Hurrah! Finally….the other side, i.e. not taking certain meds, is represented in About.com
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Making the decision to stop medication, if you have bipolar or any other condition, is a decision that should be made in conjunction with your healthcare provider. Reducing a dosage abruptly can cause withdrawal effects that can be unpleasant to dangerous. A good psychiatrist will recognize an over-medicated condition and work with you to lower medication dosages gradually. He or she will also discuss the risks, benefits and dangers of stopping a medication, and supply as much information as possible to help you make the safest, most informed choice.
Members of the About.com Bipolar Disorder Forum tell their positive experiences with stopping the medications used to treat their bipolar disorder.
Please be aware that these responses constitute the personal experiences and opinions of consumers and in no way should be construed as medical advice.
(To read a discussion in its entirety, please follow the link preceding the quote. Quotes may have been edited for spelling, grammar or clarity.)
from Cathy
In my personal opinion, the best years of my life were when I was not on any medications. I had a very good social life and kept myself busy helping other people. That was from 1992 until 1996, and it was the only time in my life that I ever felt normal (whatever that is). I exercised three times a week and took vitamin B complex, and I think that is better than resorting to drugs.
from Ginny
I dumped my meds now for a couple of months. I don’t feel any worse or better. I just decided I had too darn many drugs, and the mix was getting toxic, I’m sure. But I went for almost 35 years, I think, without anything either, so decided what the heck. I have been waiting for a manic episode but none in sight, and actually the depression seems not as bad.
from Jennifer
I quit taking my anti-depressants four months ago, and I have not had a depressive episode yet — it was a regular week out of every month beforehand. My GP (general practitioner) does not support my decision, so I am now forced to seek out a doctor who will not push the lottery method of trying all pills until one works, and instead will understand my pursuit of more holistic and organic methods. I have to try…
from Littlebug
For a few months I was considering quitting my meds altogether. I was sick of being lethargic, dull-witted, and nauseous. I took matters into my own hands and started cutting back on the meds gradually. It has been 3 months and I am now down to 50 mg. Zoloft and 250 mg. Depakote. I talked to my pdoc about it the other day and told her what I am doing and that I feel really good at this dosage. She said to stay with it if it is working! Now that I am not sick from being overmedicated I am o.k. with staying on the current dosage. I am glad that I did not just quit the meds cold-turkey as I was tempted to do 3 months ago.
from Tkarels
Hi, I wanted you to know that there are some out there who have been semi-successful in quitting meds. I’ve been off them for about a year after shifting around for 4 years.
About.com does not recommend reducing or eliminating medications without a doctor’s approval. If you feel your meds are not helping you or are causing you to be in a worse state than with a lower dose or without them, talk to your prescribing doctor first.
