Driving when high

[farraway]

I've been stuck in a high at present, get it down with my crisis plan, but then it goes up again!

I've just emailed my doc again to see what he thinks about me driving, this was prompted by my mate Gerry calling me to express his concern. Background is that I wrecked my car 18 (and another) months ago when I was REALLY high. Here's the email.............

Hi Ron
It’s 1:30am and I’m awake again  – slept 3 hrs - body is seroquel tired but I’m wide awake - will take another 100mg seroquel in an hour if no change.
I’ve seen Gerry a couple of times this last week. He called me early yesterday evening and basically accused me of being irresponsible.

GERRY thinks/believes:-
[1]  I’m much higher than I claim to be.
[2]  I should immediately cease driving.

I think/believe:-
[1]  I know my body well now and that’s why I have a broad index on my mood charts, I am adament I’m correct.
[2]  I agree that driving is not acceptable when I’m very high, due mainly, I believe, to body fatigue.
      I think that as long as I’m below +15 (on my chart forwarded to you), it is ok as long as I have slept well (see    
      also my chart).
      Also, no long drives if I’m above zero.

I’ll forward a copy of this to Gerry and you both have permission to discuss any of my BP issues. [Gerry’s mobile is  0406xxxxxx  btw]

What do you think?

[farraway]

Yes it's important to carefully watch lithium serum levels. I delayed the last test because my crazy sleep patterns were upsetting my dosing times and I wanted an accurate test result. My kidney tests are now normal.

I have spare doctor serum orders with me always (good idea for other lithium takers?) and will be having weekly tests, as a minimum, for a while now.

The lithium is efficacy range is 0.5 to 1.2 mmol/L - toxity can commence at around 1.4.
My target level will now be around 1.0 - manics usually should sit higher (and depressives lower) in the Li range. My kidney tests are now normal.

[bernie40]

Hi,

As you've had previous kidney issues on the lithium then I expect the Docs are going to keep a close eye on things - I would hope that you are getting a serum level done 7 days from starting your new dose??  If not, then get it arranged.

Yes you do have some leeway and I'm pretty sure you don't go toxic unless you get over 0.8 approx.  Personally I can't tolerate more than a level of 0.2, but it's not toxicity that's my problem it's all the other side effects.  I take a 2nd mood stabilizer alongside the lithium instead.

It would be worth keeping a track of any physical symptoms for the first week just to be sure and obviously double and triple check the warning information in your patient information leaflet.

Hope the tweak upwards does it's magic for you :-)

[Germur]

Smart move!  Take care

[farraway]

To digress.........
At least I can now see an end to this current high. I got a 0.4 lithium serum result today, and that means I might as well have not been taking it!
I'm actually very happy about this, as the uncertainty of why I've been going high lately is now receding.
Lithium has now been ramped up and they'll fine tune later.

I had a bad drug reaction about 6 months ago, and regularly tested (kidney function) up until about a month ago when things were back to normal.
This I suspect is the main explanation.

I've stocked up on videos, cancelled appointments, taken your advice about driving & I'm bedding in for a while!

Any views on the kidney-lithium issues?  

[jst4shanell]

Oh, so to answer the question:  Trust your friends.  No matter if you have a mood chart going or what.  If they can see something is off, then you need to trust them with your life right now.  They are in a lot more control than you are.  Listen to them.  

[jst4shanell]

I become a race car driver when i'm high.  I swerve in and out of cars and drive over 100mph easily.  In my mind, I can handle it.  I put myself at risk and most importantly innocent people.  It's just as bad as someone who is under the influence.  No sleep and wired up like crazy.  It's one of the things on my long list of stupid **** Shanell does.

[paranoid_cataclysm]

Dude I'm too scared to drive period.  I end up driving the wrong way in one way lanes and **** and the hell of it is, people don't stop driving towards you when you do that, like they're zoned out.

[bernie40]

I agree with others.  From the sounds of it you aren't sleeping enough and are having to up your seroquel which in turn is going to affect your perception.

Carrying heavy bags is a pain but it's better than being in a wreck of metal.

Always err on the side of caution - which is difficult when you're high I know!  A phrase I often repeat to myself is "if in doubt then don't"

[Narnia41]

I agree with Germur it's not a good combination.

Speaking from personal experience, driving whilst high I am incredibly inpatient and aggressive behind the wheel, have been known to chase a car which overtook me on the wrong side, but I couldn't catch him he was in a Porsche...but my judgement just goes out the window.  Also I believe our normal reactions are not as sharp due to body fatigue/distractibility.  It doesn't stop me driving but I am aware that I'm not driving well.

If you have to drive, take extra care...but see what your doctor comes back with.

[Germur]

I think it is very dangerous when you are at either extreme.  There were times that I drove when I was like what you are describing and my judgement was off.  My mind was racing and I would take risks that I would have never done if my feet were planted on the ground.  Not a good combination for concentrating on the driving that you are doing.

Take care and I hope you come back to earth soon.

[farraway]

Oops - forgot the question!..............

What do you guys think about driving when high?

Like it's a pain walking home from the supermarket with heavy bags!