Quetiapine And Mania?

[Maggiemay]

Ok, so I have just had my dose increased. Only by 25mg at a time as I have a history of not tolerating drugs. Before at this dose I was very sedated. But, it's caused me to become manic: am working in fast forward; hate sitting still; incredibly productive & creative; excessive spending; hardly sleeping & not being tired & talking at 100mph and jumping from one thought to another.

Just seen T and she said uetiapine couldn't cause a manic episode, until having spoken to me for an hour! Oops... I told her things I've been withholding for ages as couldn't stop myself. 2 of my sisters suffer from bipolar, whereas I have BPD & PTSD. I do have a lot of mood fluctuations and emotional instability, but definitely the most manic I've been. Need to make appt to see GP anyway

 

[catjudo]

It would seem odd for seroquel to induce a manic episode. But if the mania is caused by the medication, then good news is that it isn't bipolar. Is your GP the one who is prescribing seroquel for you? Seems like you should be getting an appointment with your psychiatrist.

 

[Maggiemay]

I agree, it's very odd! :s A quick Google helped me discover I'm not alone and it can happen, particularly at lower doses (I'm currently on 125mg). GP is prescribing, under guidance of psych. I saw one about 18 months ago who 1st put me on it.

My T wrote to my GP 6 weeks ago suggesting a re-referral, but instead he spoke with him over the phone, completely freezing me out :( Grrrrrrr!! The joys of the NS trying to cut back! I'm going to try & push for a diagnosis of depersonalisation disorder so need to see one anyway.

It seems that in the UK, unless you're in crisis, you're unlikely to see one... Frustrating when 10 years ago I used to see one weekly as was in such a state. Hated them and didn't want to see them. Now I want their help, I'm being denied it :(

 

[pamcoco]

omg I am glad to see this post. I have the exact same reaction to all anti-depressants, well ssri's anyway. I have tried them all, and the ones that aren't ssri's like Welbutrin, I am allergic to. I settled on Zoloft in my late 20's but realized the mania was creating worse havoc than the depression.

Then came the current tornado in my life. Now, I simply must be medicated due to suicidal ideation. Bu,t with raging ptsd it has now been 7 years on Lexapro and the mania has significantly effected my relationships. It doesn't matter how many times I explain that the mania is a side effect of the psychotropics, people treat me like I am an insolent child that needs a spanking, because of my rapid speech, inability to focus directly on them, constantly interrupting conversations. But I cannot control it and I have found no better option pharmaceutically.

I have add. But I am not manic, ever, unless I am medicated. The add meds help me to sleep and to calm down and while manic it is hard for me to function without the adderall, ironically they act like sedatives for me.

I cut back to 1/2 dose for a couple of months and was feeling much better. Mania is hell really. Then a series of events occurred and I was again planning my suicide, so here I am, manic as can be, and wishing there were other medication options for me.

 

[Maggiemay]

*Big hugs* Sounds horrid. Boo!!! My sister who isbipolar spent 4 months in hospital after a manic episode - it awful :( At the moment it's not having a negative impact on my functioning, but I'm worried if I continue it Will do! :(

 

[Lucycat]

I'm going to try & push for a diagnosis of depersonalisation disorder so need to see one anyway.

Why are you doing this? I am not saying you do or don't warrant the diagnosis by why do you need to push for it? What benefit is there to you to get this label added to your file?

 

[Maggiemay]

Because it validates so many of my symptoms & will hopefully help me access the support I need and be taken seriously. Without it being validated I am still left floating around confused & unable to get the right help. I know a label isn't a solution or quick fix - I hate being BPD!! But this ties together so much & is me to a T!!

 

[Maggiemay]

Seeing GP tomorrow AM... Eeek! Don't know quite what to say. But my moods have been proper intense - more manic than ever, seriously strong & inappropriate anger (not been this bad in 10 yrs!) & then today got so so so stressed and emotional as lost purse... Everything seems so heightened & extreme, it's rather odd! :s I

 

[Maggiemay]

So, I saw GP - he seems to think it's coincidence I'm so manic... Hmmm...

Gone up to 150 and it's still not knocking me out :s Feel like I'm now going through a mixed episode rather than just pure mania and I HATE it!! :( Feel so out of control!

Going to give it another week, then I'm going to re-evaluate. Right now I feel like I'm getting worse :( :( :( This is why I should have seen psych *sigh* so cross with NHS as don't feel like I'm getting the help I deserve. :(

 

[digger]

I've had my own frustrations with the NHS. I know there are a lot of good people work for them and that some people get lucky and get the right support from them but it seems very hit and miss.

Can you ask to be re-referred to a psychiatrist? See a different GP?

 

[catjudo]

So does your GP agree that you seem manic? If he thinks you're manic and he doesn't think it is caused by the medication you're currently on, then shouldn't he be coming up with a plan on what to do about it?

 

[pamcoco]

I am no pharmacologist, obviously ;-).But If the mania is at least partially drug induced then possibly you could have adhd exacerbating the side effects. As I understand, it is classic adhd to go up with drugs that are more sedative and down with drugs that are more stimulants.
Really I know too little to comment, but I have that experience with psychotropic medications.

I hope you find relief soon, I KNOW how hard it is! Keep searching until it feels right for you!