Wanting to come off meds

[~SuNsHiNe~]

I've been diagnosed with bipolar 2 which I'm on medication for (mood stabilizers and antidepressants) which I've tried going off a few times but always end up back on them.. I really don't want to be on them forever though but things tend to go downhill if I go off them... Which I can live thru but am more concerned with the impact on those around me:.. Just don't like being on meds

Any advice would be MUCH appreciated thanks:)

[Laura2.0]

Hi,

I dont know how you Tried to come off your meds The last time. Did you Do It on your own or did you fade them out with your dr/psych?
Maybe talking to your Psychiatrist about It, and See if he has an idea for a good way to come off Them? Take a smaller dose for a while or something like that.

[~SuNsHiNe~]

I've taken myself off them previously and that doesn't end well, but have also decreased my dosage and ultimately gone off them under the supervision of my psych too, but then it'll be good for awhile but won't last

[crazykat]

It can be frustrating having to be on meds and tempting to just take ourselves off them but it is best if it is only done under supervision from the person prescribing them. What is it about being on meds that you don't like?

[~SuNsHiNe~]

Well I know I can't be on them forever (ie in the future when I want to have kids) and would just prefer to be able to deal with it on my own. Maybe that's just me being stubborn tho:/

[crazykat]

That's understandable, have you discuss your concerns with your treating doctor?

[random.swirls]

Definately speak to your Dr as they can talk through the options.

If you had a physical illness which you had to take meds for or risk detiorating would you still be stubborn or would you accept it more readily? If the latter than I guess I would try and rationalise it rather than fighting it.

[sherlock holmes]

I think there are certain psych meds you can take whilst pregnant/breastfeeding so you won't have to go completely med free.

I do understand though as I have bipolar 2 and I hate taking medication. I'm currently reducing mine.

[findingmyself]

I understand how you feel I'm not a med person either. I was always going off mine. Don't let these meds control you. You are stronger than them. Yes you will feel like **** for a few weeks like a month after stopping them but don't give in and take them again fight through it its only a few weeks and then you wont feel so shittey any more. Trust me I went off Seroquel after being on it for a year I was really depressed when I went off it and angry but after a month of being off it I was feeling a little better. I understand not wanting to be on meds forever you don't have to be on them forever or not at all if you don't want to. Its your body you can chose to take them or not.

You should make a list of how you felt on meds and how you feel off meds. See what the benefits were being on the med if there were any. See how you feel off meds better or worse or where some things better on meds. If you want to try going off meds tell your psych, You should try if you want to I would suggest being off meds for at least 4 months before deciding to go back on them only if you want to.

[baggyjeans]

Hi haven't read all the replies but just wanted to say I am totally off meds now after being on 3 different types. I am bp2 too. I tried a few times to come off but didn't manage it until I wanted to get pregnant and had no choice. I feel brilliant now I'm off meds. It was really hard at first and I do struggle but its an amazing feeling being off meds and not being so sedated. It is possible but do it slowly and get lots of support! X

[crazykat]

I can understand that for some people it would be okay to come off meds and that they feel better without them but it is also important to note that this is not the case for everyone. So to the OP it is important that if you want to stop meds you talk it over with your treating doctor first.

[~SuNsHiNe~]

Thanks for your replies everyone:) next time I see my psych ill have another chat to him about decreasing/gradually going off them. I really appreciate all your replies:)