system
Could bipolarity cause to fail the sobriety tests?
human
My son is bipolar. Recently he was charged with a DUI, officer did not suspect alcohol but insisted he was on narcotics. He is not a drug user or a drinker. He submitted to blood and urine tests. He swears this will prove he was not using drugs. He did however fail the field sobriety test, the blood tests results are not back and judge has decided to suppress results if not back by July 1. My question is, can his bipolar cause him to fail the sobriety tests and cause him to have problems following officers directions?
gpt
Hi, thanks for the query & I am sorry to hear all your troubles. Brief answer NO. Detailed answer, I need to know what medications your son is on at present. Usually mood stabilizer type drugs are prescribed for Bipolar disorder which are also used to treat  seizure disorders. These drugs are usually Divalproate sodium, carbamzepine, lamotrigine etc. Side effect of all of these drugs is drowsiness or sedation. But these drugs do not cause someone to fail a drug test. If a person has consumed alcohol or other sedating type of drug (intentionally or accidentally) in addition to these drugs; then there might be excessive sedation. Hence kindly recheck with your son about any such occurrence. Hope this helps. Good Luck