Meds and Bipolar Disorder

[crislsoul]

  I have been on various pain meds for chronic pain for many years. I also suffered from what I thought was depression. Now I am taking a mood stabilizer for BPD. My question is: Can pain medications suchas oxy-contin, hydrocodone etc  CAUSE bipolar disorder? I'm not sure if I've always been like this or if it is a result of medications.

[crislsoul]

  Thanks for you responses!

[billgonz1]

I have been going thru same thing ! On pain meds. for years . Went into major depression lasting 2 years . When I got off pain meds. Depression lingered I think it is caused by the oxys . Had to go on Pmeds. Feeeling much better . I think that long on oxys rewired my brain . It may need a stable window to reflect and heal . But I think the BP was there . Depession made it worst . Bill

[ILADVOCATE]

No that can't cause bipolar disorder but they can worsen manic episodes. If a person is taking pain medication responsibly and has bipolar it can be a problem regardless. I know some anti-Parkinsonian medications for my physical disability have caused mania and even psychosis and some have been ruled out for this reason but I physically need them. The best thing to do is have your doctor and psychiatrist speak together and find out what medication might work that wouldn't cause these effects or have them adjusted if you are concerned.