Why stay on your bipolar medication?
As you know, bipolar disorder is not a sign of weakness. It is a biochemical
condition that is affected by any numbers of stressors—some of which may be out
of your control. Medicines that regulate the way chemicals in the brain react to
the stresses are often critical in managing the illness.
Think of people that you know who take medications over a lifetime to control
their diabetes and heart disease. Taking medications for bipolar disorder is
just like taking insulin for diabetes. The right medicine or combination of
medicines can stabilize your moods. Remember that your medication is designed to
keep you well, to keep your symptoms from getting worse.
If you have any concerns about your medications, speak with your doctor, and
never be afraid to ask for a second opinion.
The following chart identifies some common reasons people have for wanting to
go off their medications. It also includes reasons why it is important to stay
on your medications and how to stay on them.
|
Reasons for wanting to stop taking medications |
Reasons to keep taking medications |
How to Help Yourself |
| I don't like the idea of taking medication for the rest of my life. |
- Since bipolar disorder affects judgment, you may be unable to
make important decisions
- Bipolar disorder can produce symptoms that last, change, or even
worsen over a lifetime
|
- Explain how you are feeling to your doctor. It may be necessary
to adjust your medication
- Tell your support group
- Talk to other people who are successfully managing chronic
illness with medication
- Don't judge taking medication as weak or shameful
|
| I feel better. There's nothing wrong with me anymore. |
- You may feel better because you are on the correct medication
- Going off the medication or adjusting it yourself can cause
symptoms to return and get worse
|
- Explain how you are feeling to your doctor. It may be necessary
to adjust your medication. Over the course of treatment, sometimes
medication can be reduced
- Tell your support group
- Don't judge taking medication as weak or shameful
|
| I'm getting side effects that make me feel physically or emotionally
uncomfortable. I'm gaining weight. I feel sleepy. |
- The symptoms you are experiencing may be temporary
- Stopping or adjusting your medication yourself could make things
worse
- Your doctor will tell you if and how you should stop taking the
medication
|
- Call your doctor and explain your symptoms
- Tell your family and support group that you are having problems
and you think it is the medication
|
| I don't agree with my treatment plan. I don't want to take this
particular medicine. |
- Going off your medication or adjusting it without consulting a
doctor can cause symptoms to return and get worse
- Since bipolar disorder affects judgment, you may be unable to
make important decisions
|
- Speak with your doctor about alternative medications
- Seek a consultation with another doctor
- Talk to others in your support group who have had a similar
experience
|
next:
Tools to Help You Manage Bipolar Disorder
top .
send to friend .
bipolar site
map
Reviewed: 03/2006
|
del.icio.us
Digg
Furl
Google
StumbleUpon
Yahoo