The only way to manage BiPolar Disorder is with medication, and not just one medication. It takes the right medication cocktail. BiPolar Disorder is a Chemical Imbalance in the brain, and it takes medication to correct that imbalance, unfortunately it can take time to find the right medications.

It can also take time and trial to find the right Dr. You don't say, but I'm assuming your seeing a Pdoc (Psychiatrist) as they are the Specialists who are trained to treat Mental Illnesses such as BiPolar and Anxiety. Sometimes the first Pdoc you see isn't a good fit, if you don't think this Pdoc is working out for you, or the medication management isn't being handled properly it never hurts to get a 2nd opinion. Just make sure your seeing a Pdoc. Regular M.D.'s or PCP's are not trained in the treatment and medication management of Mental Illness, especially complex diseases like BiPolar Disorder.

BiPolar Disorder is not curable, but it is manageable with the right mix of Medications, Therapy and learned coping skills to help manage your symptoms and Episodes.

Take care,
Kat

I have Bi polar, I have tried four times to not take medication and four times I have ended up in the hospital. As mentioned above I have an imbalance of chemicals in my brain and the meds put this imbalance right.
It did take a few months to get the right meds for me prescribed as everyone reacts differently to a medication. I now know I need to take these meds for ever, I also know the side effects, mostly tiredness but I counter that with exercise. And am able to lead a full and balanced life but at a slightly slower pace,
Without the meds I go on a collision to chaos, and family and friends are left to pick up the pieces.

It usually takes 2-3 months to see if an individual medication or combination works so it can take some time to get it right.

Do you know what meds you have been tried on?

I agree if nothing seems to work then an incorrect diagnosis could be the issue - so if you think that is possible get a 2nd opinion.

oh and to answer the headline question - it is believed that bipolar is a result of faulty brain chemistry which is itself a result of unlucky genetics. Seeing as we can't put the genetics right (it would appear to involve several genes) then the only answer is medication. In the same way that currently Type 1 diabetes needs to be controlled with insulin, epilepsy with epileptics.

I am taking 12 different drugs with multiple pills from each. It took me a month hospitalization to start to get the medications right and then another eight months to get the doses right. While getting the drugs right, I went through several side effects.

I have my phone set up to remind me when and what to take. I have them lined up in my room in the order that I take.

Sorry, but for now, I think the answer is meds.

Spencer
In the Sunlight

Welcome to DS Chloe.... I'm glad that you found us.... It actually took me a couple of years to find the right combo of meds and other coping skills to where I felt a degree of normalcy again

We do have a treatable disorder … . I was first diagnosed with anxiety/panic and depression that eventually evolved into bipolar disorder

You have some concurrent things going on it seems and we don't know what side effects a medication will have on us until we take it so unfortunately there is some trial and error.... Try not to despair.... You will find stability

This is a good place to come..... Big hug.....xo

Hi and welcome. I know exactly how you feel. It was a long road for me. Trying to find the right combo is hard and can be very long. Just keep communicating with the Doctor about how everything is going so you can both work together on this. It helps to see the Doctor each week too. It is extra hard when you have to try several new meds. Talk to the Doctor and tell them there are so many meds that you are having a hard time taking all of them. Good wishes and hugs for you finding the right meds.

I think that sounds like too many pills. He might be trying to see
what works to stabilize you somewhat and then I would imagine in time with more and more stability he would lower your dosage. I still think 18 pills is excessive though. I once had a Dr. that gave me too many pills and in hindsight he was not such a good Doctor. I currently take two medications and that is what works with me...it happened over time though.
I agree with Acuriousfish - if you can get a second opinion - that might help you a great deal. If not a better answer it will give you a sense of power to own what you're experiencing in the quest to find stability. Peace to you! Best, M

Do you go to therapy? It may be that a combination of medication and coping skills learned in therapy could help. I would also suggest a second opinion, since that much madication is bound to cause side effects. Don't give up and keep searching for the right combination to treat you as an individual. I am in the same boat as you and I'm seeking a good therapist and going to psychiatrist appointments every two weeks until we get the medications down and I'm feeling stable. Best of luck!

Thank you to everyone that replied. I was really struggling with wanting to keep taking my meds but it does help to see I am not alone in this struggle.

UPDATE:
I ended up in the hospital again which made my Psychiatrist realize I needed new meds, so she took me off everything I was on and started me fresh on lithium. Im hopeful that this time will be better(:

The age old question. unfortunately, trial and error is the only way to find the right meds and the right dose to help you get back to sense of normalcy. Yes, it sucks, but its a small price to pay for stability.
As far as seeing a new dr, i feel it is important that you both like and trust your psychiatrist. That is my experience.
Also, a good, trustworthy therapist can go a long way in recovery.
I have been on lithium for over a year and was stable for almost a whole year. But i had an unexpected trigger come up.