[Gemstone]

I haven't posted in this forum before. I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 about 5 years ago and I have tried countless medications without much luck. The side effects are either way to much to handle or the drugs don't seem to do much except for make me a walking zombie. I also am a recovering anorexic.

I have decided to try to handle my bipolar symptoms on my own. I can get through the depressions but the mania normally leaves me hospitalized. It is productive at first. I will get all kinds of things done but as it progresses I get very psychotic and out of control.

I cycled just the same on medication as I do now without any meds. Anyone else going it medless? Does anyone have any tips for me so I can avoid the hospital? I am just trying to get through this day by day. I am normally a highly functioning professional. I do very well at my job. I am self employed so at least I can take off time if things get too bad.

Nicole

[wi_fighter]

Nicole, I'm pretty sure Sqrlb8 goes it medication free. Maybe he'll have some tips for you.

[jmo531]

(((((((((((((((((((((((((Nicole)))))))))))))))))))))))))

I do not have any advice to offer just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and offering hugs if you want them.

[darkeyes]

There are meds for this that do not make you a zombie, I had that with several meds. finally my pdoc came up with one for me to try and it's over 2 years and it works great.
Being Bipolar I, and not taking mood stabilizers is not a good decision, and can put you at risk. I've been DXed bipolar-II(mild) and ADD, 5 years ago after a major family upset, which most likely triggered this whole thing, besides being a genetic thing in my family.
I'd suggest before stopping any meds, discuss this with your pdoc., if he won't take the time, seek a new one.
This is just my opinion, there's stuff here of yours I can relate to, I thought once my triggers were gone I'd turn back to the person I was before DX and meds., so I tried weaning off my med with pdoc's supervision, 2 months after just decreasing my med by 50mg out of the 200mg I take, the downward spiral started.
This confirmed to me that I'll probably be a lifer with mood stabilizer, my brother is and deals with it fine, just takes an adjusment in one's mind that this is it, you need it, thats what I told myself.
I guess once a person has a meltdown, gets DXed and put on meds. the brain chemistry changes as it did that caused all this to come out.
Sorry, I think I am just rambling, and should go to sleep, but wanted to add my 2 cents here.
Take care now,
DE

[Gemstone]

Thanks for the support. I have tried lots of different meds. I think because I am very low weight they reak havok on my system. I have had side effects ranging from hair loss to rapid cycling to seizures from the different things I have tried. The only thing that started to stabalize me was depakote and then came the seizures from it and I had to stop. I am just at the point where I am sick of trial and error. I already stopped all the meds (gradually) and stopped seeing a p-doc. My mind feels clearer and sharper from it. I am not saying meds aren't for everyone; I just don't think it is for me. If I had found something that gave me releif from the symptoms I would have stuck with it.