I have never heard of beepers on ritalin...it is mainly used for ADD/ADHD...it seems to be an odd dug to put on beeper on, its a stimulant...

I agree with Johnette, and it sure sounds like it's the wrong med for her. She needs to question her doc and get something more effective.

my son was diagnosed with mood disorder. Was not on any meds when he wanted to be tested for add. After 2 weeks on add meds, he went into a manic episode. In the drug prescribing info for add meds, it states that it may cause hypomanic, or manic episodes and should be used with caution in bipolar patients

I hope the mom realizes this is needing a Dr.'s attention ASAP. What does she think? It seems that so many people are afraid to stand up to Dr.s just because they are professionals. Not saying she is. I just wish more people would confront Dr.s.
I hope your niece gets attention soon. Ritalin is definitely not for BP.

There are a lot of BPers who also have ADD and that may be why. However, it is a dangerous drug to administer to someone with BP because it can cause mania. If your niece does have ADD, shs might do well to ask her doctor about increasing her mood stabilizer (so that she finds it easier to concentrate)and to taper off of the Ritalin. I say this from experience in that my doctor refuses to presribe me medicine to control my ADD. He does, however, prescribe two mood stablizers. Best wishes to you and your niece.

I was on ritalin for three months. I actually helped with the highs. PDoc's will sometimes try that therapy first because it dosen't build up in the system. And they probably thought her lows weren't that bad. If it makes here worse, you gotta tell the PDoc.

woohoo someone say speed?

yeah, I think it's bizarro.

I'm BP and ADD - I've been on Adderall. But, unless your neice is ADD, Ritalin is odd for BP - am curious how old she is? I hope her mom is double checking on this issue. Concerns me!

Diagnosed ADHD for 2+ years now. I am on Adderall and it set off my undiagnosed Bi-Polar so bad. Rapid Cycles with more intense ups and lower lows. I ruined my marriage but finally was diagnosed BP because of the seperation. Best of luck to you and your niece

Ron

It's actually my niece by marriage and she's in her thirties and on Ritalin and I can't figure this out for the life of me. Thanks for all of your input. I'm going to say something to her.