how would meds affect a person w/o bipolar

Currently I am prescribed lamictal, riperidone, and trazodone. My pdoc increased my risperidone at my last visit. I don't agree with the increase and I am having difficulty convincing myself to take the new dosage (or take anything for that matter). So, what is the affect of these medications on someone who does not need them? I've tried to come off a couple of times, but I immediately have symptoms. How would I know the difference between withdrawal and occurrence of symptoms of bipolar disorder? Does anyone have suggested articles or links that address these questions?

I found this link here on risperidone -

Long-Term Bipolar I Disorder Treatment | RISPERDAL® CONSTA®

The side effects of this just seem so different to the symptoms of BP .....

This article below is too long for me to read through the whole thing, but feel free to have a read through if you wish .....

As far as the Withdrawal goes, yes, I can identify a few here that would / could overlap with certain phases of BP

Risperdal (Risperidone) Withdrawal Symptoms + How Long Do They Last?

Like:

- Anxiety (I can be anxious when depressed)
- Appetite change (I eat more when depressed / less when manic)
- Concentration problems
- Confusion etc

"Factors that influence Risperdal withdrawal

When taking any psychiatric medication, there are factors that influence the severity of withdrawal and symptoms. Various factors that play an important role in discontinuation include: time you took the drug, your dosage, how quickly you tapered, as well as other individual factors (i.e. environment, individual physiology, etc.)."

Thanks for the articles. There is a lot of information there. I still can't seem to find how they would affect someone who does not need them. They did provide some good information about withdrawal. Considering the symptoms all sound like they are extreme enough to affect me while at work, i guess i'm stuck. I don't like it. I'm going to talk to my pdoc. I need off and i need him to come up with a plan.

I don't think it's uncommon to have more rebound symptoms when you withdraw from meds. And it's KIND OF caused by the meds, but only sort of indirectly as I understand it. If you're having bipolar symptoms though, you probably have bipolar, so I'm not sure what you're getting at by asking what the meds would do to someone who doesn't have bipolar. Probably just take away some of their emotional range, make them a little "flatter" and make them really sleepy. Same thing they do to us more or less. I'm sure they could have negative side effects too.

I frequently wonder the same thing. Unfortunately, I don't know the answer. I frequently doubt I have bipolar. I frequently tapper off meds or stop them altogether. I would probably take my meds regularly if I believed I was really bipolar. Sigh....

To me, nothing happens. It's like taking placebo pills. I am weaning myself off of Lithium and Geodon as we speak since I don't need to be on meds.

I remember asking about this with antidepressants. With those, I am told, they will not effect you if you don't need them. You might get side effects but unless you have hidden bipolar and start an AD that makes you manic just starting an AD itself it won't make you happier than your previous non-depressed state. Your body will just ignore it basically.

I just don't want to follow pdoc orders. Kickin and screaming as I swallow pills.

Whether the stuff does anything or not.. Its still a Chemical ... Any chemical entering the body is going to have some kind of effect on the body and organs.