Treating Physical Pain in Bipolar – Neuropathic Pain

My first bipolar symptom, even before the depression, was chronic, debilitating, physical pain. I was told I was experiencing a somatic disorder of types because it was idiopathic, I was in my very early twenties. I was about to give up when my doctor got my to try Lyrica (now I use the generic) and it helped so much. Unfortunately not enough though. I was sent to a pain specialist who ended putting me on buprenorphine patch eventually, but she got me sectioned after I told her Tramadol was making me suicidal. Then I got my bipolar diagnosis, and got put on Depakote and Nabilone. So now I'm on Lyrica (for pain- also an anticonvulsant) Depakote (anticonvulsant for mood stabilizing) BuTrans (semi synthetic opioid for pain and mood) and Nabilone (synthetic cannabinoid for pain, mood, and to stimulate hunger). So far this combination has done wonders for me, but it took me years to get this far. I still have my bad days, the flare ups where I end up losing all the spoons I collected on my good days (check out 'spoon theory').

i have bi-polar disorder even though right now it seems that I AM bi-polar. I have always been a spectator of life, feeling like a monster, shattered, broken, and now, in a lot of neuropathic pain. I was prescribed gabapentin. I think it makes me cry.

I could not agree more. I am a 59 year old with a long history of Bipolar and get pain and fatigue usually accompanying the depressions but sometimes preceding them. All over the body, joints,limbs etc. Nothing shows up on blood tests etc. A mystery to my General Practitioner(physician). But rather the physical symptoms of bipolar depression. I have always had a severe course.
I take over the counter medicines such as paracetamol & exercise (even though it is the last thing I want to do) seems to help.
Thank you for identifying the physical pain as Bipolar is often mistakenly seen only as a mental illness.

I have peripheral neuropathy and always thought it was from my diabetes. I am bipolar and it really flared up after a long period of debilitating depression.

Im desperate. Im in excruciating pain and have real diagnosed physical problems with joints all over but doesn't explain the pain i am experiencing in just about every atom of my wretched body. Ive gone from a muscular size 10 -12 to a size 6 in a couple of months. I am not getting anywhere with Dr's to the point where I can't face another appointment with one ever again. Im also medication sensitive, so the steroids the gp prescribed followed by the opiods then amatriptaline caused major hypermania episodes with all the associated problems. They promptly stopped all treatment saying medicine doesn't have all the answers. Im now £8000 in debt, unable to work and then my little girl of 9yrs old died in my arms and my life has fallen apart. I want to die so badly but a coward for one and have my 2 boys to try to look after on my own. Professionals have given up on me and so have I.

How is fibromyalgia pain related to Bipolar pain? My wife has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia for years, but I am certain she is bipolar. Her pains are severe and inexplicable and everywhere. We have been married 55 years and had a beautiful life together living out of the country for 20 years having adventures.. I find that sometimes just talking and messaging her comely I can ease some of the pain. She cries everyday and is chronically depressed. When she has a good day, it is so beautiful as she is a really special person.

I think that the medicines listed above might work well, but vitamins/supplements might work too. I wasn't really a huge believer in natural medicine until recently. I have bipolar disorder and have quite extreme knots all over my body. It used to be so bad that I couldn't move and I'd cry due to pain. I'm taking turmeric and magnesium tablets, and for the first time in 6 years, I'm not in pain anymore - it's been about a year now. I think it's worthwhile trying natural medicine as well, as these tablets listed above have quite significant side-effects.

61 y/o former Psych ER RN w severe lumbar pain and thoracic spasms. Unable to tolerate Steroids due to Mania. My goal , since I am formally disabled w/ R LE weakness after bilateral PE between my two surgeries is COMFORT. I self detoxed just to show my new pain mgmt group (Fentanyl 50 MCG q 72 hrs, w Norco 2 tabs/ day. Took Oxycontin 20 po BID 5 yes fine until exacerbation w L3 bulge wasn't covering. On Bupenorphone, but nowhere near covered. Don't want patch(want to swim). My Physiatrist moved to Haiti. Frustrated, as Norco TID would be perfect alone. In SF Bay Area. Any suggestions???
I see a pvt psych MD weekly- on Depakote 500 TID. No inpt. Visits/ SI, but feeling demoralized.

Addendum- I feel strongly Norco 10 TID is actually pretty low end. Tired of FIGHTING

I'm bipolar and I also really have terrible physical pain, I just had a hip replacement done a mo. ago, I've had a neck fusion with a metal cage , I have had lumbar Sugury and both hands operated on for Carpol Tunnel, I am trying to find a knew pain Dr. That can also treat my bipolar. I'm only 48 yrs old, can you help me?

Hello! there are so many people that have nerve pain that can last for many years before they actually find physical reason ( there could be numerous different medical reasons). I don’t understand how it is that your doctor just automatically knew there wasn’t a medical reason for your pain as appears to it being related to your psychological disorder. Could you elaborate on that?

There are definitely cases of Lyrica and gabapentin causing hypomania plus.
They need to be very carefully monitored.