healthy and happy mood.

I also agree with Sarah. Our bodies are like a chemistry set and proper balance is critical to maintaining your baseline mood when you have bipolar disorder. Adding alcohol in the mix is like adding another unexpected chemical to an experiment. You can never be sure how it will react and you oftentimes won't get what you hoped for.

Jedi67 · Aug 17, 2019 at 10:51 AM

a mood journal is a very good idea. tracking your moods whether hypo or depressed will give you a sharper overlook of the episodes you go through, and how frequently. definitely decrease the alcohol if you can. drinking and bipolar don't mix too well. too many unpredictable factors involved. good luck and stay strong. you'll get through this. be well!

~Christina · Aug 17, 2019 at 07:56 PM

It’s going to be impossible for you to determine what’s what while your drinking alcohol

Stop drinking and see how things go for at least a few months.

For the vast majority of People with Bipolar it’s impossible to find and stay at baseline if alcohol or street drugs are in board.

Hope your feeling better son

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sarahsweets Threadtastic Postaholic Member Since Dec 2018 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6,006 (SuperPoster!) 5 192 hugs given	Aug 17, 2019 at 05:33 AM #2 I am of the belief if you are bipolar you shouldnt drink at all. Too many risks with meds and mood. __________________ "I carried a watermelon?" President of the no F's given society.
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