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Booze and Bipolar Medication

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One of the things I really miss since I came down with bipolar illness is getting rip roaring drunk. I can’t do that any more. I’m not allowed to drink a lot on the medicines I’m taking.

Not that I was a big drunk before, but once in a while, I liked to tie one on.

Now, all I can do is have an occasional beer or glass of wine with dinner.

Even that much alcohol makes me depressed the next day.

So I pretty much stay away from booze.

I used to love to go out and have several glasses of beer. I liked to dance. That was when I was young–in my twenties.

I also liked to get roaring drunk on New Year’s Eve–start drinking about 6:00 and continue to drink until 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning.

The one time I did drink in excess on bipolar meds I got very sick and vomited up all my medication. I was drinking strong grasshoppers. I also drank a lot at a wedding of a friend once. The next day I thought I was going to die. It just didn’t mix with the strong meds I was on.

When I was taking lithium even one glass of wine would make me unbearably sleepy. I would have to lie down on friends’ beds at dinner parties. This embarrassed my husband.

If you’re on bipolar medication, you’re in the same boat I’m in. You shouldn’t drink.

Do you miss alcohol?

And those fake beers just don’t cut it.

Fake wine is even worse.

There’s nothing like a few cold beers.

Is there?

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

i could not agree more with ya'll. what a lonely disease it is....

August 24, 2009 - 4:04pm

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I SO get what you're saying. Ever since I've been on antidepressants alcohol makes me pretty sick. I really miss drinking with my friends or having a couple of beers at night while I'm watching TV. I'm not just talking about getting really drunk, I had a few glasses of champagne yesterday and today I feel really down and and tired. I'm 27 and kind of feel I'm missing out on fun.

I'm grateful for the medication; it's been brilliant for me. But I really, really miss going out and going a bit mad :)

April 8, 2009 - 4:21pm

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Actually, there is a German brand of non-alcoholic beer that is quite good. You just have to try many to find the one that's acceptable. Kind of like decaf tea or coffee.

On the other hand, no I don't miss getting drunk. Why would I? I can still drink occasionally, enough to get tipsy, and any more would make me feel bad, not good. Why do you miss getting 'rip roaring' drunk? I don't get it.

April 8, 2009 - 3:01pm

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Laura Yeager
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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