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Going Gluten-Free Causing Mania?


KaleidoscopeDream

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KaleidoscopeDream Newbie

Hi, all. I'm schizoaffective/bipolar subtype and have been taking the same meds for over a year and have had relative stability. Last month I finally went gluten free after a celiac diagnosis and I started to feel really good. More energetic, more motivated, and more productive. However, as of last night/this morning I have had uncontrollable, racing thoughts. I couldn't sleep at all, and now my anxiety and agitation is through the roof. It feels like the start of a yucky mixed episode or dysphoric mania, only it has come on a lot more suddenly and stronger than usual.

My question is: can removing gluten from my diet trigger mania? Or did I maybe become cross-contaminated this weekend? I know there's some kind of link between gluten and schizophrenic spectrum disorders, but I don't know how exactly. I'm definitely going to do some research on the subject, but I was wondering if any of you might have experienced something similar? I just need some reassurance that I'm doing what's best for myself.

I did see my psychiatrist this morning and we're altering my meds a little to try to counteract this, so I'm not in a crisis or anything at this point. It's just... am I right in wondering if this sudden onset is due to dietary changes?


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kareng Grand Master

When your intestines start to heal, they can better absorb not just nutrients from your food, but medicines as well. Perhaps you are now absorbing more meds than you need?

KaleidoscopeDream Newbie

When your intestines start to heal, they can better absorb not just nutrients from your food, but medicines as well. Perhaps you are now absorbing more meds than you need?

That is a really good point that I hadn't considered. Before I went gluten free my doctor increased my lamictal dosage from 200 mg to 300, and today she wondered if that might be what was triggering this episode. She had me lower the dosage back to 200 and increased my anxiety medication a little as a temporary fix.

You've given me some hope now! I'm not delusional enough to believe I could eventually go off the meds altogether, but I do look forward to potentially decreasing the dosages. Yet another encouraging reminder that I'm on the road to celiac recovery. :)

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    • Scott Adams
      This is a very common question, and the most important thing to know is that no, Guinness is not considered safe for individuals with coeliac disease. While it's fascinating to hear anecdotes from other coeliacs who can drink it without immediate issues, this is a risky exception rather than the rule. The core issue is that Guinness is brewed from barley, which contains gluten, and the standard brewing process does not remove the gluten protein to a level safe for coeliacs (below 20ppm). For someone like you who experiences dermatitis herpetiformis, the reaction is particularly significant. DH is triggered by gluten ingestion, even without immediate gastrointestinal symptoms. So, while you may not feel an instant stomach upset, drinking a gluten-containing beer like Guinness could very well provoke a flare-up of your skin condition days later. It would be a gamble with a potentially uncomfortable and long-lasting consequence. Fortunately, there are excellent, certified gluten-free stouts available now that can provide a safe and satisfying alternative without the risk.
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      Before being diagnosed coeliac I used to love Guinness. Being made from barley it should be something a coeliac shouldn’t drink. But taking to another coeliac and they can drink it with no ill effects and have heard of others who can drink it too.  is this everyone’s experience?  Can I drink it?  I get dermatitis herpetiformis and don’t get instant reactions to gluten so can’t try it to see for myself. 
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