First of all, what is the difference between those two? Are they one and the same?
Secondly, let my try to lay down my situation as calmly as possible (even if right now I’m in the midst of a potential panic attack that I am suppressing)... To go straight to the point, I stopped taking my meds for almost 4 weeks already. I am a female, 25 years of age. I have bipolar disorder type 2. My most recent medications which I stopped altogether (and to be honest quite abruptly) are the following: Lithium carbonate, Aripiprazole, and Fluoxetine. I am not fully aware of the consequences but I did do my own research at potential withdrawal effects of stopping psych meds such as these. Like having relapses of mania, dips of depression, nightmares, tightness of chest, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, irritability, etc. One condition that I noticed I get whenever I try to suddenly stop taking my meds is an itchiness all over my body that shifts from area to area of my body. I am itching so bad as of this moment but am avoiding scratching too much so as not to get wounds. I do not get hives from my current itchiness. My last two though had hives and red patches, but I think it was because I over scratched at those times and that I know better now. Has anyone ever experienced this? If you have, what reliefs have you done (and please don’t say taking your medications again)?
More info and background about me: I honestly don’t trust my psychiatrist lately. She is nice, but why is it that what she says medically is different from what my endocrinologist says would put me in a better mood and such. It is very frustrating. This is one reason why I decided to stop my psych meds without consulting her. Also, personally, the fact that I am dependent on these medications to make me feel better or “back to normal” makes me feel terrible about myself and even depressed and anxious at times, hence, I’ve been trying to stop. And this is my longest streak so far.
Now, hear me out further before you judge me as closed-minded or whatever... I am open-minded about this and what you guys have to say. This is why I’m laying this down in public at this forum... because honestly... I am seeking for help somehow... which you should understand, is a very difficult thing for someone like me... and I would rather get help from people who understand me at a level such as yours since we have the same disorder and such.
Disclaimer: I don’t advice people with bipolar disorder to just abruptly stop their meds on their own like I did, coz I tell you... It will feel somewhat fulfilling at the start coz of the initial mania you get at the start of quitting, but then there’s this sudden dip and dive into depression and anxiety, and if you don’t have the support group or will power to choose to live and fight the good fight, then this could be a very hazardous act against your health and a painful scene for your loved ones.
Secondly, let my try to lay down my situation as calmly as possible (even if right now I’m in the midst of a potential panic attack that I am suppressing)... To go straight to the point, I stopped taking my meds for almost 4 weeks already. I am a female, 25 years of age. I have bipolar disorder type 2. My most recent medications which I stopped altogether (and to be honest quite abruptly) are the following: Lithium carbonate, Aripiprazole, and Fluoxetine. I am not fully aware of the consequences but I did do my own research at potential withdrawal effects of stopping psych meds such as these. Like having relapses of mania, dips of depression, nightmares, tightness of chest, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, irritability, etc. One condition that I noticed I get whenever I try to suddenly stop taking my meds is an itchiness all over my body that shifts from area to area of my body. I am itching so bad as of this moment but am avoiding scratching too much so as not to get wounds. I do not get hives from my current itchiness. My last two though had hives and red patches, but I think it was because I over scratched at those times and that I know better now. Has anyone ever experienced this? If you have, what reliefs have you done (and please don’t say taking your medications again)?
More info and background about me: I honestly don’t trust my psychiatrist lately. She is nice, but why is it that what she says medically is different from what my endocrinologist says would put me in a better mood and such. It is very frustrating. This is one reason why I decided to stop my psych meds without consulting her. Also, personally, the fact that I am dependent on these medications to make me feel better or “back to normal” makes me feel terrible about myself and even depressed and anxious at times, hence, I’ve been trying to stop. And this is my longest streak so far.
Now, hear me out further before you judge me as closed-minded or whatever... I am open-minded about this and what you guys have to say. This is why I’m laying this down in public at this forum... because honestly... I am seeking for help somehow... which you should understand, is a very difficult thing for someone like me... and I would rather get help from people who understand me at a level such as yours since we have the same disorder and such.
Disclaimer: I don’t advice people with bipolar disorder to just abruptly stop their meds on their own like I did, coz I tell you... It will feel somewhat fulfilling at the start coz of the initial mania you get at the start of quitting, but then there’s this sudden dip and dive into depression and anxiety, and if you don’t have the support group or will power to choose to live and fight the good fight, then this could be a very hazardous act against your health and a painful scene for your loved ones.
to the forum.
