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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Medication

dinahmorris
dinahmorris

I have had a lot of ups and downs in my life-mostly but not always alcohol fuelled.


I have been in the most stable relationship, home, job etc I have ever had and I have been on


prozac, lithium and epilim for 8 years with no depressions or manic episodes.


I dont even know for sure what my real diagnosis is-I diagnosed myself to a doctor and it was just accepted by everyone.


Maybe it was stress, menopause or too much change and doubt that gave me the deep depression that got me into hospital.



i want to just try to come off meds and see how I go-see who I am without them. bvut everyone says I shouldnt do this.


Has anyone successfuly come off or reduced meds and how did it go.


Love to everyone battling on.

victor
victor
I have a more serious illness that you do, judging your description. However, getting off meds without the doctor's care is taking a chance, because one can quickly decompensate. I did took myself off of meds once and I went off the deep end without knowing it. We wouldn't diagnose a liver or kidney problem ourselves and get off the medicine in say diabetes, and so I wouldn't temper with my meds without the doctor's OK and careful monitoring.
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
I think this often happens unfortunately... Meds stabilize us and once we feel stable we think we don't need the meds....and the whole ordeal starts again... If it's working why would you want to stop?
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
What do you mean you diagnosed yourself??... Even if you believed you recognized symptoms (as did I) it was a doctor that I went to, to discuss it and did his own interviews that made a final determination
dinahmorris
dinahmorris
Thanks for replies-I need to think it all over! Wont do anything without professional /medical monitoring.
Sunshinegirl0228
Sunshinegirl0228
Like Jan said, meds stabilize us. They're why we feel "normal" for a time. Stopping meds abruptly is dangerous and in my opinion irresponsible. Even if you are "self diagnosed " lithium is used to treat bipolar so clearly the doctor agrees that you have the illness. If you want to stop meds, titrate off of them with a sorties care. Again though, if it's not broke, don't fix it
dinahmorris
dinahmorris
I would never stop abruptly- if its not broke is a good point, but I still wonder who I am without the meds. I only had one big depression and like I said my ups and crazy behaviour was often/usually associated with booze. But as long as they monitor my liver etc I guess there isnt any harm xx
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