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Should I Try Coming Off Medication

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Bipolar Disorder
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Posted 10/19/2008 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
I am just newly diagnosed with Bipolar I. I been on meds for about 4 to 6 months I just am having trouble believing this is true (being Bipolar). Maybe they made a mistake. I was thinking if I came off my meds I could see if the manic behavior happens again. If it does I'll have to accept it and if it does not happen again then maybe the doctors are wrong. Do you think this is an okay idea or am I looking for trouble? I am out of work due to the first episode with mania but now I am doing fine. I am on abilify, lamictal and seroquel. I hate taking all the meds and I was hoping the doctors are wrong. Any advice would be great!! Or if anyone has tried thies before.



-- I edited your post do to Forum Rule #14

14. No SHOUTING. Remember, using ALL CAPITAL LETTERS in posts is considered yelling and rude, plus it is difficult to read.

Post Edited By Moderator (olivia of course) : 10/19/2008 2:29:38 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/19/2008 7:27 AM (GMT 0)
I think it would be a VERY bad idea and you are just looking for trouble if you do. I know that it is hard to accept. It was hard for me too. It still is sometimes. I was just diagnosed in May. One thing that you need to realize is that you are doing okay now because of your meds. If you go off of your meds you could go into a worse episode of mania than before. So even though you are having a hard time accepting this, it is best to stay on your meds. what you are feeling is normal. we have all gone through or are going through the same things. Acceptance will come. but nothing good will come of you going off your meds. Just keep posting here, we are all here to help each other.
Posted 10/19/2008 8:25 AM (GMT 0)
fast1toochase,

Welcome to HealingWell, it is great to have you on board. What you are feeling perfectly normal. I was diagnosed about 4 years ago and I still struggle with being bipolar of some days. I am guilty to be one of those people who has gotten off meds before, and mania has hit me like a ton of bricks after a long time off meds. It is hard to predict when and how it will hit, so it is better to be on meds just in case.

I was just on 5 different meds to control my moods and my pdoc has cut 1 out. But it is worth being on 4 (5-6 instead of 9-10 pills a day) to have a stable mood. That was not always the case there was a time that 1 med just worked for me, but with time things changed. If you don't like being on so many meds maybe you can talk to your talk to your pdoc about options out there so you don't have to take multiple meds at the same time. Maybe your pdoc sees it as necessary at the moment but you don't need as many in the long run.

Let us know what happens and Please don't hesitate to keep posting your concerns; we are here for you.

Olivia
Posted 10/19/2008 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
I would suggest that you do not try to come off of your meds on your own. The results could be absolutely disastrous. If you really feel you are not bipolar, seek the opinion of another pdoc and see if they can confirm your diagnosis. That is the best way to be sure if you are bipolar or not. Remeber that the meds you are on are designed to make you feel stable, so just because you are not depressed or manic does not mean you can manage without meds. I am only on lamictal right now, and I use Xanax to help me relax when things get a little hairy. Like others have said, there may be a way for you to cut back or stop taking some of the meds you are on, but you must talk to your pdoc about it first.
Posted 10/19/2008 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi fast1toochase,

Let me welcome you to the board as well. We have all had the same frustration and doubts that you have had. If you have had mania, you are bipolar. It's that simple. It will come back. Stay on your meds and the chances that it comes back in full force are GREATLY reduced.

If you don't think what you experienced was mania, then I'd recommend a second opinion from another psychiatrist, but in the meantime, stay on your meds. The reason you are feeling better is the medications. Self-weaning is always a dangerous proposition, and in your case, especially so.

Keep writing and let us know how you're doing.

serafena
Posted 10/19/2008 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry about the capital letters.  did not know it was yelling.  just a quick way to write.

thank you everyone that gave me wonderful information.  sounds like just coming off meds is crazy.  just i wondered what would happen.  i see my doctor this week so i could mention coming off some, also take klonipin to chill me out, anxity gets bad.  so it gets worse from the last manic expisode?  i do miss that high feeling like i have all the energy in the world when now i feel so wiped out,  tierd. 

I also do cbt with a pycholigist and have a wonderful social worker that helps me out so very much.  You know they say NO for coming off my meds. 

Thanks again everyone,  i'll let you know how things go.

Posted 10/20/2008 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
Dont stop taking your meds, please, dont! Doctors dont make mistakes on these diagnosis. For your family, friends, workers, and everyone around you dont stop taking the meds. You wont know what your'e doing when you stop, you'lll be another person and wont realize it. As a family caregiver for 37 years, I know, dont stop taking your meds!
Posted 10/20/2008 8:24 PM (GMT 0)

Going to the message board has really helped me!  I am talking with people who are in my shoes and have been in my shoes for so much longer.  You have tryed coming off meds. and everyone said the same thing Dont do it!  From my Dr's to people on the message board.  what a blessing of help I have recieved. 

Thank You for the response.  keep you up to date and let you know if Dr's have made any changes.  But I won't be the one making the changes.  I just will have to work on my acceptance.  thanks again 

Posted 10/21/2008 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so glad the board has helped you fast1toochase. it's great to have your input too.
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