Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 9/6/2008

Question
Hi my boyfriend has Bipolar disorder and ADHD and he is 18 years old recently he has been getting 14+ hours of sleep a day and he finds it difficult to stay awake at college, he is constantly falling asleep in the car, on the train, on the bus, in class, and in the hallway. It makes him angry that he cant pay attention long enough in class to take notes and such. It also upsets him that other people (mainly me and other friends) can run on 2-4hrs of sleep and we are perfectly fine throughout class. I believe it has something to do with his medication change. As of recently he takes geodone, concerta, and requip. In high school he took different medications and never needed more then 7 or 8 hrs sometimes less to get going. It worries both of us because we are biology majors and it requires a lot of study time. thanks.

Answer
Hello Kar-May:

It is very possible that your boyfriend's medication is making him sleepy.  Thew best thing for him to do is discuss this over-tiredness with the doctor who prescribes the medication.  There may be different medications that will be effective but less tiring.  Have him make an appointment and discuss a medication change.  

                        Joyce A. Anthony