As of last night, I decided to stop taking my antipsychotic. I feel like antipsychotics suppress my creativity and my overall ability to even think. I want to succeed at work, but how can that even happen when I'm a zombie with its head screwed on sideways through the ear, or all the way up the butt like Donald Trump?

[Ok. Bad joke. I trump. He is my fav dictator because he hates people with bipolar.]

At first, I blamed my inability to succeed on a lack of (working) ADHD medication. "Oh, it's just the ADHD. It needs to be medicated properly." NO. Then I had a lightbulb moment: I seem to succeed most in the short time period where I'm transitioning between antipsychotics. And when I tend to go off the antipsychotic, I am more able to think.

Is this a good idea or bad idea? Meh. I'm ignoring that question. It's all about my quest to secure that promotion at work in October.

'Till then... up up and away!

[Shazerac]

I hope you did not decide stop immediately and go cold turkey that can have severe and even life threatening consequences.

I too am trying to drastically reduce or go off Psych meds. I'm working with my doctor and have a tapering schedule to gradually come off them.

I feel like my meds have impacted my creativity and quality of life. But there has been times where I was so depressed that i considered harming myself.

Throwing yourself into a sudden withdrawal symptom situation could do you way more harm than good.

Please be careful and gentle with yourself. Please.....please.....

[99fairies]

Do you have a history of psychosis? If so I would suggest trying a different ap that doesn't have such negative side effects.

[WildcatVet]

Anti~psychotics and my other psychotropic medications saved my life. I'm a sane, rational, creative, functional person now. Oh, it's true I had a long journey finding the right cocktail and it's true that I still have some ups and downs...but I wouldn't put down my meds for anything in the world. Past that kind of silliness.

[bioChE]

Yes antipsychotics suck donkey balls. They also keep us out of the hospital.

Think long and hard about this, Blue. We've seen you go off your meds before, and the results haven't been pretty. Take a look at my post in your "success" thread. I've done all this while still being on meds that limit my cognitive abilities.

If indeed it is the best choice for you to go off your meds, do it under the supervision of your doctor. Especially since you have methylphenidate on board. You've had issues with amphetamines and nothing else before, I'd hate to see you have the same issues this time.

[still_crazy]

please talk to your psychiatrist. some people w/ bipolar I can taper off or at least minimize tranquilizers. others...really shouldn't. tapers should be slow and supervised by a good shrink.

[Sunflower123]

I agree. Please be careful.

[liveforsummer]

be safe Blue

[99fairies]

How are you feeling Blue? Still off your AP?

[bioChE]

Blue, inquiring minds want to know. Are you still off your AP? How was work today?

@99fairies: yeah, no AP right now

@bioChE: Well, I've been really agitated and anxious recently, but that's about it.

Started driving to work this morning, got agitated, went driving a bit faster than I'd have liked, but I was pissed. Got there in one piece. Same with coming home. Not much else. Just anger... but I attribute that to some life stressors.

[bioChE]

Blue, inquiring minds want to know. Are you still off your AP? How was work today?

[99fairies]

Sorry you're dealing with anger issues. But I'm glad you're alright over all.

[bpforever1]

I went off my AP four times and was hospitalized four times. I came to the conclusion it is better to take my AP than be in the hospital. I also felt when I went off my AP that it might not be helping but it does help. From my experience, AP's are helpful and keep me from becoming psychotic or manic. I promised myself to take my medication daily and this has kept me from being hospitalized and homeless ever since. Yes, I was homeless while I was off medication and it taught me a lesson about being irresponsible about my mental health. I believe medication is a necessity for some people with mental disorders. With it, one can live in society as a productive individual. I highly recommend that you consult with your psychdoc about being non-compliant with medication. You may feel that APs are not effective but being repeatedly hospitalized and may be even homeless may make you think otherwise.

[pirilin]

I agree.

[Fuzzybear]

[Moreta]

i'm on geodon. i don't think it messes with my creativity, but I've been on it so long so who knows. when i was on saphris along with the geodon there was a decline, but now i'm off saphris so things have gotten better again. just been having a lot of health issues dampening things.