Im bipolar, pdoc thinks its bp1 but isnt totally certain yet. I was put on lamictal but it took away my personality, gave me memory loss, and constant suicidal thoughts. pdoc didnt seem bothered and said i would get used to it. i decided to come off it and now my moods fluctuate alot and i do things with less thought, but often things i really want to do like i bought some weights and signed up for a college class.

without meds i want to do stuff, taste things, basically get out there and live. When im on meds, i dont feel like that, im much more patient, and sensible and see life as long and as tho no decision needs to be made today. without meds im mostly on a high or mixed. What do u think about bipolar without meds? is it possible to live like that?

[Victoria'smom]

There are a lot of people that do here. If you choose to do that though I would suggest working with an occupational therapist and a mental health therapist to help minimize the negative effects of mood swings. You also may look into lower doses of meds or different combinations. Other people that are med free can offer more help.

[middlepath]

I was med free for 10 years post diagnosis. I tried everything from sleep regulation to nutritional therapy, yoga, regular massage, meditation but for me, it was not enough over the long haul. I have elected to take a lower than normal dose of Lithium so that my moods are more even after having one VERY bad depression recently. So for me, it was doable for awhile, but inevitable and unavoidable that meds needed to be in my life. I don't want to feel my personality is squashed so that is why i take a lower dose knowing that i will still have some mood cycling. I hope you find what works for you! cheers.

[BipolaRNurse]

I'm a "tentative" BP 2 (pdoc hasn't ruled out BP 1 yet due to the severity of my hypo/manic episodes) who went without meds for years before I was diagnosed, and as rocky as my road has been since I've been medicated, I honestly don't know why I didn't commit suicide years ago. It's taken a cocktail of 4-5 meds to get things even remotely under control; how do people manage on one drug, let alone none?

However, that is just me, and I respect those who are able to manage their illness without meds. I wish I could, because honestly, taking meds is a pain in the butt and I don't like it that I have to do so to be 'normal'. More power to y'all who can control your BP with diet, exercise and vitamins---I do all those and STILL need drugs.~sigh~

[Cocosurviving]

I also have BP 1. I had really bad manic & hyp episodes before I was diagnosed & on meds. Since being on BP meds I haven't had one (knock on wood). So I believe in meds for me. There are ppl who post in this BP forum that do not take meds. From my understanding it takes a lot of discipline and requires a strict regimen. The other non-med option is to ride the wave, dealing w/ the episodes as they come

[Eliza Jane]

I have BP II and I definitely feel that the RIGHT medications have saved my life. Don't get me wrong, there were many that were unhelpful or had bad side effects, but when I found the right thing it was amazing to have myself back. People worry about meds taking away their personality, becoming zombies, etc. If those things happen, you are on the wrong meds. When I am on meds, I feel the real me can shine through. I am more balanced, productive, and creative and I can enjoy the good things in my life.

I wasn't sure from your post whether this was your first med or at least your first mood stabilizer. I definitely understand not wanting to take a med that makes you feel like you described. Just know that not all meds will make you feel that way.

Good luck,
EJ

[wildflowerchild25]

I have just gone back to meds after six years of being off. I never admitted I had bp2 so that's how I got through it lol. I think it's ultimately up to you. If the highs are negative sky impacting your life, you may consider meds. But also look into alternative therapies. I read a blog once where the writer cut all sugar and refined grain out of his diet - too much for me but maybe doable for you. Also, try getting some workbooks like the dbt workbook for bipolar. That is what I plan to do once my moods are less severely interfering with my functioning. I have not yet committed to spending the rest of my life on meds :-/

[Trippin2.0]

Its a personal choice, only you walk in your shoes, none of us know what you contend with in your day to day life.

I went the med route immediately after diagnosis, a little over a year later I was over it. Too many side effects, suffered severe cognitive decline, muted emotions / apathy, and generally just a poorer quality of life. I had ultimately lost my identity in a dx, and it was unacceptable. I will admit, it was an impulse decision, and I was VERY unstable when I quit, but it was the right thing to do. The medical model for bipolar is just not good for me, it ended up making me worse.

I'm not anti- meds though, I'm sure I would opt for a chemical safety net if I felt it was ABSOLUTELY neccessary at the time, but never longterm, no thank you not for me.

A good way to decide is by checking the level of impairment bipolar causes. If its quite severe, AND you can't cope, then maybe you could do with some emotional muting while you learn effective coping skills.