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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meds-no meds?

rin
rin
Okay, so I don't Post much, but yesterday I talked with a friend of mine who is Bipolar and she had gone to the Doctor and was taken off some of her meds because things were going good. Not long after going to the Doctor though she started getting depressed if that is what you want to call it. I was just wondering what you all think about the whole Doctor taking you off meds when you are doing well? Do you think that is what the Doctor should do or do you think because things are stable that they should be left where they are?

Thanks!

I know she is not sure what to think and now not even sure she wants to tell the Doctor she is not doing well. I wish i knew what to say to her.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Meds or no meds...That, is the question :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
when things are going well, why change them? My doctor wants to change meds now, but the meds I'm on work for me. I don't want to change, I remember all too well what I was like off the meds. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I'm sorry for your friend, I hope she goes back on whatever was working for her.
Community Leaderacuriousfish
acuriousfish
I think doctor's general fear about taking people off meds is mania, as that can be worse and then less managable (ie you put people back on meds and it doesn't work anymore). No one seems to care much about depression.

I can't think why they would have taken them off meds if your friend was stable unless there were more threatening side effects (in which case find another med) or they wanted to get pregnant. Did the doctor not give a reason?
deleted_user
deleted_user
i think if she was stable on her meds and is bp her pdoc should have left them as is!it sounds like her emotional well being is deteriorating rapidly w/out them. maybe she needs to call her pdoc or get a new one but she should get back on her meds asap!!! R
deleted_user
deleted_user
The doc may have been adjusting them to try and find the right ' mooring' .Mine explained to me about the meds being important to weigh down any potential mania or just keep above a depression lne...but there's a danger of the anchor being too heavy.
So yr friend needs to quickly act because it may cause much pain having to start on a heavier dose again.
It's scientific but also requires some luck too.Unfortunately..only one person has to bear the brunt of a doc's mistakes and guesswork.
deleted_user
deleted_user
If it aint broke, don't fix it.
rin
rin
The doctor did no give a reason, i just know that she was doing okay with the meds she was on. As far as mania goes, she doesn't get manic she gets depressed-i mean really depressed. She doesn't like taking meds, but who does??
deleted_user
deleted_user
I take my meds religiously, but if i find they're having a negative effect on me I tell my pdoc and we find a work-around for it.

I'm not a nice person off meds..... :)
rin
rin
she wasn't having any side effects from her meds, sorry i didn't add that in there.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Ask the doctor for a reason.
That seems odd.That the doctor didn't say why.

That's the obvious route.Just ask.
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