Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) can trigger agitation and other negative mood effects – therefore we often avoid these medications in people with bipolar disorder. That being said, it is thought that some people with bipolar disorder also have ADHD and careful use of stimulants can sometimes be extremely helpful. It is an extremely individualized decision – and not so common – but it is done.

IIn this case however, whatever the thinking behind the prescription, it certainly seems that your husband’s mood symptoms have worsened with the stimulant treatment – and the doctor prescribing should be made aware of this effect. The doctor may not be getting accurate reporting from your husband – and giving the doctor information is a reasonable thing to do – even if you do not have permission to get info from her. However the doc may feel an obligation to tell your husband that you gave her the information – so that is something to consider before you call. But the doc can’t make good decisions without accurate input about how the meds are working or not.

It is probably worth a phone call to your husband’s doc to see what information can be shared.

Candida Fink MD

Our son ended up in a mental health facility, at which time, the doctor added Tegretol and Imipramine to the mix, never weaning our son off the Adderall and Paxil. We had to do that ourselves. Our son is now very much opposed to seeking professional help, even though he could probably benefit greatly from it.

Ritalin, like Adderall, is an amphetamine, an upper. Prescribing it to someone who’s known to have bipolar disorder seems inconceivable to me. It’s like spraying napalm on a burning house.

But like I said, I’m no doctor. Maybe Dr. Fink will weigh in on this and provide some explanation why your husband’s doctor thought this might be a good idea.