Quick summary.
I have always resisted my diagnosis, and I never sought treatment from a doctor, for multiple reasons.
Anyway, December 2013, I went into a depressive stage, and I realized that my Bipolar was back, and that I am going to have to deal with this the rest of my life.
In january, I started using cannabis to help stabilize my mood. At first, it worked wonders! I thought I'd found the perfect medicine! I felt good, relaxed, not as irritable, etc.
Well, after a couple months of daily use, my tolerance got ridiculous, and it was getting expensive. Not only that, but I have to go to work, and can't smoke at work, so I was basically only medicating part-time. Plus, its illegal, expensive, and I really don't like to have to smoke so often to stay "medicated".
Anyway, this is what finally led me to see a Psych. I told him about the cannabis use, and he asked, "does it help?" I replied, "yes, but only for a couple of hours, and I don't think its a good option longtime.... expensive, illegal in my state, can't take it at work, etc, etc.
The doc suggested I can keep using it, but taper it down as I taper up the Lamictal.
Anyway, tomorrow I up the Lamictal to 50 mg, and I am stopping the cannabis use also, I have already cut it way back, so I don't get heavy withdrawal symptoms. Its been great to have something that helps, but I in the past, cannabis has helped me go into manic stages, etc. So I am happy to be switching to a doctor's psychotherapy and prescription drug(s).
GOODBYE, you've been very helpful, Cannabis....hope you become a legal prescription worldwide soon.
__________________
Bipolar 1 ~ 300mg Lamictal, 4mg Ativan