Bipolar I - Anyone else doing ok without meds?

[AuroraDis]

I completely understand that mediation is a lifeline for a lot of people with bipolar disorder and I am not in anyway suggesting you should not take it, I just wonder if there is anyone on here who has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and is managing their condition without medication and has not relapsed?

I have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder type 1 and experienced psychosis during my first episode of mania which had me sectioned and spent 4 months in hospital. I took various medications whilst in hospital but my psychiatrist settled on quetiapine and depakote which is what I was prescribed when I was discharged.

I took my medication for 9 months after hospital discharge and in the end realised I was struggling more with the side effects of the medication than I was with my mood so decided to try and come off the medication. I wasn't supported by my psychiatrist at all and ultimately I decided that I wanted to do this even if it meant going against medical advice and told this to him. Eventually was transferred to another psychiatrist who supported me to reduce my medication gradually, whilst warning me of the risks and again making sure I knew I was going against medical advice and NICE guidelines.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I have been absolutely fine since and that was 7 years ago now. I honestly mean, not even a wobble.

I just wonder whether there are others like me, with a diagnosis, who do not take medication and are stable, or whether perhaps I have been misdiagnosed?

I can't dispute that my presentation when I was unwell was textbook for diagnosis of bipolar disorder. I have had one episode of depression and one of mania so I know I meet the DSM criteria, I just wonder how common my experience is?

[Jointhedots]

Hi AuroraDis,

I am looking at alternatives to medication too and came across quite a few people referring to being medication free in this thread:

healthunlocked.com/mental-h...

I have two friends I met in hospital when I had my post natal episode who are managing without medications although they have made huge changes to their live...

[Mikefrankmamakas in reply to Jointhedots]

What alternatives are there instead of medicine I take zyprexa 1 time a day 5 mg I've been out of the hospital 11 years

[Jointhedots in reply to Mikefrankmamakas]

Hi Mike,

A strong support network is essential. I have this but as my children are still at school, I have not risked doing this yet. You would need the support of those who would pick up the pieces should the symptoms get too much.

The withdrawal process is individual. Saying that, following a tried and tested method is best.

I have heard the Icarus Project process is robust (and free to download):

theicarusproject.net/resour...

A strict wellness daily routine has supported my friend. I am not that disciplined so again, I have not gone through this.

[Mikefrankmamakas in reply to Jointhedots]

I don't have bipolar I'm trying not to take medication anymore I take 5mg of zyprexa I've been out of the hospital 11 years I would like a different alternative besides medication

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Dear AuroraDis

I was diagnosed with bipolar at 45. Since then I've had or perhaps understand the anxiety and depression that is there whether u want it or not. They started me on lythium and depakote. Dep took so long to kick in or probably didn't work they changed it to Elavil. We went to the the poppies in northern California. I couldn't get out of the truck. No more Elavil. Been thru the gamut of antidepressants none are good for keeping me stable. Now I do anti convulsants and anti psychotic. Work much better for me. By the time I was diagnosed with bipolar I realized I had other mania episodes that had no label just uncontrollable. I'm now on wellbutrin for stability and hydroxyzine pamoate for anxiety. I use lamictal for mood stabilization. So far about a year in to this combo has worked well. Good luck to you.

[Roxylox]

Hi, AuroraDis, I am on Low-dose Lithium, only for the past 5 years though. Before that had been on a tiny maintenance dose of chlorpromazine successfully from 1991 to 2014. I had had a pretty major manic attack in 1989, then tried to come offmeds in 1991 with my doctor's support, but relapsed pretty quickly I counted myself very, very lucky to have remained symptom-free for 23 years which took in having 3 children as well. I would count the fact that you have had no meds for 7 years a very encouraging sign. I would say no need to be on anything if you don't need it. My advice would be to watch your lifestyle. Try to have a good sleep pattern, avoid too much stress, and get a decent amount of exercise. I am delighted to learn of your long-term success and am happy for you. It's hard to answer about the diagnosis. I suppose bipolar can be a tough one to diagnose