Posted by Mark H. on February 24, 2003, at 20:13:20
In reply to Help? Bipolar hubby - meds sexual side effects, posted by LibbyH on February 24, 2003, at 12:10:47
I am not a physician and have no qualifications whatsoever to diagnose or to recommend changes in treatment, but, as a long-term bipolar II sufferer, my subjective opinion is that your husband is grossly overmedicated, and that he (and you) can and should expect much better than what you describe from his treatment.
If your husband were floridly manic-depressive (type I) and experiencing full-blown mania, then his current regimen of medication would be justified in order to save his life. But the diagnosis of Bipolar II by definition precludes psychotic mania.
I believe that his doctor is wrong. It is not "normal" to stagger, appear intoxicated, and barely be able to walk or feed himself. The goal of treatment -- and of therapy -- is to INCREASE functionality, not further reduce it.
Sexual dysfunction can be managed once your husband and his doctors find a more functional balance of meds and therapy for him. I deal with it myself by timing my dosages of Effexor (I use regular Effexor, not XR) and by using Viagra.
But sexual dysfunction is a minor side-effect compared to the overall condition you describe. I hope you can communicate the seriousness and urgency of your concerns to his present doctor, and failing an acceptable response from him/her, that you will find another doctor who is willing to help your husband gain additional functionality in all aspects of his life.
With kind regards,
Mark H.
poster:Mark H.
thread:203342
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030203/msgs/203507.html