Posted by Ritch on August 9, 2002, at 11:14:38
In reply to bipolar cycling, posted by minisnow on August 9, 2002, at 8:15:59
> I had my first acute manic episode at the age of 38. That was last year. I am now taking Zoloft, Trileptal, and Omega 3. I have read numerous books on bipolar disorder and I am trying to figure out when it would be safe for me to go off mood stabilizers and how to determine when I could have another episode. I would like to think that I might never have another episode. At this time I am doing very well, not depressed and satisfied with medicine though I have gained thirty pounds, due to Depakote I guess. I embrace life after two suicide attempts during the depression phase. I have a wonderful family, many ambitions, and financial security. In other words, I was able to recover everything after seeing so many people in the hospital who lose it all. I am grateful for good health but I do fear another episode.
Minisnow,It is recommended to maintain some level of antimanic medication indefinitely (that is if your diagnosis is for real and undisputed). If you are having some tolerance problems with the Trileptal (ie.-high dosage), you might ask your pdoc about a dose reduction. There are some folks that seem to become manic only in the presence of antidepressants, and may do OK if they just avoid antidepressants (of course if they feel well). There are some others that go long stretches of time (several years) between manic episodes and stop and start their antimanic medication. That is a controversial topic. What does your pdoc think about it?
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:115792
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020807/msgs/115809.html