Episodes of hypomania.
 

I keep getting these episodes of tons of energy, feeling like my brain is going way too fast and talking a lot.

They come in the late afternoon / early evening.

These episodes are a stark contrast to my normal behaviour. I am normally serious and not talkative.

I take clonazepam to calm me down but I know that's not a long term solution and I'm having to take it almost every day, otherwise I might start dancing down the street.

I'm on 20mg olanzapine for schizophrenia and my psychiatrist is going to increase it above the BNF maximum to 25mg if my ECG and blood tests come out fine.

I'm also on clomipramine for OCD and from my pharmacology knowledge, clomipramine can cause activation and hypomania. I am not bipolar or schizoaffective but my psychiatrist does acknowledge that I do have issues with my mood, which is common in autism.

It's two days before the Easter is over so I have to wait those two days before I can make the urgent call to my psychiatrist.

So my question is... does anyone know ways I can keep calm? And what can I do about all that energy bubbling up during these episodes?

What about taking a brisk walk to use up some of the energy?

Would doing a brisk walk in the morning prevent the evening mood elevation? Because when I get these, it's usually getting dark and unsafe outside.

Try exercising in your room if you can't walk. There are loads of youtube videos that you can dance to or walk to etc. They are good for burning up excess energy.

It's doesn't sound like true hypomania because it's only happening in the evening. Hypomania usually lasts all day for at least 4 days in a row.

However it does sound like it is distressing you.

I manage my mania by exercising, taking a long bath, long walks, reading (if I can concentrate enough), staying away from drugs and alcohol, reducing my caffeine intake, doing something creative, getting as much rest and sleep as possible and handing my bank card over to someone I trust.

Thanks for the advice.

I will ask about splitting the doses, as I think I metabolise olanzapine very quickly. I keep waking up at 4am every day feeling wide awake and not being able to sleep for ages.

I will try puzzles and exercise.