Hi there. I can't really answer your question but I can briefly share my recent experiences. Last year I switched Dr and he totally changed my diagnosis & all my meds. I was on a 4 med cocktail. Just stopped. And regardless of what that Dr thought, I was suffering with both physical & mental symptoms. Some aspects lingered longer that others (anxiety still an issue but it is one of my issues anyway). In all honesty, for me, the worst took 6-8 weeks. But I had other meds pumped into my system and was on different ones to begin with. Plus, everyone reacts differently. I know that seems like forever, all I can say is hang in there. I thought I was going to lose my mind, like what inherently made me, me was going to be lost forever... I was very scared. I don't know if I'm better with what is going on with me, but the struggle I went thru with the med BS is done, fully. If you want to talk about anything at all, msg or friend me, whatever you feel comfortable with. I wish you the best, you will feel better.

When I was diagnosed BPI my behavioral history played a big part. Actually, at the time of my diagnosis I was hospitalized in the middle of an episode of psychotic mania so anyone could have provided the diagnosis. Now I don't exhibit mania symptoms thanks to my meds but I'm still bipolar. You have to do what's best for yourself, but don't use the a absence of symptoms to deny your diagnosis and treatment. If meds are a problem for you then work with your pdoc to find the right meds. And be good to yourself.

Your therapist is not qualified to make that determination.

If someone is bipolar and medicated successfully then of course some uninformed idiot will tell you that you aren't bipolar.

If you come off your meds and you are bipolar it may trigger an episode which is difficult to get back under control even if you go back onto your current meds.

Additionally coming off meds needs careful management because withdrawal in itself can cause real problems - the lamotrigine could be the bigger problem because sudden withdrawal can cause seizures.

My suggestion is you go back on the meds asap - arrange to see a properly qualified professional (ie a psychiatrist) and get a second opinion, if they say you are not bipolar they can help you get off the meds, if you are then they can help you with any issues caused by suspending your treatment.

My psychatrist is the one weaning me off my zyprexa. She is not ruling out bipolar just yet. She is agreement with my thrrapist that i have ptsd and anxiety. I am still on my full dose of lamotrigine.

I went off meds once and relapsed into a suicidal depression. If the meds are making you feel bad consider trying different meds. Before I found my current and most helpful cocktail I tried many meds that had bad side effects. I still suffer with anxiety depression and suicidal thoughts but they are a part of my illness. I do agree that you should seek an. Second opinion. My bipolar was diagnosed after a thourough history and behavioral analysis. Good luck to you

It's good that you're working with your pdoc..... There are a number of disorders that have some of the same symptoms.... A lot of doctors now a days don't want to 'label' a disorder I believe because of this..... Symptoms can be treated though regardless of which disorder you have and a number of people are on the same meds for both BP and PTSD..... Gentle hug.....xo