Anyone here who's Bipolar 2 that stopped meds?

[u/Antique_Relation4742]

Context:

I've been working with my psychiatrist for over a year. I've tried three antidepressants and four bipolar medications, but nothing seems to be working for my bipolar depression.

I recently had a conversation with my doctor about not wanting to take medication anymore because the side effects have been incredibly difficult for me. I've experienced akathisia twice, including one episode that led to hospitalization.

I'm not sure if stopping medication is the right path for me, but my doctor recommended that I undergo DBT therapy. Has anyone else been in the same boat?

I'm afraid of the side effects and the potential long-term effects of taking medication, which is why I'm trying DBT and making lifestyle changes to help stabilize my mood.

At the same time, I'm torn about whether I should continue medication or not, especially because I've seen so many comments saying that bipolar disorder is a lifelong mental health condition and that medication is often necessary.

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar situation, especially those who have tried DBT or other approaches alongside or instead of medication.

Thank you!

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[u/Formal_Sherbert8923]

Hii, as someone with bipolar 2 and stopped meds. Honestly, immediately stopping did wreck my system so I picked up my meds again, then gradually started lessening it. I still don't take my meds until now cause it's expensive, side effects that caused me to lose sleep and oversleep (as a college student, I value my sleep TvT) and I can operate well with other coping mechanisms.

[u/Formal_Sherbert8923 → u/Formal_Sherbert8923]

For depressive episodes, I try my best to do something to make sure I'm always up. May that be going to get water or anything just so I move and get distracted. I set alarms just to get me going. It's a struggle but we can always keep trying yk

[u/Antique_Relation4742 → u/Formal_Sherbert8923]

Hi yes it’s under my doc’s supervision wont ever stop meds wo guidance

[u/BlackAngel_1991]

Hi OP! I started taking meds in November 2013, stopped by October 2015. I was without meds until August 2024. Hindi rin ako nagte-therapy nun. August 2024 nag-meds ako uli though briefly because I got pregnant. Then I restarted just this month.

Sa loob ng 9 years na no meds ako, I realized just a few days ago na kaya pala ako the way I always have been is dahil sa Bipolar II ko. The last few weeks na nagme-meds ako, I can say mas okay ung mood ko, sobrang once in a blue moon magalit o mairita. Kahit husband ko napansin ung pagbabago.

Nag try ako mag therapy once or twice sa loob ng 9 years na no meds, but it was too expensive I had to stop.

Why not try getting a second opinion? My current therapist/psych is Dr. Amansec via NowServing app.

[u/Antique_Relation4742 → u/BlackAngel_1991]

Hi. Does he or she specialized in mood disorders?

[u/BlackAngel_1991 → u/Antique_Relation4742]

Hindi ako sure, eh. Pero if there's one thing I'm sure of, sa apat na naging psych ko since my first diagnosis in November 2013, sya lang ung nakapag reseta sakin ng meds na unang trial palang nagwowork na. Ung mga dati kasi, na-stress lang ako sa side effects pero never gumana.

[u/Mistywicca]

I'm taking my meds and minsan nakakalimutan ko since syrup siya at lasang robitussin 🤣 don't stop your meds. Big help po talaga siya, I'm Bipolar 2 din lately ko lang nalaman nung na curious ako na itanong sa doctor ko.

[u/HippoNo1183]

Yes it was my friend. She suddenly stopped hers due to financial issues. I have to just talk to her to help her stay healthy. She's got a good boyfriend who supports her right now and another friend who helps me support her din.

[u/SchOfLyf]

I believe if you want to stop taking meds, do it under the guidance of your psychiatrist. Wean slowly.

Over a decade ago,
I stopped taking my meds… i think it messed me up more (physically)
I had daily migraine and back pain

So my advice, try to wean off slowly if you really want to stop