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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Alcoholism While Suffering From Bi-polar Disorder Be Treated?

Hello, my husband is bi-polar and a long time alcoholic. About three weeks ago a new doctor started him back on Lithium, which was when I noticed his mania almost immediately returned. His drinking increased and the mania had lasted over two weeks. He was also prescribed acamprosate to help with alcohol cravings. I checked him into the hospital for detox where he was given Librium, Lithium and Seriquil. He was feeling paranoid and checked himself out of the hospital within 24 hours. Several days went by where he was more manic than ever and cutting himself. He decided to stop taking the Lithium and Acamprosate as he was still drinking with the prescriptions and it seemed to be the initial cause for the mania. For about a week now he has been sleeping 20 hours a day, he s barely functioning and I m very concerned for him. I beg him daily to see a doctor but he refuses. Should I be concerned by his extreme exhaustion?
Mon, 30 Jul 2018
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

First of all I like to inform you that lithium is very unlikely cause for flare up of mania. It is possible that he was already in process of developing full blown mania which incidentally started after use of lithium.

20 hours of sleep in a person with bipolar disorder is never normal and indicates either the physical illness or severe depression (unlikely at this stage).

In my opinion getting him to hospital by use of force is option and it should not be missed if you are unable to convince him properly.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
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How Can Alcoholism While Suffering From Bi-polar Disorder Be Treated?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. First of all I like to inform you that lithium is very unlikely cause for flare up of mania. It is possible that he was already in process of developing full blown mania which incidentally started after use of lithium. 20 hours of sleep in a person with bipolar disorder is never normal and indicates either the physical illness or severe depression (unlikely at this stage). In my opinion getting him to hospital by use of force is option and it should not be missed if you are unable to convince him properly. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.