[spiritedgiraffe]

Good Morning everyone.

I am a University student who was recently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. My doctor has perscribed me medication which she said is for prevention. She also told me that if I take this medication regulary, live healthily and set up a routine that I wouldn't experience another episode ever again. I did some research when I got home, and on every site it said that, while medication lessens mood swings and increases the time between them, most people with bipolar disorder, even those who take their medication regularly, relapse. Is this true? Furthermore, why does it happpen? I mean, especially if you don't decrease the medication or start a new one. Does it just stop working?

I apologize if this comes across as ignorant. I am just kind of anxious because I don't fully understand how all this works and I feel kind of lied to and can't seem to get a straight answer from anyone.

Thanks in advance.

[wildflowerchild25]

It’s hard to say whether you would relapse or not. Depends on a lot of things, medication being only one piece of the puzzle. I do know that it can take awhile to find a medication or medication combo that works for you so I feel what your pdoc said was kind of ignorant. Frequently meds do just stop working, or need another med added, or
Something like that.

[*Laurie*]

I also believe that your pdoc has misled you. It sounds to me like she was trying to convince you to remain on medication.
For some people who experience a manic or depression episode it is a one-time event. Medication or not, they never relapse.
Some people who remain on medication will be helped by it and will never relapse.
Many people who take meds regularly do relapse, some infrequently, others quite often - or constantly experience symptoms, to a certain extent.

it is a very good idea to remain on your prescribed meds because even if you do relapse your meds will likely soften the blow.

After some time, perhaps even years, some people develop a tolerance to medication and need to switch to another med/s.

There are all sorts of possibilities and self-educating is a great idea. Plus, you will learn a great deal from this forum.

I do not think you are ignorant at all! On the contrary, I find it wise that you've come here asking very valid questions. I hope you will stay around.

[*Laurie*]

Also - are you in therapy?

It depends a lot on the person and their reaction to the medication. I've been on a lot of different meds and they don't entirely prevent episodes, just keep them from going out of control and the amount to a minimum. Different meds have different results too. I've heard of some people who stay on their meds for a decade and never have an episode, but relapse as soon as they stop.

[downandlonely]

Going off your meds without talking to your doctor is never a good idea. That said, meds can stop working, so you may need to switch. I've switched several times.

[Blueberrybook]

Originally Posted by spikes

It depends a lot on the person and their reaction to the medication. I've been on a lot of different meds and they don't entirely prevent episodes, just keep them from going out of control and the amount to a minimum. Different meds have different results too. I've heard of some people who stay on their meds for a decade and never have an episode, but relapse as soon as they stop.

I agree your pdoc misled you. For some lucky people, meds and therapy will stabilize them. Or at least give them a good long stable period. Since I've been on meds, my longest stable period has lasted 6 months. I long to get back to that. Even that is a big achievement for me, worthwhile of having a goal.

I agree a lot of people develop tolerance to meds after awhile. Or sometimes life stressors (sick or dying loved ones, financial worries, taking care of your child, working or trying to work and not being able to handle it) can take over, and your current meds may not be sufficient to help you.

I agree it is a good idea to take your meds as prescribed and not go off them unless your pdoc wants you to go off them or taper them or try something new. I have learned the hard way it is best to be straightforward with your pdoc about things you've done that you think may relate to BP, like overspending, not sleeping, depression, suicidal thoughts, self-injury, panic attacks (could be possible panic disorder or a side effect), tremors, eating disorder behavior (people with EDs often have depression or bipolar disorder), etc. Your pdoc can not help you if you don't let him or her know what is going on with you at the time. It's been a long journey for me, that's for sure. I first entered the psych system when I was around 19 years old, have been hospitalized twice (but have by the nick of my skin avoided it a number of times), and now I'm 40 years old. Still, I don't give up hope that there may be meds to help with minimal side effects or that I might enjoy another 6 month period of stability. Even that was awesome.

Hugs to you. You CAN get through this.

[Christopher1990]

Going off meds , drugs and alcohol, too much stress, are the quickest ways to relapse.

I know if I stay on meds and avoid those 3 things I should almost always be stable.

But depression is a hard one to keep at bay.

[Unrigged64072835]

It might happen for you. But not all people with bipolar end up that way.

I've had med changes for three years and have been stable for almost two. I'm still stable emotionally but may have to change meds due to side effects.

Don't feel bad if you still have issues though. Sometimes it may take med changes and tweaks until you feel better.

Therapy also helps. Being able to have coping skills to sleep well and reduce stressors would be of benefit, amongst other things.