My daughter is bi-polar AND epileptic

[eyeteachscience]

Hi All,

I am the mother of a 23-year old who was diagnosed with bi-polar about 4 years ago and epilepsy about two years ago when she began to have seizures. Originally I thought her seizures were brought on by alcohol and drug use, but I was soon disabused of that original judgment. Although I have since learned that alcohol and all those meds aren't a good mix, she genuinely has epilepsy. Some of the research I have read talks about a link between bi-polar and epilepsy (and many of the drugs used for one, work for the other.) Has anyone else heard or read anything about this? She is stable at this time with bi-polar, but is still having break-through seizures. My therapist told me the road for families of bi-polar individuals is a long one, and I can see that. I wish every day I could make her life easier in some way. She is truly one of the bravest people I know! Anyway, glad to have found this.

Boni

[Native Arizona]

Boni,

As someone with bipolar II, I have been prescribed drugs that are used for epilepsy. I don't know if there is a link between one or the other but with some people (not me) these anti-seizure drugs work very well.

I am glad to hear that your daughter is stable with bipolar but sad that the seizures are not under control. I hope that she can get that under control soon too.

It is true that the bipolar road is a long one. For many of us it takes years to get on the path towards stability and it seems that there are many times medications that once worked need to be tweaked a little. But with persistence, we tend to lead "normal" lives.

I am happy you found Pendulum as the friends and family section is very supportive. I hope that your daughter gives the regular bipolar section a try. I've been here for 3 years and without this group, I'm afraid I would be lost.