Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

8,884 Members
129,555 Posts
0 Online
Mental Health
/ Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Mania and meds

mustgoon
mustgoon
Hi I would like to know if it's possible to have a manic episode while on meds or does it come about because of not taking meds. I'm still learning about BP thank you :)
dancingd
dancingd
It is possible to have a break through manic episode while on meds...even if you are med compliant , and take them regularly and are under a Pdoc's care.

If you suspect you might be manic , and possibly approaching psychosis , it's very important to talk with your Pdoc ..

You will want to catch mania , and nip it in the bud, before it goes over the top
Halterbroke
Halterbroke
DD is correct.
deleted_user
deleted_user
breakthrough mania happens- usually due to inadequate medication
deleted_user
deleted_user
breakthrough mania happens- usually due to inadequate medication
tommymott
tommymott
If you've been misdiagnosed and are taking an anti-depressant it could push you into mania. Your doc should catch it and taper off. I'm a BPI and have been pushed into mania by anti-depressants even though I was compliant in using lithium. Lithium keeps me totally out of mania as long as I leave anti-depressants alone. So you can experience mania while using certain meds or due to not using the right meds.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yep, what dd and wizz said.

Talk to your pdoc.

Good luck. X
Autumn111269
Autumn111269
Yes. I've had manic episodes while being med compliant. Often it is the anti-depressant I am on. My pdoc has now limited me to specific anti-depressants and if I start getting manic, he takes me off those and puts me on an anti-psychotic. Drives me crazy having to change up my meds so much but whatever keeps this stuff at bay. Good luck.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I recently went thru a break through episode while being on my meds and being compliant about taking them. My therapist caught it in the beginning and sent me right to the pdoc. I was on TWO antidepressants plus lithium, lamictal and seroquel and klonopin. Right away pdoc stopped one of the AD's and cut the other in half. Doubled antipsychotic.
So, yeah, it can be meds or even your brain chemistry when exposed to the right trigger(s)
Community Leaderacuriousfish
acuriousfish
I've had it while on 800mg of lithium.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm on 900mg of lithium, acuriousfish, and it happened.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It happens so if you feel the slightest inkling of mania call your Pdoc right away so he or she can change up your meds. Otherwise, go to the ER
DivineSilence
DivineSilence
Yes you can still have mania while on meds. Before meds I cycled about every month and had full blown mania but now that I am medicated I only cycle every other year and only have hypomania.
mustgoon
mustgoon
THANK YOU very much for your responses, I can understand a lot more now. I thought it wouldn't be likely to have an episode while on meds but I have learned otherwise. I wish you all the best and than you for the advice as well.
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • Community Leaderacuriousfish

    Struggling...

    Posted by: acuriousfish
    Last Reply: acuriousfish
    5
    I find myself going places in the car and not wanting to get out of the car. I come back home and I don't want to get out of the car. I think it's the only time I spend reflecting. Chronic tiredness from Long Covid plus the immunosupressing meds for my Crohn's is slowing me down but everything just seems a massive effort. I am dealing with the paperwork following my father's death but it's not...
  • GTTMbutstillme

    Wednesday Check In

    Posted by: GTTMbutstillme
    Last Reply: GTTMbutstillme
    4
    Wow, it's the middle of the week already!Today is our 11 year anniversary, so we're going out to a nice dinner.  I'm losing a lot of sleep these days, hence a wonky schedule and uncomfortable feelings.  But I know it will pass, eventually.I hope all of you have a peaceful day, and may good things come your way!