[BPD lady]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2 disorder about 6 years ago and have been on medication ever since, also been seeing a therapist. Just over a month ago I found out that I was misdiagnosed and that in fact I have Borderline Personality Disorder. I researched this and read about how there generally isn't a recommended medication to treat this personality disorder. So I stopped taking the medication a month ago. I was too afraid to tell my Psychiatrist or therapist as I am pretty sure they would say not to. I stopped it abruptly.

I have felt better this last month than I have in years and am noticing how I seem to be thinking more clearly and that my behaviour is more stable and generally better. I am also managing to deal with my emotions better and haven't had a 'freak' out all month. I am also noticing how much better I am coping with my 2,5 year old daughter. I feel more present with her and I am calmer too and I don't get bored while playing with her like before.

I just read a few articles online which say how dangerous it is to stop psychiatric medications abruptly and without guidance from a doctor. I haven't experienced any major side effects besides a headache which is manageable. I'm just starting to worry now that I have made a mistake. I still feel fine, better than ever, but I am worried that things will get really bad like I read online.

Should I go back on my meds? Or has it been long enough that I have been off them - so if I'm ok now then I will not have a major down spiral.

[Travelinglady]

Hello, BPD lady, and welcome to Psych Central! I'm not sure what your doc and therapist would say, but if you are doing well without these meds, then I think it was the right move. Why go back on meds to treat something you don't have?

Sometimes anti-anxiety drugs are used for borderlines, as I recall. But time will tell if you need one.

[Altered Moment]

If it has been a month I would not worry. Not everyone gets withdrawal effects. I have never gotten them and I have been on and off a bunch of them.

[IceCreamKid]

I have noticed that when I withdraw from my anti-depressant (usually because I have to wait to refill the prescription) there comes a day where I feel particularly well.

I don't view this as an indication I don't have depression, but rather that my body has attained a "sweet spot" so to speak in peak medication level effectiveness. A day or so later I start feeling the withdrawal.

I am not surprised that you feel better now. I think, however, you need to tell your doctor(s), all of them, that you have stopped your medications.

[lynnwith4]

Hi there
I would def. share with doc & therapist. I too, some years ago, was feeling really good, then about 3 mos w/o meds my friends & fam. noticed a chg in me, not good changes, I told myself what do they know, about 1- 2 mos after that I went into a suicidal depression, it scared me so bad! To this day I don't play doctor anymore.
Monitor yourself closely & ask a trusted person to kinda monitor ur moods as well.

[pegasus]

Hello BPD lady, welcome to Psych Central.

It is always best to taper the medications down with the help of your doctor with psychiatric medications. Nothing wrong in coming off them, just do it with support, ok.