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Bi polar and back at work

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louise79427
louise79427

Hi, just went back to work after being in hospital, following psychosis. Am on aripiprazole 30mg and lithium 1000mg. Feel doped up and wondered if anyone else takes an antipsychotic and works. My doc said over time he would reduce the dose, but until then high dose. Am lucky the guys at work are really good, which helps.

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • charlie79548
    charlie79548 louise79427

    Posted

    Hi Louise,

    I take lithium 800mg (shortly about to increase to 1000mg) and Quetiapine 150mg- aripriprazole is pretty similar to Quetiapine so I get where you're coming from!

    My Quetiapine makes me extremely drowsy at night but doesn't do much during the day. Are you taking aripriprazole in the morning or at night? Can I ask how long you've been on your meds for? The reason I ask is, I've been inclined towards having some fairly nasty side effects when I increase my Quetiapine, but these taper off after a few days. If you're still having them a long time after it may be worth asking your doctor if you can take a different antipsychotic?

    Could I also suggest, if possible, taking some time off work? I'm currently on long term sick leave from work on the recommendation of my doctor, but I understand that for you this may not be possible. As you're probably aware work related stress can bring on episodes in bipolar, so it's worth being careful how much you're taking on so soon after being in hospital!

    Charlie

    • louise79427
      louise79427 charlie79548

      Posted

      Thanks for replying Charlie. Am gonna stick with this antipsychotic as I was on rispirdone before and that was awful. Have been off work a few times with hospitalization, so go to give it a shot. Have been on aripripiprazole for 2 months, so hopefully I will get used to it. I take it in the morning as it is supposed to be energizing.
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