[MacMattico]

Good post. I have a relative diagnosed bipolar, but under control. She got Shingles and the doctor prescribed her Elavil, an older antidepressant also used for pain. She is an older individual and I had taken her to one of her appointments when he wrote the prescription. I said “Excuse me, but with her bipolar I really don't think this is a good choice.” The doctor knew her medical background and said “Oh it's such a small dose it won't hurt.”

Four months later she was manic, had no sense of reality and wanted to die. She started giving away things, not making sense and becoming more and more paranoid. Thank God she wasn't a violent young person but a generally likable elderly one. Took almost a year to get her back on track.

[kabumpo]

What a shocking story. So sad, and so unnecessary for her to have suffered. Thank God that you were there.