here we go again,with medications

See a psychiatrist. This is one diagnosis that really does require a specialist.

Hi tisme,
That must be so hard for you! Not being able to get off a medication that apparently isn't helping as much as it was! I'm so sorry for you! Have you done any research on the side effects of the medication they want you to try? The Mayo Clinic is a good website to search those on. They are reliable. Your feeling of not wanting to start a new medicine is possibly a good thing to follow if you can! Also keep in mind that often money could play a part in prescribing things. My husband had lung cancer and was given Keytruda which nearly killed him. When he said he would no longer get Keytruda treatments the cancer doctor actually became very angry with him for that decision. She didn't care that he had become ill from it and almost died. I checked with the insurance company and discovered that Keytruda cost $25,000 per infusion! Needless to say, we changed cancer doctors! Without Keytruda, my husband lived another 14 years before he died in 2024.

The one thing that worked well for my husband and me was prayer. We asked God for help and we got it. God helped us get through a very bad time. Just talk to God like he's your best friend and he is! After all, he made you and he can fix you! I'll say a prayer for you also. I'm sure things will work out for you.
I wish you the best.
PML

Hi @tisme
Medication changes can be so tough. I hear your reluctance to try something new, and for good reason.
I agree with others that this merits a thorough discussion with your psychiatrist. What symptoms are you trying to treat? Is he or she willing to help you come up with a tapering strategy to come off Effexor? Are there any side effects that you’re concerned about?
I also have bipolar and really dread medication changes. However if I have clear expectations and goals in mind, and a plan in place, I think that makes the transition easier for me.
Good luck and I hope you find a medication (or a combination of meds and other strategies) that work well for you!

psych wants me on sodium valproate, but Im against it , I have non alcoholic fatty liver and the write up on the drug company website puts me off, if it affects the liver how do you get off the stuff u cant just stop so the longer your on it more it affects the liver. I dont like the idea of putting up with the depression it is really really nasty the manics I dont mind because its the main time that I get things done.

@tisme @tisme those sound like very valid concerns. I would definitely discuss your concerns with your psychiatrist and/or GP. Maybe they can better explain involvement of the liver, or perhaps suggest a different medication altogether.
I know what you mean about accepting the manic episodes but not the depressive episodes. I truly wish there was some kind of medication that only took away the depression. For a few years I was unwilling to take meds that took away my hypomanic episodes. However I realized that given the current medications available, I can’t pick and choose which parts of my illness to treat. My mood is more stable now but I am sad I rarely get hypomanic but still get depressed pretty regularly. I’m trying to accept this all as part of the process but it’s not easy. I truly hope you find something that helps ease your depression. Best of luck to you.

I agree that seeing a psychiatrist is important, but also therapy is important. Sometimes a second opinion is warranted. Maybe see a new shrink. I am surprised that you are on Effexor as sometimes SSRI's can make things worse. My brother is on Lamictal and some other medications for his bipolar disorder. It took him a while to get the right combination, but he also sees a therapist. It is so important that his shrink and therapist work together to help him. I wish you the best. Keep us posted.

@ashleyharris728 issue is , if I been on the meds a year or so and tests show liver upset , I cant just stop the meds I have to taper down ( if I can ) so liver is not healing proper.

@tisme that makes sense and your psychiatrist should be able to help you come up with a tapering plan, if that is what you decide on together. You deserve support and I hope that your team really hears your concerns and works with you to find something that helps.

the family doc and others say " it might not happen" but after experience with trying to get off effexor I dont want to risk it. Id rather put up with bipolar than risk liver issues.