Anyone treating without meds

[branflakes]

Hi Everyone!

I am new here and was just diagnosed and wondering if anyone has had success dealing with this without meds? Also...does anyone recommend getting a second opinion before starting meds?

Thanks!

 

[sneet58]

I am on meds and have been for many years. I cannot go without them, but that is my particular case. I never think that a second opinion is a bad thing especially when dealing with this diagnosis.

I'll be praying for you.
Sneet (Ronda)

 

[soundsalive]

[FONT=&quot]Depends on your diagnosis/symptoms, everyone has a different case of bp. I myself am not on meds, but I will be in the near future. I suggest you learn as much as you can about the disorder. Most of us here with bp have self-proclaimed 'minors' in bp/mental health.
[/FONT]

 

[Alive again]

I know of one or two individuals who are able to manage without meds or herbals etc, but that is EXTREMELY rare imho. I have used and still use a combo of meds and herbal/supplemental type things, but my pdoc is aware of all I take and why and is very proactive in looking for interactions, and suggesting options for me to consider.

 

[berry2000]

Without meds? I wish.

 

[branflakes]

Thanks for the reponse everyone. I am glad I found the forum, it is so confusing and scary when you first find out. Have a Blessed Week!

 

[angelkiss]

Hi!Welcome to CF!!
I have had meds for many years, but have tried to go without them. Only problem I had.............It landed me in the psych ward of the hospital. I was there 8 times, but 6 of the 8 were due to going off meds.
I have a cousin, who was off meds for about a year.......I just found out yesterday that she had to go to the hospital due to a major set-back. Some people cope without them, but it's VERY rare.
If you are placed on meds, I do give this warning: Do not stop taking them cold turkey. And, always talk to the doc afore ya quit. If you find the meds are not working, then you may need an adjustment, or you may need something different. In either case, don't take it upon yourself to just give up and stop them. The outcome could possibly be worse than when ya first started.
Glad to have you with us!!
s and es!!

 

[Alive again]

Hi!Welcome to CF!!
I have had meds for many years, but have tried to go without them. Only problem I had.............It landed me in the psych ward of the hospital. I was there 8 times, but 6 of the 8 were due to going off meds.
I have a cousin, who was off meds for about a year.......I just found out yesterday that she had to go to the hospital due to a major set-back. Some people cope without them, but it's VERY rare.
If you are placed on meds, I do give this warning: Do not stop taking them cold turkey. And, always talk to the doc afore ya quit. If you find the meds are not working, then you may need an adjustment, or you may need something different. In either case, don't take it upon yourself to just give up and stop them. The outcome could possibly be worse than when ya first started.
Glad to have you with us!!
s and es!!

Wiser advice I have never heard!!!

 

[soundsalive]

Thanks for the reponse everyone. I am glad I found the forum, it is so confusing and scary when you first find out. Have a Blessed Week!

I can imagine, I beat my self up for months over my diagnosis.

 

[youthwalk]

As the others have stated, it does depend on your symptoms and diagnosis.

I was on Lithium for about 2 years. I'm not anymore and I've managed really well without them. For me, I had to train myself into coping differently with mood swings. My pdoc and I decided to go without meds, Paxil was the first to get cut out followed by Lithium.

I tried Topamax for a week last month to take the edge off, and it didn't have too much of an effect as it is very mild.

Not being on meds worked for me. When I was on Paxil and Lithium that worked very well too. but eventually the Lithium seemed to stop working and it made me more irritable and listless than level as it was doing before. The combo of Paxil and Lithium became unnecessary for me after a while.