Hi,
How’s it going for you today?
I hope you are doing well.
I am going to a strongman competition with my friend.
He is competing today so I have to get going.
Anyway, I heard someone talk at one of the support groups I volunteer at the other night, and
I just have to share it with you, because, well, actually, it’s not to share it with you, it’s to WARN you –
When you’re dealing with bipolar disorder, PLEASE, please…
DON’T DO THIS!
This woman could have caused a LOT of harm by what she did.
I mean, I’m sure she didn’t mean to hurt anyone by it, but still, she could have (and maybe she
did, I don’t know, because I didn’t stick around, and anyway, it’s kind of a personal thing to each
person there, and I don’t know what they do in their personal lives).
But anyway, back to my story about what happened at the support group.
This woman did something that was really dangerous, and I don’t want you to do the same thing at your own support group, or even just talking to anyone else about this.
Sorry, I’ll stop preaching, and just tell you what happened.
We had a doctor as a guest speaker.
Great, you know?
I love it when we have doctors talking on bipolar disorder, because I love to pick their
brains about the disorder! : )
Then I bring back what I learn and share it with you (if I learn anything new).
All right, so this woman asks the doctor if she’s on the right bipolar medication.
So, of course, the doctor doesn’t know, because he doesn’t know what medication
she’s on, and they usually won’t discuss medication, because everyone’s different.
So she starts trying to tell him what medication she’s on, and the doctor tries to cut her off, and
move onto the next question.
Scroll down to see what happens next!
She starts yelling at the doctor, “What kind of doctor are you if you don’t know about
medications?”
And the doctor started to turn red! I swear! This lady was so rude!
So, right in front of everyone, she starts naming her medications!
And she asks the doctor, “Are these the best medications for bipolar disorder?”
Let me tell you what the doctor said: (Scroll down for the answer)
He said (as politely as he could, because everyone was looking by then): “Ma’am,
I can’t tell you if these are the best bipolar medications. You have to ask your own doctor.”
See, even doctors won’t tell you what the best bipolar medications are!
Because there are so many of them!
And you’ll notice, in all my daily emails, I never mention names of medications,
because I’m not a doctor, and I don’t want anyone to think that I’m endorsing any
particular bipolar medication, because I’m not. (and because, believe it or not,
I’ve had several people accuse me of working for a drug company, pushing
medications! Which, of course I DON”T!)
Even in my courses/systems, I talk about types of bipolar medications, but not names,
because that’s not what’s important, and everybody’s different. Besides, they’re always
coming out with new medications, and doing new drug trials every day. The medication name
is not as important as what the medication does.
NEW
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Anyway, back to what happened.
After the meeting, this is what she did that was so dangerous, and that I hope you
NEVER do:
This woman gathered everyone around her, and told them the names of the medications
she was on. Oh, not just that, though. She told them how great they were, and that THEY
should be on them, too!
That could be so harmful, because just because one medication works great for someone else
doesn’t mean it’s going to work that great for you or your loved one! Your own doctor has to make that decision. And this woman definitely was NOT a doctor!
So I just wanted to warn you.
Always check with your doctor with ANY questions about medication.
Hey – have YOU ever run into a woman like the one I described?
What do you think about what happened?
David Oliver is the author of the shocking guide “Bipolar Disorder—The REAL Silent Killer.” Click Here to get FREE Information sent via email on how and why bipolar disorder kills.
Post responses below
Well David, the woman must not be on the right medication or she wouldn’t have yelled at the dr or act crazy!
We’ve just started a DBSA support group in our area. We do allow people to share information about other medicines or mention their names; however we are careful to stress that what works for one person, may not work for the other……that they should always check with their doctor. Also, one thing that we have put into place is that there is to be no “doctor bashing”. One person may be upset with a doctor and the other may be satisfied with the same doctor or may be struggling with their illness and stop going to their doctor and therefore stop taking their medications all together because of the doctor bashing. I had this happen at a DRADA meeting where one person was upset with my doctor and I was very ill and I didn’t know whether to continue to trust him with my treatment. I had to have someone pick me up from that meeting because I was so upset. We do not say the Doctor’s name if we are having issues about him; we just say “my doctor”
Dave,
As far as I can see the woman in the story whom was yelling at the Doctor simply is not on the proper medication, otherwise she would not have gone off on the Doctor. I , myself consider myself unique, as far as how my treatment plan goes, and meds as well. Also the meds I take are a mood stabilizer, Topamaz 350mg daily, celexa 20 mgs, klonopin, 2mg at hs,also buspar, 7.5mg in the am and 15 mg at hs. Also a sleep aid. back to the woman in the story, it seems to me she needs to have followers, she obviously is not stable in her disorder, and I am just making an assumption here, but if her group of followers continue to follow her, they too are not stable,and all in for a shock.I know from having two neice’s with the disorder who fail to get treatment, how scary it is when they go off on someone. Just imagine this woman going off on a group of individuals. Thanks for the opportunity to allow me to give my opinion, its a wonderful feeling. Looking forward to more e-mails. Debra
HI EVERY BODY…..
BY SHE SOUNDS LIKE SOME WOMAN.
TAKE CARE LINDA X
It’s fairly obvious that this woman’s medication isn’t all that wonderful or she wouldn’t be behaving the way she was.
David, this woman was unfortunately ignorant of the fact that EACH medication works differently for each individual. I would never recommend my medications for someone else!!! She may not have been totally stable or she simply may have had misconceptions about medications. I have had to change medications many times myself in order to find the right “cocktail”, and I’m STILL not positive if the ones I’m currently taking are ideal for me. But I’m certainly feeling better than before, so I’m sticking with them for now. I’m getting tired of dosages being upped and lowered, and this being substitued for that.
So, to summarize, PLEASE LISTEN ALL BIPOLAR SUFFERERS: Never take someone else’s advice who is not a doctor or psychiatrist on which bipolar med’s to take. It may very well cause you more harm than good. It’s a no-brainer: everyone’s body chemistry is different!
I found this article about the different medications very interesting. Thanks for sharing that story. Not thinking about it it sounds right.
About 3 years ago, I asked my doctor to change my meds. I had heard that Zyprexa was party to a lawsuit, and I was scared about the side effects. I explicitly asked her for Seroquel. She weaned me off the Zyprexa and weaned me ON the Seroquel, until I was only taking Seroquel.
BIG MISTAKE. I was soooo drained and worthless for about 3 months. Couldn’t figure out “why.” Went back to my doctor and told her my reactions. We both figured out it was the change in medications, and that even Seroquel was being sued! Well, the process started over again; weaning me OFF the Seroquel and back ON the Zyprexa. With that change, I have felt MUCH better.
Still having mixed episodes, so am on the upped dosage of Zyprexa, including Klonopin at night, and no Valium. The first full day without Valium was hard, but I just looked forward to taking the Klonopin to help me sleep and get rid of the anxiety. Now, I’m STILL getting used to NOT havig the Valium, but the Klonopin seems to be working, so I’m NOT going to ask for any more changes in meds…
You are SO right. One medication doesn’t work for everybody. I was a “Lithium eater” for 20 years, until I developed neuropathy in both legs (they essentially “fall asleep” whether I’m sitting OR walking), so they switched me to Depakote.
PLEASE, people, DON’T ask your mental health professional to change your meds unless you are feeling major side effects and s/he needs to change them. DON’T be your own doctor (“Physician, heal thyself”). After all, your doctor has had many years of education to be able to “experiment” with what might work and what might not. DON’T second-guess your psychiatrist!!
BIG HUGS to all bipolar survivors and those who love us. May God bless you real good. I pray for my country.
Obviously, she was not on the right kind of medication. If she were, she would have realized how dangerous it was to tell that kind of information and then to recommend it to the others, was sooooo wrong. Finding the right meds is trial and error and only a physician should do this for you.
Sad to think that maybe the woman’s behavior might have been affected by desperation.
After 25 years of treatment for my mental health, I know that every person requires their own personal program/treatment. My own treatment changes every few years as the medications that I am on at the time stop being effective. One of my symptoms is extreme irritability which has resulted in some embarrassing public situations for which I have later apologized. So while her behaviour was disrespectful and her advice possibly dangerous to others, I see her as an example of a bipolar person out of control. Her behaviour and actions probably seem okay to her at the time. I suspect this woman and her doctor need to reevaluate her present treatment program.
I have to agree with everyone else. My first thought while reading this was, “obviously not the right meds for her to have an outburst like that.” David, as I have only been dealing with my illness for a few weeks now, your daily e-mails are an inspiration and great help. Thank you so much for what yo do.
Hi Dave, the lady was getting irritated that the doctor doesn’t know about her medications. We tend to point fingers at doctors but they don’t know too for sure what medication is best. Even if they say it’s good, there’s always side effects. I’m sticking to my medications because I don’t want to get pchsycotic again. I’m taking risperedal,flouxtine and lorazepam.
Dave,
I wanted to add something after the e-mail you sent me, in regards to the light box. I had forgotten all about it. I am taking in addition to my other meds as previously posted Vitamin D – 3, our bodies naturally make it but, not enough of it. It is used for Seasonal Affective Disorder, as well as depressive phase in bipolar disorder. I am taking at least 4,000 units a day, which has helped along with the other meds. My Doc informed me I had the highest level of all the clients at the Mental Health Facility, which I am very thank-full for. There is however a contraindication, it can cause, kidney stones, which I have had in the past. I feel the benefits out weigh the risks.I do however drink large amount of water every day, have done so for many years. Have a Great Day!
Hi Dave,
I definatly have to agree with you on this woman who could have or even might have caused a lot of problems. I wonder if she could have been in an episode and was lashing out to those around her. I know that many times I have done that and that includes lashing out at my doctor. He gave my a script once that I looked up side effects etc.I never take anything out without checking interactions ,side effects and such. I am sure this lady did not know or think about when after the meeting that something that she was raving that was so wonderful might inter act in an adverse way with something you or I might be taking. We all have to be so careful in today’s society because our doctors are so busy and with the billions of medications they can’t be expected to know all interactions. This goes for our pharmisists as well ….. they are so busy that sometimes something can slip through the cracks as the saying goes.
The woman was in a fullblown episode and wanted everyone else to support her.
Most respected Sir,
I do agree with you and your this episode. This some time happens with me also while dealing such people. but as usual I always try to councel more and more rather than talking so much of medication. I feel we should give more time to listen the person in our front just to go in the depth of disorder, taking in to account of mental symptoms of the person being delt.
REGARDS
“Doctors” PRETEND to know NOTHING about their BP “treatments.”
For if they spoke the truth they would have to tell you that they & the “treatments” ARE the Disorder.
They would be where they belong, locked up & Treated…
How is it now, I seen a psycholigist; He called himself “Dr.” Psycholigists as psychiatrists Post have NO ticket….. Theirfore NO clam to being a Dr..
Davo ALL know ALL psychiatric “treatments” “Meds, psychosergery, Shock therapie (ECT).
CAUSE Brain Damage.
The Cerebrium, the Hippocampi, some part of the Left Frontal Lobe or Cortex…
These Damages to these parts of the Brain are PROVEN to manifest themselves in the Behaviours listed in the DSM.
ALL world wide KNOW psychiatry to be FRAUD!
We need to rid the world of this Diabolical Genacidle trade.
For the Mental Health of ALL World Wide.
Yes Dave I know, you will just have to get your hiking Money elsewhere. DIDIMS!
Troy,
Without a doubt, you are the rudest person I have ever encountered, bar none. Do you get kicks from bullying David and putting him down? Why in the heck are you on this website anyway? It just upsets you and you upset everyone else!
David;
I read your comments on the condition you obviously help people with on a daily basis, and it is very heartwarming to know someone can help others, even though you don`t claim to be a doctor,—-just a person who can help others understand their difficulties in life through your own trials and errors, and without the license posted on the wall somewhere, saying you graduated at this and that University.
I have several friends who have Bipolar Disorder, and reading your helpful words almost daily, helps me understand just how to cope with their condition. I do have a very important question to ask, if I may: Where can I go to get an understanding of the dreaded condition called SCHIZOPHRENIA??? I do have a friend of the family with a daughter who has Schizophrenia, taking medication for it, etc, but the family is perplexed with the continued affliction of what is called voices in the mind which is quite maddening, and I for one sympathize with the young lady who is suffering with those dreaded voices in her life!!
Is there a direction I can pursue, that might help the young lady cope better with the problem the voices present her with, each day of her life thus far?? I think her mother is rather convinced that the doctor isn`t helping her understand the affliction with the voices. The medication, a brief therapy session is scheduled, but little else, in her opinion.
I have heard of people who have been spared the dreaded affects of the mental disorder, by eating better food,in the better nutrition field!! I`m wondering myself, if she could be helped much better, if the doctor would maybe help more, to help the young lady cope better with the voices that she says plague her everyday!! Maybe you can`t extend yourself into this field, but I am wondering outloud if you know of a connection that could be contacted by her Mother, and/or maybe even a book that would help with more understanding in the field?? I would like to help them, but I`m not qualified to do anything more than speaking consolingly with the young lady, as well as the Mother also!!
It seems like such a shame to not be able to do more to help them, so I thought I`d ask you for your suggestions, if any!! In conclusion here, I commend you for your concern for others, and the ensuing hard work, so keep up the hard work!! I tip my hat to the work you`re doing. Thank you! Agape, * David Perkins *
First – Troy scares me. This is another example where his opinion could cause someone to alter their treatment, for the worst, based on his rambling. Which didn’t make much sense after all.
Anyway, as far as someone giving advice that shouldn’t…my (ex) boss was attacking my mental stability enough that I felt forced to tell her my condition, so she could understand better why I was behaving in that manner. She said she was also bipolar and didn’t take meds, (which explained a lot )and that “I needed to get off the medication, focus better on my life and direction, take vitamins, and exercise. that I didn’t have to give in to it and I could choose whether it affected me or not”. Can you imagine the nerve and what if I had actually listened to her. It is bad enough that job through me into a hypo manic episode. (and fyi,I packed up and left that day)
Dave, I think that lady needed different med personally and that the Doc. done the right thing. You can only say what works for you, everyone is different and meds effect everyone differently. I need to find a support group, but after hearing that not really sure I want to go to one.
Karri, It is so sad that you have a boss like that, again, people are different. I have had this for years, just didn’t know I had it until recently. I am tons better then I was (on meds finally) but still not good.
But w hen you have a boss or a friend sya they have it too, and they do this or that, or nothing, well that makes me mad, because you are not them, I am not them and if you are like me, you have tried everything, it is not something we asked for or can control, at least I can’t (yet) maybe I will be able to some day, but for now I know I am better and that people like David are out there who truly want to help people and do daily post like he does.
I cannot believe that people here are making judgments about the effectiveness of this woman’s medication because she lost her cool with this doctor. For one thing, I thought the lesson here was to stay out of other people’s medical program and for another, is every outburst ANYONE ever has, will have or has had in the past a symptom of bipolar disorder? Of course not! “Normal” people have them, too. Also, the writer of this warning is acting as though a person can actually take the woman’s advice and run out and get all these medications she’s recommending without a doctor’s prescription. I think that if something is working well for someone, telling someone else about the medication can serve to help inspire a conversation with that person’s doctor that could lead to a helpful change in her medication. We need to share MORE, not LESS, and if there is a combination of meds that seems to be working well for someone, I want to know. Who knows, maybe it could work for me, too. At least its worth running by my doctor.
I deffinately agree with you about that! My meds work for me, but do not work for my friend. However, when my younger half sister was diagnosed as bipolar, she did ask what meds I was taking. I went with her to the doctor (we see the same shrink) for the first time. Our doctor was willing to try her on the meds I’m on because we inherited some of the same body chemistry. But not all of what I’m on worked for her. Her meds were changed around and now she is really stable. We are still on 2 of the same meds. And since this was just the start of her on meds, she had to start some where. The anti-depressant we take is the same one our dad is on. It was explained to me as genetics.
And just remember – it may take several meds and combinations to find what works for you! Don’t get discouraged and PLEASE PLEASE report ANY side effects to your doctor! Some side effects can be potentially deadly. Also please tell your doctor ALL the things you take, even things like vitamins and herbs. They all can interact and make you very ill.