I have been very happy here at Psych Central, though I have also experienced bullying and other uncomfortable interactions at other online bipolar support groups. One I used to love has two members that seem to always enjoy making some nasty responses to even my nicest posts. I have never been unkind to either of those members. I don't understand it. I wonder how/why they derive such pleasure from being nasty.

I was actually a group leader at a third support website's bipolar group. I don't believe I was ever rude or obnoxious to members, but I knew of other group leaders that were. It's sad to say it, but sometimes online groups (even group leaders) have these high schoolish cliques and in fighting. I'm heading towards 50 and don't need that crap, and never participated in it even as a young girl/teen.

On the topic of experiencing uncomfortable feelings after missing a dose, I will say that I certainly have. I don't know if mine were exactly withdrawals as much as they were breakthrough anxiety, agitation, mood issues because I missed a dose. Oh my, if I forget my evening meds I will eventually find out before the next morning. I not only can't sleep at all, but my moods go ballistic, and again anxiety shoots through the roof. I have learned that there is not only a good reason for continuing meds, but also for taking them at the same exact time every day.

I believe we are all different, and different medications affect us differently. No group leader/moderator is an expert to be telling people things they are not qualified to be writing. In all cases you encounter that, just ignore them the best you can. Do also talk to your psychiatrist and/or pharmacist in addition to asking others if they share the experience. And yet, I have actually had my psychiatrist himself tell me my experiences seemed unlikely. But if one experiences them, then they do exist, in my book.