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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by learningagain on February 23, 2002, at 16:27:00
I am posting on this for the first time, by boy-friend is manic-depressive, on buspar and depakote, and he is a very devoted athlete. He works out daily, lifts extremely heavy weights and competes. he is constnantly on several supplements...is this dangerous behavior for him? I am concerned. I love him, I know his training is immportant, but I don't want him to risk his mental well-being in the process...please, any advice would be welcome.
Posted by colin wallace on February 24, 2002, at 16:46:57
In reply to Is severe physical training dangerous?, posted by learningagain on February 23, 2002, at 16:27:00
Hi there,
Generally speaking, physical exercise of any decription is beneficial to depression- it can give you focus and improved perspective on life, provide an outlet for frustration and the adrenaline buildup which would otherwise lead to anxiety.Aerobic exercise, especially outdoors provides the best results (unless you're unlucky enough to live in the UK, where the last ice-age still lingers).Banging out excessively heavy weights though, is not good- I did it and got upper body arthritis for my troubles.
Maybe you could ween him off the weights and get him into hiking/biking...go with him, and take in some fresh air and scenery??
Posted by learningagain on February 25, 2002, at 10:29:04
In reply to Re: Is severe physical training dangerous?, posted by colin wallace on February 24, 2002, at 16:46:57
I wish it were that easy. He competes, I can't wean him. My main concern is not the physical (though we both know it's taking a toll on him) but the mental. He is on all kinds of supplements, and I am concerned that some of them may interfere with his meds or have a negative effect on him mentally. For instance, he took a great deal of effedrine before the last competition, that can't be good for a man controlling mania with depekote!
Posted by sjb on February 25, 2002, at 11:41:28
In reply to Re: Is severe physical training dangerous?, posted by learningagain on February 25, 2002, at 10:29:04
You're probably right. I don't think a lot of PDocs know the consequences of combining OTC supplements, herbs, etc with prescription medication and a lot of patients don't tell. Plus, the amount of the "active" ingredients in these things varies widely, as has been well publicized. From what I've read, ephreda is the most dangerous of the lot.
I used to be a distance runner, ran marathons and ultras and tried all sorts of supplements to performance, endurance, strength, recovery, etc. Most of it's either bs and a waste of money or its detrimental in the long run and/or dangerous.
I also lift weights and sometimes really go at it when I'm in better physical shape. Sometimes it can be an outlet for frustration, anger, ego, insecurity, or obsessive-compulsive, self-punishment, etc. I think you need to talk to him and to let him know the scoop about ephreda. If he really enjoys lifting but is overdoing now, a trauma or tear could render him with, at best, a lot of pain and an inability to work out for days or weeks, or at worst, a lifelong injury.
Posted by learningagain on April 8, 2002, at 13:36:20
In reply to Is severe physical training dangerous?, posted by learningagain on February 23, 2002, at 16:27:00
And he is on Depakote as well as teo other "supportive" meds. He is constantly tired, becoming increasingly irritable and moody. I love this man with all my heart and want very much to be with him. However, though he recognizes his mood being "off" and has for over a month, he has sought no help. I have brought up going to hisw Dr to talk. he told me they ahve to switch records to the new clinic first (Dr moved)...
He said once that is done he will go in. He will only discuss switching or changing doses of meds, not to discuss and psychological issues...
I am afraid because a week ago we were discussing our relationship and I told him regardless of anything that could occur, I would be right where I am, by his side. He told me that was great, but then went into how he's afraid not of leaving me...but of physically not being "here"...meaning alive. I am terrified. I don't know if he is having suicidal thoughts or not. I am afraid he wouldn't tell me if he is...I really don't know what to do here. I don't want to push him, but I know he needs help right now.
He is a father, he is my world and I am really in desperate need of some advice.
Posted by Gracie2 on April 8, 2002, at 20:35:14
In reply to How do I help my Boy-friend? He is bipolar..., posted by learningagain on April 8, 2002, at 13:36:20
I have been diagnosed as bipolar and my husband has been through hell. Before medication, the only thing about me that you could count on is that you couldn't count on me.
My first experience with meds included Depakote, which I did not like AT ALL. After six months of Depakote, 500 mg daily, I was a virtual zombie.
I didn't feel depressed, but I didn't feel anything else either. I was also taking Prozac, and then Paxil. They didn't help, or possibly the effects were lost somewhere in the Depakote haze.
But because I was sleeping at night (I had been suffering from severe insomnia and anxiety) and was not so anxious, my psychiatrist insisted that I keep on taking the Depakote.So I got rid of her, and the next psychiatrist took me off everything but Seroquel, first 300 mg
at night and then 400 mg. AS LONG as I do not drink excessively, I am much improved on this drug, which is an anti-psychotic. However, there was an awful adjustment period...first withdrawing from the Depakote, which I foolishly tried to do without tapering while I was between psychiatrists...my insomnia returned with a vengeance, and I began to suffer hellish panic attacks. Then I had to adjust to the Seroquel, which made me lethargic - and actually makes you sick if you take it with alcohol. But eventually I adjusted to the dosage, and now I am doing quite well.It sounds to me - and of course I am not a doctor, but having had experience with these drugs - that your boyfriend could probably do better with something other than Depakote. Prehaps his psychiatrist is unaware of the true effects that this drug is having - possibly your boyfriend is noncommital or downplays his feelings. I would urge him to get a second opinion.
Besides that, all you can do is to be there for him. Having the love and support of another is truely helpful, if not completely healing, and it sounds like you are doing all you can in that area.
Luck-
Gracie
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