For People Who Won't Judge Only!

I wonder if his meds need to be adjusted? Children change and grow so quickly, it may be that it needs to be reevaluated.

I am sending you strength and peace.

Ok, I do not know a whole lot about bipolar or the meds that go with it, however I do believe in a few things. 1. yes for this meds are needed. 2. therepy is important (hypno and pshycho) 3. teaching empowerment.
I think you and the medical team going on can and will find the right meds to use and keep it to a minimum; I also think that the right combos of therepies/medication work well with helping him feel empowerd (selfesteem too) may help combat the anxiety issues as well. I am confident you will find the balance needed.

About the diet changes... yes he's been diagnosed - but diet changes help MANY different diagnosis from being more severe, especially in children. I'd look into that 'non medical' route of weaning him off of food dyes, decrease gluten, sugars and commercial dairy products. You never know how much it may help unless you try it - and keep it up for a month at least to see any changes.

I'd definitely talk to his psychiatrist ASAP. This could be a side effect of one of the medications he's currently on. You may need to adjust dosages and/or change medications. Incidentally, this is something you need to be prepared for on an ongoing basis. Psychiatric medications change in their effects over time as the body chemistry adjusts to the medications. His meds should be monitored closely and frequently. The number of meds he is on will likely go up and down, as will the dosage and the complexity of his medication regimen.

It sounds like you've gotten way too many people telling you that changing his diet would render him non-bipolar. I'm so sorry to hear it. This is nonsense, and that sounds very frustrating. Please continue to ignore these people.

However, do keep in mind that dietary changes have significant effects on the behavior and mental functioning of most people, regardless of whether or not they are bipolar. Everyone I know who has been hospitalized has come home with both a medication plan and some dietary recommendations. Both exercise patterns and nutritional intake effect the body's biochemistry, which in turn interacts with psychiatric medications. Talk to the psychiatrist about any nutritional do's or don't that can help keep the medications useful and your son stable. Please don't consider his diet to be irrelevant to his overall care.

Good luck.

Hi M., I had written you a few weeks ago or so. I'm also bipolar - is this a nervous thing or do you think this could be something w/his medication? Sometimes medications can cause other symptoms - I take lithium (which is a natural salt) and one of the side effects is tremors so I take inderol for that. They can give cogentin (sp?) to counteract the side effects if the meds are helping. I understand your concern about the amt of meds your son is on, believe me, I do. It is a scary situation. If there is anything I can help you with, please feel free to email me at ____@____.com. I've been dealing w/this myself since I was 23 and I know the hell it is, actually since I was younger, but that was when I was diagnosed. My heart goes out to the two of you, and again if I can be there for you, please let me know. I promise you, I'll never judge you.

My husband is bipolar and takes depakote. When he's manic he takes zyprexa and when depressed takes welbutrin. Maybe you need to up his zyprexa a bit. Mine was diagnosed a little over 2 years ago and it's really been a struggle with the meds, he's been on at least 8 different things.... it's a very long process and an ongoing one.
My heart goes out to you.
But, the minute you see strange behaviors it's time to call the psychiatrist and let him/her know so they can suggest the changes. Don't wait because if you make the changes fast it can save a lot of time. The turn around is a lot slower when you wait too long to make the med adjustments.

I'm sure that the thought of multiple medications is concerning to you. But, additional medication may be necessary to deal with your son's anxiety.

My ex-husband is bipolar and suffers from anxiety. He is on six different medications now, and is doing very well. He is stable and able to be a good father, grandfather, homemaker and volunteer. We still deal with his occasional mood changes, but they are minor compared to what he used to experience.

Always be sure, of course, that any doctor prescribing medications is aware of all the different medications that are already being used. Also, doctors should want to see your son regularly to monitor the effects of the medications and to get an update from you on his behaviors.

Often, bipolar disorder and anxiety go hand in hand. One suggestion, see what the side affects are of his medication. My sisters medication was making her scratch herself until she bled. (Anxiety was one of the side affects. For whatever reason, that side affect hit her hard.) They switched up her medication, and it never happened again. I really think you need to mention it to his doc. Uncontrolled self harm, is very real...and dangerous. If it's not a medication side affect, then his anxiety is pretty severe.

If he had a heart condition and was on 4 meds and needed a fifth, would you hesitate to put him on the fifth?

P.S. Didn't word that right. I don't doubt you wouldn't put him on medication, I was just trying to encourage you to look at bipolar like any other disease.

For the biting, try to introduce an alternate, acceptable behavior. Maybe chewing gum at home? For school, you can get those triangular rubber pencil grips, but put it at the eraser end so he can chew on that. Put drinks in a container that has a thick flexible plastic straw he can chew on. Put carrots, celery, apples, and other crunchy foods in his lunch. I have no idea about the stuttering. Hopefully this helps until you can reduce his anxiety. What helps calm him? Does he need more down time? Listening to relaxing music, massage, deep pressure (big bear hugs, or "human sandwich", weighted vest). Best wishes to your family!

Wow... my heart really goes out to you and your son.

I would really discuss this with his doctor (I'm assuming a psychiatrist is the one prescribing the bipolar meds for him), since he may need a different combination/level.

Did this lip-biting start up when school started? Maybe the stress of school/new sleep schedule is really messing with the medicine effectiveness.... altered sleep schedule can mess with this, also, if they aren't getting proper/enough sleep.

Good luck with this... keep strong!

Well, I just want to say that kids express things in different ways.
Some bite their nails until they bleed.
You need to work with the professional to find another route to express anxiety in a way that isn't physically harmful.
It can be a matter of a behavioral adjustment as opposed to needing further meds.
Medications can be an effective tool while you work other issues out.
But they aren't a cure all. Behavior modification is also necessary.
And, quite possible and successful in many cases.

Best wishes to you.

awe poor sweet kid. i would be honest. he is telling you that he does it when he is nervous. if its an anxiety thing he will need help with it which equals another pill. it will be better for him and you know this. its just getting past the fact another medication will be coming. if it helps him to stop biting his lip so it doesnt bleed or worse get infected then its not so bad. i hope you get some insight from his dr. ;) good luck!

You and the doctors may want to consider seeking to explore and understand what throws your child so out-of-balance that so far only a cocktail of pharmaceutical chemicals have been able to control him. There are many factors that can contribute to this and doctors rarely investigate any of them, they just make a diagnosis and give whatever drugs appear to keep the symptoms under control. People with bipolar have in many cases become completely "normal" without drugs upon finding whatever has been triggering the problem. Sometimes it is dietary things or toxins and allergies and other times it is emotional patterns in the subconscious mind or energy imbalances in the subtle energy system, or some combination of these multi-level factors. If you think people are judging you for giving a suggestion that may challenge your rigid statements about what your kid has and what treatment is necessary then that means you can't objectively listen to what is being shared. You are doing the best you know how to at the moment to help your kid and I wish you well and hope you can find ways to treat your son that address his issues on a deeper level. Being on all those drugs to suppress his emotions could certainly create anxiety/nervousness, since emotions are energy that needs to be processed and released, otherwise it creates pressure and disruption in the energy system that eventually leads to serious physical illnesses. I've seen anxiety and nervous twitches develop in kids on strong psychotropic meds, and I've even seen and heard about cases of kids who died from being loaded up with prescribed psych drugs because over time it led to major organ damage. If you haven't put time and effort into trying alternatives don't assume they can't work - please don't take the doctors' word on this since they will naturally speak in justification of their own treatment approach which for them necessitates convincing themselves and others that alternatives are bogus.

I would mention these things to the doctor. He is seeing a psychiatrist right? Psych meds are not an exact science. They made need to switch them up or give a different dosage. Usually there are many different meds; so if they want to put him on different things you should try it. Remember it takes time for psych meds to work. You will generally not see changes over night. Also, they made to slowly ween off some meds and start others. If you don't feel confident in the doc you are taking him to try someone else. Go online and look at reviews for docs in your area. Also, docs that specialize in children or teens. Good luck, I know this can be a real struggle.

ETA:
I know you are concerned with the amount of meds, but you need to look at bi-polar disorder as if it is diabetes or some such other illness. If he had diabetes and they wanted to put him on multiple meds would you be concerned then?

I was going to suggest removing synthetic food dyes and high fructose corn syrup, but it looks like you probably don't give him foods that have those chemicals in them. I know that Autism isn't the same thing, but I do have a child with a neurological disorder and removing those chemicals helped us a lot. Anyway.

Has your son just started back at school? Does he have anxiety maybe from the issues with the transition from summer vacation to going back to school? Does he have a journal he can write in? Maybe some creative outlet? A friend of mine with Bi-Polar II enjoys horseback riding, and finds it to be a huge stress reliever to be with her mule. She says that animals seem to understand her better than people. I've found that having cats has been amazing for my autistic daughter. In addition, my friend with Bi-Polar II loves to make jewelry. She does leatherwork and makes belts, necklaces, bracelets, boots... but she also does metalwork and beadwork to make very delicate jewelry. She enjoys painting and ceramics as well. Is there a chance that your son would enjoy some sort of artistic outlet to help destress and detox?

I'm sorry you are having to go this. I love all my kids dearly and we had one son that we had some of this, but not as bad as you described.

We made him better and dropped the meds by . . . . . , But I won't tell you because you said you didn't want to be told about dietary changes and its benefits.

I feel for you. I hope you find the "magic bullet". Good luck to you and yours.

Hi M.,

I am sorry you are having a rough time with this. I would encourage you to find all of the things that bring your son joy and relax him and start implimenting some stress relief/relaxation techniques. Talk with the doctor---maybe they have some alternative methods for anxiety that they could try that doesn't involve meds. Even if he does need the meds---its not the end of the world. Do what works for him and he will be so much happier. GL!

M

Like many of the mothers who have already posted, I am concerned with the amount (and kind) of medications that your son is on. My mother was bipolar (she committed suicide about thirteen years ago), and my brother is bipolar and has been on several of the medications that you listed. BUT, he was not on them all at the same time. Depakote has some serious side-effects, as does Zyprexa. I am sure that you have done your research and know most of the side effects--but the tests done on these medications are done on adults, not children. The side effects listed are those known to be in adults or teenagers, not children under 10. Children react differently to medications than adults do (Ritalin is one example that I can think of).

I am not trying to scare you, but my brother is an adult and had severe reactions with these medications when taken by themselves, to the point that it was better to get off the medications and find natural and holistic ways to deal with his bipolar than to deal with the side effects from the medications. I understand why you do not wish to do that (as I said, I have grown up around bipolar people, and I know how they are on and off of medication), but it seems like the poor kid is being over-medicated and needs more medication to combat the side effects of the bipolar medications.

I just read over my post and see that I may be coming off as judgmental. I don't mean for it to be. I have just seen the ugly road of pharmaceutical side effects with my brother and my mother, which I still think played a large part in my mother's suicide. I have also seen my brother's struggle throughout childhood and now an adult, and how too many medications can be counterproductive and make them worse or develop a whole new set of issues. I am not saying that you should take him off on your own or even to take him off of the medications at all, only that you should get a second (or third or fourth) professional opinion on the situation, as well as look at some holistic methods (fish oil, change in diet as others have suggested) so that he does not have to be on so many medications. I really question your son's psychiatrist's decisions, especially playing pharmacist experiments with such a young child.

Good luck. I will keep you and your son in my thoughts.

So here's the cool/frustrating thing about bipolar meds:

They keep them in "singles"

While they COULD just make a combo pill... instead they keep them individual so that you can fine tune EACH one.

The frustrating part is the giant handful of pills every day.
The great part is that each component is the correct dosage for YOU (or is able to be moved up or down, added or removed, according to your own needs and individual brain chemistry).

It may seem like a LOT of pills, and one more is just the straw that breaks the camels back... but it is sooooo much better than the alternative of a 'combo' pill like is often done with adhd. ADHD meds often have 4+ components to them, but you're stuck increasing or decreasing all 4 at the same time, instead of being able to just raise/lower/add/subtract one component. So when something isn't working with adhd meds, you have to completely change your meds to a different brand.

It takes a LOT longer for bipolar meds (usually 12 months of tweaking) to get the right combo at the right dosages for most disorders (that's just normal), and longer still if some WIDGET has dual diagnosed both adhd and bipolarlity together (they NEVER come along together. They do share symptomology, so it can be really hard to figure out which is which in some cases; because we ADHD types do have rather massive light/dark mood changes and bipolar folk share a lot of our multiple levels of thought creating distraction... but they are two very discrete/separate disorders). In fact, sometimes the only way to tell with someone who is 'borderline' between the two is to find out which meds work. The easiest way to go about it is stimulants (aka they usually try adhd meds first). If the adhd meds kick off manias and mixed episodes... it's bipolar. If the stimulants caaaaaalm down the person it's adhd. (Conversely antipsychotics *make* adhd folk psychotic/ hallucinate). It is soooooo sad when a person gets misdiagonsed with both (happens). Because they just end up *Swimming* in meds. Because the wrong set of meds means that even more meds have to be given to STOMP on the reaction that the first set is causing. It's heart breaking. The only way to deal is to take them off meds entirely (for a few nightmare weeks or months, AND that's usually inpatient because the reaction to coming off is often so severe; like suicidal depression in BOTH) and let them 'level out' to normal, and start over on the diagnostic process. (aka usually give them low level stimulants and watch closely to 'find out what happens').

I have some friends who are actually beginning the advocation process for compounding pharmacies to start mixing their bipolar meds into ONE pill, but it's hard going/ may not happen. In part because it means that the timing has to be "right" as well as the dosing. Since some pills are taken once a day, and others are taken multiple times throughout the day.

It MAY happen, but for now it's the "individually tailored" aspect that is the MOST IMPORTANT part that cannot be lost in the process. So they taken between 3 & 8 meds a day, up to 4 times a day (short and long release at different levels).

BIG BIG HUGS!!! Dealing with meds, especially the first year of tweaking (and then tweaking again at puberty and menopause) is a pain in the KEISTER for everyone involved. Especially with people who don't understand how complex brain chemistry is and try and tell you that you're blah blah blah parenting blah blah blah our neurotypical or misdiagnose child blah blah blah who just come along and make a rough situation harder.

I won't even try to pretend I understand what you, your son & your family are going through. I wish I had some advice for your son but I don't think I could do better than the others who have already commented. What I want to say to you is hang in there. You are doing an exceptional job in a complicated situtation. Remember that you are his first and best advocate. Please do not rule anything out until you truly KNOW it will not work. No one knows your son better than you. You are attuned to his emotions, behaviors and patterns. Trust your gut, follow your instincts and never stop asking questions. You, your son & your family are in my prayers. Please continue to keep us posted.

I don't know much about this, but I am sure its torture for you and your little one. I am sorry you have to deal with this! I would try to think about things that have changed recently that might be causing him the anxiety. It could be something environmental. If you can switch back to the way it was before, the behavior might cease. Good luck!

Has something recently changed to cause him anxiety? something you can change back?
Is there an activity that provides him comfort or engages him enough that he won't bite his lip?
another thought popped in my head - is able to chew gum without swallowing it? maybe chewing it will stop the lip biting.
Also there are pharmacists that specialize in drug interactions and can usually streamline a patient's meds and reduce side effects. I'd look for one in your area. Docs just aren't always up on the latest drug studies and side effects.
Good luck!

Have you tried diet change? Most of these kids (if not all) are severely allergic/sensitive to foods like gluten/casein/egg. Many a family I work with, have been amazed at the almost immediate changes their children undergo after switching thier diet. It's not easy, but it works! Another thing to get anxiety under control is to learn the MAsgutova Method and get his central nervous system out of protection and survival. The parents I work with have taken their children off all the drugs because they are able to self regulate with simple body work. One girl was on 12 meds!!!! She is on NONE after 1.5 yrs of a home program! She was slowly weaned of each one over time. There are tons of things out there besides drugs which are not approved for use in pediatric patients. In over 2,000 studies, psycotrophic drugs did not work the way they do in adults. Be open to trying new things because you are unknowingly setting your child's brain up for addiction. Think out of the box and stop listening to drs. All they can offer are meds. There are a couple of great women in the Orlando area who can help your child for sure!

M.,
My heart goes out to you and your son! You are a great mom and very concerned about your son. I'm sure each day is a challenge. Never say that diet doesn't change behavior or who we are- not sure what type of people told you that. You show that you are very responsible in what you are feeding your son, and you should know that this IS helping him! Synthetic dyes and chemicals would only complicate his condition! Our food feeds our brains so you are doing the best thing for him in feeding him organic! KUDOS! :) But with chemical imbalances, sometimes medical intervention is necessary as you have found in your sons case. As the parent, you have to weigh the pros and the cons and not let anyone make you feel bad! Just the fact that you are hesitant to put him on another med- shows that you are wanting the healthiest option for him...which if it is stress, maybe finding an outlet. ((HUGS))

It seems if you are so willing to try meds, you would also be willing to try changing his diet too. No, it won't change who he is, but IT WILL HELP him and make a difference. It's a whole body approach - meds & diet. Maybe you should try it... good luck, I hope your son gets what he needs.

Let his Doctors know, don't ever hold back. Maybe they can give him one pill for everything. Or alter his therapy. My nephew was on pills early for ADHD and bi-polar. He's 13/14 now and still takes pills. He needs them to function on a day to day basis. Your a good concerned parent and I applaude you.

I'm sorry! this must be h*** o* you and the whole family!!!

make sure you talk with his psychologist/psychiatrist to find out if nervousness is part of the side affects of the medications he is on and if they can be altered or if there is one that doesn't have this as a side affect...

I know many say "diet" but it's the INGREDIENTS that are triggers for some...so talk to a holistic doctor to find out which foods might work best for his system...this does NOT mean to take him off the medications he's currently on - but to supplement them with a change in diet. Does that make sense?

GOOD LUCK!!! I hope you find meds that work for your son...I do know that it's a long process and the meds need to be adjusted and changed over time...

Hi M.,
I can't imagine what you go through with your son, but I assume it's very hard. I'm not even going to pretend to understand your life's struggles, but one part of your post caught my attention. You say your son bites his lip and it bleeds and he also stutters. I have a daughter who is 6 1/2 who when she was 5 was a lip biter and stutterer. She had just started kindergarten and was suffering from major anxiety, has your son by chance just had a major life event or change? She did this as well when she was nervous about something beyond the school or if she was in trouble at home for misbehaving. We would tell her that she is our baby and we would never hurt her, therefore she is not allowed to hurt herself. Now fast forward a year and a half, she no longer stutters at all (even when nervous) and she rarely bites her lip anymore. So I pray that your son is going through a similar stage in life and that this is something he will outgrow without too much intervention.
Take care.

M., perhaps the doctor might be able to adjust down the med combination so that it still works for your son but lessens his anxiety.

I know you've had the panel of allergy tests done, but it might still be advantageous to try cutting out dyes and gluten, like Pamela suggests, just to see if it helps. Whatever you do try, give it at least a month. If it doesn't work, it doesn't work.

I personally don't know anyone who has a bipolar child. I do know that I cannot presume to think that any issues my children ever had can be compared to the issues your son has. I only offer the idea of the food changes because I have read from moms here whose children had difficulties that getting dyes and gluten out of their diets made a difference. (I realize they don't have bipolar children, but some of them have children with ADHD.) I'm sorry that you have gotten poked in the eye on this issue here.

Dawn