Keep taking your bipolar meds!

  A friend of mine just had to up her Zyprexa due to paranoia. She was really trying to make it on a lower dose, but had to face the reality of her psychosis. I am so proud of her for being able to take care of herself.  

 Another friend went off her meds and called me crying on Saturday- she said,  “I was doing so much better! I thought I didn’t need them.” The interesting thing is that she’s a doctor! No matter how educated we are or how smart we are, bipolar disorder can still trick us regarding medications.    

When the meds are working long term , it’s hard to feel them working.  My mind often says, “You’re doing well today Julie. It won’t matter if you just skip a dose. Opening all of those pill bottles is such a bother.”

This is not the voice of reason! The voice of reason reminds me of what life was like before I had my Lamictal- or before my friend had her Zyprexa.  It reminds me that it’s not normal for my doctor friend to cry when she calls me.  

Meds work.  They don’t take away all of my symptoms- but they help. I managed bipolar disorder on my own for may years. This is when I wrote the Health Cards to help myself survive- it’s possible to do, but extremely difficult. When I found a medication that worked, I still had to manage the illness daily – but it’s a lot easier now.

If you’re struggling with your meds, don’t give up. It took me a long time to find the right one for myself, but I’m so glad I kept trying.  I now use the med as part of my overall treatment plan. I’m doing a lot better these days, that’s for sure. 

Julie  

 

Related posts:
Bipolar Disorder Medication Management
I left my meds at home.. not good
Bipolar Disorder Medications: Mood stabilizers Lithium, Depakote, Tegretol, Lamictal