[JoshRuss]

My old psychiatrist who my insurance no longer covers would never have me on anti-psychotics except when I went off my mood stabilizer, went manic and then had delusions.

My new doctor has me on antipsychotics all the time, every day twice a day 365. Is this normal? In my experience I have only had psychotic features when I went off my mood stabilizer and became manic. As long as I'm on my mood stabilizer I shouldn't need the antipsychotics right?

I know most of you are not doctors but do I have a valid reason to seek a second opinion? I have been reading (even on a .gov website) that anti-psychotics reduce brain volume when used for a long time. And they have other bad side effects too. I want to be on as few meds as possible.

Okay to sum this up, I've already talked to my doctor about this and he thinks I need the anti-psychotic med, my old doctor would not have me on them for any extended period of time. Is it time to seek a new doctor?

[dragonfly2]

I would seek a second opinion, just to help you make a more informed decision. Ultimately it's your decision whether or not you take them. Keep in mind though that today's antipsychotics can also have antidepressant qualities, so your doctor may have other reasons for having you on them than just for psychosis or mania.

Of course, if your sense is that your current pdoc does not respect your opinions and is not treating you as a partner in your treatment, then it may be time to find one who does.

[catsrhelm]

Josh, I would seek that second opinion. While I need an antipsychotic to control mood swings, you might be different.

[AnxietyGirl916]

Originally Posted by catsrhelm

Josh, I would seek that second opinion. While I need an antipsychotic to control mood swings, you might be different.

Same here. I'm on Abilify which is an AP, but I use it for severe mood swings. I take it even when I'm stable because that's what MAKES me stable.

[JoshRuss]

Thanks guys. It really freaked me out to read the study that says the APs cause your brain to shrink. I really hope that's not true.

[BipolaRNurse]

I'm another BPer who has to stay on antipsychotics to keep my moods balanced. Maybe I won't always have to be on the current dose, but going off entirely doesn't appear to be in the cards; I'm more prone to mania than depression.

In your case, however, I'd seek a second (really a third) opinion, since you've had one doc who was very much against APs for you in the absence of symptoms and now one who keeps you on them all the time. I'd also probably go with the tie-breaker. But whatever you do, DO NOT stop your AP (or any other psych med) without consulting your current pdoc; there are too many things that can go sideways if you stop cold-turkey.

[unlockingsanity]

When my Pdoc put me on Seroquel (an anti-psychotic) the first thing she said was, "Don't panic, but this is labelled as an antipsychotic, but it's also used as a mood stabilizer."

If you aren't sure, you can seek a second opinion or ask your doctor for a more detailed reason behind why you need them. If you're stable, is this just a "I don't need meds" phase for you, that we all seem to go through at some point or another?

Are you stable because you're ON it? What med is it you're referring to?

[SingDanceRunLife]

I'm another one on Seroquel as a mood stabilizer. Antipsychotics work better for me as mood stabilizers than anticonvulsants.

I have an antipsychotic for use as a prn and it works really well. I am in control and it decreases the amount I take it. I use it when I need it.

[noclevermonicker]

I'm on 2 AP, Risperdone and Abilify. When I'm psychotic, I'm psychotic. We're trying to wean off Abilify, but it looks like Risperdone is here to stay...the upside is I no longer get my period...the down side, no libido and weight gain. BUT I don't want to hurt anyone or myself, so totally worth it for me.

[primetimetush1]

Originally Posted by JoshRuss

My old psychiatrist who my insurance no longer covers would never have me on anti-psychotics except when I went off my mood stabilizer, went manic and then had delusions.

My new doctor has me on antipsychotics all the time, every day twice a day 365. Is this normal? In my experience I have only had psychotic features when I went off my mood stabilizer and became manic. As long as I'm on my mood stabilizer I shouldn't need the antipsychotics right?

I know most of you are not doctors but do I have a valid reason to seek a second opinion? I have been reading (even on a .gov website) that anti-psychotics reduce brain volume when used for a long time. And they have other bad side effects too. I want to be on as few meds as possible.

Okay to sum this up, I've already talked to my doctor about this and he thinks I need the anti-psychotic med, my old doctor would not have me on them for any extended period of time. Is it time to seek a new doctor?

Antipsychotics are not first-line maintenance medication (ie take it even when you're well) for bipolar disorder. Lithium is an example of a first line maintenance treatment for bipolar. I'm not sure but there might be some controversy regarding the time to use antipsychotics in bd. I know that there is much controversy about the use of antidepressants in bipolar disorder. So definitely inquire. Also do your own research. google search: atypical antipsychotic prophylactic treatment (prevention of episodes)