If you have bipolar disorder, medication may be a vital component of your recovery process. While there is no immediate cure to the condition, the appropriate medication can reduce mood episodes and other symptoms. With the right medicine, the success rate for bipolar treatment in the United States is 80%.
Mental health professionals might prescribe mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics, among other things. However, what best works for a patient will ultimately depend on their specific needs.
Due to the growing popularity of home remedies and alternative medicine, you might be wondering if people with bipolar disorder can survive without medication. In this guide, you’ll learn the standard treatment for bipolar disorder, the consequences of going off medication, and how best to sustain your recovery.
Doctors typically prescribe at least two different types of medication for people with bipolar disorder. A mixed treatment plan alleviates symptoms of depression while providing mood stability and preventing a manic episode.
Below are common treatments you’re most likely to receive for bipolar disorder:
Mood stabilizers are a long-term treatment that you should not stop taking without your doctor’s advice. Your doctor will likely recommend that you remain on your mood stabilizers for at least two years to reduce the risk of relapse.
Going off your treatment prematurely can also result in the following side effects:
When coming off your medications, always speak with your doctor first – never stop cold turkey. Some professionals will wean you into a “maintenance dose” over a four to six-week period, depending on how you respond to the reduction.
If you are considering stopping multiple treatments, healthcare professionals will likely wean you off one medication at a time.
Adults who experience severe bipolar disorder will likely have to remain medicated their whole life. However, it’s common for people to go off course with their medications or even stop them entirely. Below are a few common reasons a patient might come off their treatment plan.
Sometimes, people with bipolar disorder experience anosognosia, or the inability to perceive reality, while on mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, or other related drugs. People with mood disorders experience frequent changes in their frontal lobe, which can hinder the ability to perceive new information. When such confusion occurs, a person’s health might deteriorate.
One telltale sign that you or someone you know is suffering from anosognosia is constant confusion and a lack of awareness. Consider whether you were experiencing these symptoms even before your diagnosis and take note of other side effects.
Nearly all people will experience side effects when taking a new medication. However, the severity of these effects will vary, especially if you suffer from other health problems. A person just getting started on bipolar medication will likely experience side effects like:
In most cases, these side effects are bearable and will typically stop after a few weeks. But when medication creates significant discomfort, some people quit their treatments without consulting a mental health professional – we highly recommend against this.
The majority of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder also suffer from substance abuse, typically to self-medicate. However, increasing drug consumption or alcohol intake while taking mood stabilizers or antidepressants can worsen symptoms.
Your doctor might prescribe a benzodiazepine to prevent these symptoms. Keep in mind that these prescription drugs can also become addictive.
Some people lack a daily routine and often forget to take their prescribed medication. Going on and off bipolar medication can be dangerous and exacerbate side effects.
Ultimately, even people who no longer experience erratic moods and psychosis are better off following their medication protocol. Doing so can reduce the chances of developing cardiovascular disease, increase serotonin levels, and make daily life more productive.
The key to a successful program is experimenting with what works and what doesn’t. It also helps to manage your symptoms correctly, so you can eventually reduce the amount of medication you take. Below are a few self-management strategies that can help you retain a healthy routine.
If you’re frequently missing doses because of a busy schedule, creating daily reminders can help you stay on top of your medication. If you have trouble setting reminders, enlist the help of a friend or family member who can account for your daily schedule.
Make your routine habitual by taking your medication as soon as you get up or right before bedtime. Use a pillbox or similar type of organizer when taking your pills.
Knowing how your medication affects your moods can help you understand how they work and remind you why you need them. Take note of your immediate triggers and how your medicine helps – or doesn’t. The more information you can provide your doctor, the better they can adjust your treatment.
While often necessary, medication isn’t the only method of treating bipolar disorder. Consider enrolling in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you correct unwanted behavior and replacing bad habits with more positive ones. Social rhythm therapy is another remedy you’ll want to consider if you struggle to maintain interpersonal relationships.
Making the appropriate lifestyle changes not only mitigates manic episodes and reduces the chances of experiencing an unwanted side effect – it also improves your quality of life.
For example, a regular meal plan rich in omega-3 fatty acids can enhance your health and mood. Even little things such as using a meditation app or mood tracking technologies to keep up with your progress can help keep you motivated.
You should also develop a healthy routine that works with your schedule and preferences. This might include daily exercise or conversations with a loved one.
No two people experience bipolar disorder in the same way. However, most (if not all) patients can benefit from taking medication. Prescription drugs are essential to recovery. By taking your pills as prescribed and incorporating healthy habits into your routine, you can live a perfectly functional life.
If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, reach out to our experts at Transformations Treatment Center by message, email, or phone. We provide health information and treatment strategies, so that your diagnosis doesn’t hinder your daily activities.
Dr. Amiel is a psychiatrist in Gainesville, FL, and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area… Read More
