[helpandbehelped]

Is it possible to eventually get to the point of being able to get off bipolar medications. I know I will deal with this the rest of my life but is it possible to get off of them and be able to handle the crazy emotion alone?

[Misssy2]

I don't think so....I've tried to go off meds over the years and most recently and it is a horrid experience.

[OliverB]

It depends on each case, but in any of them it should be tappering down meds really slowly one by one and when your life is stable.

The brithish psychological society has this interesting book about it (it's free):

http://www.bps.org.uk/system/files/P...es/cat-653.pdf

[Travelinglady]

Hi, helpandbehelped, and welcome to Psych Central! My understanding is bipolar is a chronic illness, so we have to stay on the meds to try to help prevent a relapse.

That said, I also see a therapist and have had Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

I have gone 6 years and two months without a relapse.

[Miako]

Hey. I'm in the UK and there's a growing movement of professionals who believe the whole "chemical imbalance" model is too simplistic to describe Bipolar Affective Disorder. There's hope now that some people may be able to learn to gain some control over their symptoms through Dialectical Behaviour Therapy or Cognitive Analytic Therapy, especially in cases where the Bipolar episodes seem to be triggered by life events or stresses. Obviously this approach may not work for everyone, but I found it hopeful when the clinical psychologist said that the drugs may not be for life.

[dangerousanimals]

When I was getting blood work done for medication-related monitoring I mentioned it was for Bipolar and one of the people working there said they'd been managing their Bipolar symptoms with acupuncture and no meds. They hadn't had a manic episode in 4 years. It gave me something to think about, but I have other psych issues so I'm probably going to be on meds forever.

[*Laurie*]

Everyone really is different. Some people have to remain on medication, others do not. My son-in-law had a bipolar psychotic episode when he was 19. He was hospitalized and had to be on Depakote for 18 months. He's 34 now and is doing fine, no meds. If by chance he has another breakdown he is totally willing to go on medication.

[childofchaos831]

For some people, yes. Some people do grow out of it. Usually in those, it was related to hormones, from puberty. So by the time they get to mid 20s or so, they don't need meds anymore.

Even with that, please do it with a doctor and taper, so that it is monitored properly.

[Nammu]

If you google, bipolar advantage, you'll find a group that does believe it's possible to live a great life not medicated but it's hard work. I take breaks when I can. Always when I've been stable for a long time and have a good therapist in my life. It's sort of a nonjudgmental observer who can see my moods and help me use other coping methods. But right now I'm on meds with no T so I'm staying on them.

[1978dd]

I have heard that, as a person ages, they may be able to go off meds, but I don't personally know anyone who has been able to do that. Sorry!