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Anyone with Bipolar spectrum disorders?

Mental Health | Last Active: May 5 10:05pm | Replies (61)
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@itchyd

I'm supposedly bipolar (diagnosed in 2009, I'm 66 now).

I'm getting off the crappy psych meds: Done with them, consequences be damned. Zyprexa, a truly evil drug, was a nightmare that I endured for 14 years: paranoia, massive weight gain, loss of coordination, heart problems, the list goes on and on.

I'm now in the last week of titrating off of Lamictal, another nasty drug (sexual dysfunction, joint/muscle pain, lethargy, etc.).

I'll only offer commiseration and not advice. There are so many different reactions to the witch's brew of pharmacological dumb-bombs deployed to fight this very mysterious and amorphously described "illness" that it's irresponsible to make recommendations, other than to say exercise extreme caution when quitting any of these nightmare concoctions. I can't suggest taking the advice of a psych pro because I think they're all con artists.

Best of luck!

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Replies to "I'm supposedly bipolar (diagnosed in 2009, I'm 66 now). I'm getting off the crappy psych meds:..."
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Mar 27 6:54am

Hello @itchyd,

I'm glad that you said in your post, "I'll only offer commiseration and not advice." It sounds as if you have had some tough experiences in your attempts to deal with mental health issues. It is very difficult to deal with medications as well as the disorder itself. As I read your profile (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/member/00-d961381f32ce0525356818/), I see that you are a Navy vet, a retired electrical engineer and that you are a recovering alcoholic. All of these accomplishments are something to be proud of.

Your comments about medications used for bipolar disorder are, as you probably know, not everyone's experience. Lots of people can be helped by these very meds that you have mentioned. It is not helpful to generalize your experience to everyone in the community. Does that make sense?

That said, what are you doing right now to deal with your bipolar disorder?

While it might be easy to blame the psychiatrists, and medications, I'm wondering what you are doing to help yourself. Are you considering finding a new therapist, a new medication, a new psychiatrist? There are professionals who, if you let them know of your history and frustrations might try to help you. Can you try that?

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