[kimber1234]

I am so sick of taking so many drugs- the ones for BP then the ones to counteract the side effects from BP meds; of course, the counteracting ones never actually helped with the weight loss. I've been good about taking the dfamn things for 15 years. That's taking up to 7 meds a day for 15 friggin' years.

At the same time, if I miss one dose of seroquel, I almost immediately pop up to hypo-mania.

I don't want to stop cold turkey, but I know my doc won't even consider finding new meds that have fewer side effects. Anyone know what I can do?

[Victoria'smom]

Find a new Dr ? If it's not worth the side effects you need a Dr willing to work on reducing the med that give side effects. You shouldn't have to take 7 pills a day to treat bp.

Have you considered what life would be like without the meds? Has your psychiatrist explained what each medication is for? Again, my suggestion is to let your doctor know your concerns. If they are unwilling to consider changing your scripts then I too think it might be time to find another doctor. It might even be as simple as changing the time of day you take certain medications.

(I take 6 different meds for a total of 16 pills per day)

[BastetsMuse]

Make a list for your pdoc - write each med down and what you think it does FOR you and TO you, then go over the list with your doctor. Tell your doc what it is that you want and see if he/she thinks it is a realistic goal. And are you stable on 7 meds? Stability is huge, and might be worth taking 7 meds a day. I take as many as you do, and I am happy to be stable - and for me it's been 22 years.

[alincdytyourmeds]

It took a few tries with my pdoc to get a med change. But eventually he listened to me and the change was felt immediately. I don't mind the meds as much now that I actually feel better. It does suck sometime though as it is a constant reminder of this darn illness.

[ThunderGoddess]

I recently stopped taking my meds I was only on 3 and I felt that was even too much! Check out this thread on stopping meds I used that check list brought it to my doctor and felt like he did listen to me better than when I didn't have all my info

http://forums.psychcentral.com/getti...-off-meds.html

I know how hard weight gain can be. I gained 60 pounds over a 6 month period and fell into a deeper depression because of it. I just started taking Lamictal and it has really helped with weight loss. My doctor explained it as a mood stabilizer that is weight neutral but I googled it and found quite a few others who have lost while on it. Just a thought for you.

[ComfortablyNumb5]

Have you considered metformin for weight loss? I havn't personally tried it but i know a few ppl take it with psych meds to combat the weight gain. I get your frustration of being on so many meds. I wake up every morning and first thing I do is pop meds. And again at night. And again before bed. It sucks. I agree with everyone else when they say to talk to pdoc.

Dx: BP2, PTSD, bulimia/anorexia
Seroquel 150mgs
Risperdal 4mg
Trileptal 600mgs
Buspar 45mgs
Ativan 1mg PRN
Vyvance 70mgs PRN

[B2008]

Are u at a point in your life with low stress, can take timeouts when needed, do you have a family at home that this decision will affect? Just a few questions to ask yourself. I'm sure there's many more! Mental illness affects the whole family. Good luck I hope you find a good middle ground!

[raspberrytorte]

Maybe instead of tackling going off all your meds, you could start by just going off one? Is there one you feel you could do without? As others already recommended, talk to your pdoc and explain you feel you're on too many and would like to reduce. Good luck!