Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Med question.

Alylove
Alylove

I have been on lithium for 2 years and an anti depressant for about 8 months. I decided to stop them both cold turkey about 10 days ago. I have had horrible nightmares and am suddenly so angry. Has anyone had an experience like this.

Community Leaderacuriousfish
acuriousfish
That was a really bad move. Even going off your meds slowly is something extremely unwise, just stopping can lead to seizures for some meds.

You could be going into a manic episode.

It might be better to check these things before taking action.

Easy to find on google, I found these within seconds

http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2014/04/24/lithium-withdrawal-symptoms-list-of-possibilities/

http://lithiumwithdrawal.com/10-lithium-withdrawal-symptoms-you-may-experience/

Good luck.

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/medication-stopping-or-coming-off/
Sunshinegirl0228
Sunshinegirl0228
Bad idea. Why on earth would you stop cold turkey?! Of course you will have serious side effects!!
MarleneJ
MarleneJ
ADs must be titrated off slowly. They are physically addictive! My memory of higher doses of lithium was going off suddenly after toxicity, so that probably isn't the problem.

You need to talk to your doctor or pdoc about this. Are you in denial? Can't stand the side effects? Whatever the reason, this is ill informed!

PS Anger is a symptom of uncontrolled bipolar disorder, for some people. Perhaps you really do need the meds?
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
I agree that this wasn't a good idea..... Bipolar is a chronic illness... It's not going to go away however it can be controlled pretty well with medications and other coping tools..... I would get into see your doc or at least give him a call..... Big hug.....xo
OlderCPer
OlderCPer
I don't mean to be brash, but that was a dumb move. I know that Pdocs tell their patients Do Not Stop These Meds cold turkey. It is dangerous, it can have adverse effects of other body systems, cardiac, renal, pulmonary....

Psych meds should always be titrated down and stopped under the care of a Psychiatrist (Pdoc). Lithium toxicity can be very dangerous and can change with simply the amount of liquid in your body as it is a salt not a chemical compound. Anti-depressants are addictive substances and you do become dependent on them, you will have withdrawals if you just stop taking them.

You need to call your Pdoc and get into see him soon, to work out a plan to safely get back on a relative dose and then work your way down to a safe stopping point.
ritkat
ritkat
Yikes! I made that mistake once and I ended up sick for over a month! Psych meds should be titrated down to prevent any kind of symptoms. Also, as Kat said, lithium is a salt and can throw things way off kilter. Please, call a doctor - even if it's your pcp - to get some advice.
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