When doctors fail to follow advice as laid out on the patient instructions of Stilnoc

Acara

It clearly states on the patient instructions of Stilnoct that other central nervous system sedatives must not be administered while taking this medication. My husband was administered large doses of all sorts of central nervous system medication after suffering severe psychosis as a result of taking Stillnoct. All this after his initial minor complaint of sleep difficulty. He was now diagnosed with bipolar disorder 1 and would need to take life long medication and also told that it was in fact genetic so highly probable that some of our kids would develop it too. I find it SHOCKING that my husband has been treated so badly by the very people he went to for help and any advice as where to go from here would be appreciated.

Greenmachine

Most medications have potential interactions, and contraindications. What have his doctors told you about bipolar disorder? Do you think that the description fits the profile of your husband as you know him, in the long-term, not just the psychosis brought on the medictation. I take it that your husband was hospitalised during his treatment, particulary if this is a new diagnosis. The immediate concern when a patient is psychotic is to stabilise them and make sure they are not a treat to themselves or others. If he was sectioned, i.e. involuntarily admitted, then someone else would have had to sign him. Was your husband treated with respect and dignity? Were you involved in his care.
If you feel his dignity etc was compromised, then perhaps you could advocate for him, especially if he was sectioned, and he can't represent himself, when his judgement is deemed to be impaired. Any psychiatritic hospital in Ireland will have a patient charter. If you feel that this is inadequate or has not been followed you might have a case.

blatantrereg

Are you sure it can trigger mania in non-bipolar patients?

Don't rule out the possibility that the diagnosis is correct. It is not usually diagnosed until after 30. Reduced need for sleep is probably the biggest indicator of mania. He obviously was experiencing that before taking the sleeping pill. Mania can lead to psychosis, especially if not treated.

Whatever you do, make sure he complies with medication. Sudden discontinuation of meds can have severe effects including psychosis and mania.

Serious condition but very manageable if you learn about it. A lot of patients avoid a second episode entirely. It sometimes accompanies heightened creativity.

Try to find a GP with expertise in the area.

I don't think it's clear to what extent it is genetic. 10% chance for each child to develop bipolar disorder if one parent is diagnosed;40% chance if both are.

Acara

He is off all meds and is grand. U are totally brainwashed BTW. Tell me about the scientific evidence behind your alarming claims.