Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 4/8/2009

Question
My husband was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and has been on and off medication for about 5 years.  He has not been on medication for at least a solid year without any mood swings or depression.  However, a few months ago he decided to stop chewing tobacco and within a month I noticed he was irritable and just let it slide as withdrawals from quitting.  He is now in month four of not chewing and he is pissed off at the world.  Is there any correlation to Bipolar Disorder and Nicotine?   I have been with him for 9 years and read a lot of information about the disorder.  I have seen him go through a few different medications in that time and stop taking it many times and never seen the reaction he is having now since he stopped Chewing.

Answer
Hi Stephanie . . .

I have seen nicotine withdrawal cause both mania and depression in people with a history of having bipolar disorder. Your husband should see a psychiatrist for an immediate evaluation. It may be necessary to restart his medication to prevent a major mood episode.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%