Question from a reader:
I have had bipolar disorder since my late teens. I have been on lithium for a year and a half now. Tried a host of other drugs before that to no avail. But now I am stable and functioning well. Do you think it could come back if I stick with treatment?
For bipolar to "come back" it has to go away first. One big thing to dealling with bipolar is realizing and accepting that you have it, it has not gone away, and never will. Thinking in the mindset of it going away is why so many people end up going off their meds eventually, even when they are keeping them stable.
Is it possible for the mood swings to come back. Yes. Could be triggered by something. I know i have triggered a severe mania from stress, after having been stable. Also, your body can addapt to the meds and meds can become less effective. You have to continue to keep an eye on your moods, and spot when they start to get off again. SOmetimes changing dose is enough. Sometimes changing meds again is needed. Our body chemistry just changes over time….just how it is.
Medication can help a lot, but it doesn't really fix anything. You can still have tolerable mood swings while medicated. Worse yet, your meds can start to lose effectiveness. Enjoy your stable time, but at the same time be aware of how you're feeling. The really big mood changes can sometimes take you by surprise. You may benefit from keeping a mood chart, so you know when you start going wonky again.
I'm not trying to be negative, but I've been through it. I was happy on meds, but moving out triggered a serious episode that ultimately landed me in the hospital.
It doesn't go away, it's merely managed. I was managed before I had a manic episode, it happens to everybody. On your next visit, you should ask your doctor to explain it to you better.
I have NEVER heard of real mood stabilizers losing their effect. The change is in the person, not their tolerance for medication.
That's a really good question. I know a couple of people who also have this disorder so I completely understand where you're coming from. I would hope that as long as you stay on your medicine that your disorder will be kept under control. But anything is possible… sometimes the body can get to a point where it will tolerate a medicine and become immune to what it's for. For example, people who suffer from depression can take a medication like Lexapro and it may work well for a while but then will eventually lose its effect. If you're afraid of this happening then talk to your doctor and have a plan ready in case you ever reach that point.
If your medication levels drop below the norm you can get a little off. My daughter is also on lithium before that she was a mess. Keep taking your meds and keep your levels up you will do well. The disorder its self will always be there.
it can comeback if your meds are no longer working but it really depends. some people have a major form of bi polar whereas others have just a minor form of it. if you are feeling ok, don't worry about it….enjoy life
I'm 17 and I've taken lithium for a year. It didn't do shit, and I'm still on effexor and I'm just as fucked up as I was when I was slashing my wrists in every direction and telling my mother I wanted to slit her throat.
Good luck with that bipolar disorder.
What does your psychiatrist think? Treating bipolar is a real balancing act. I know, my son has it.
He's tried so many medications. He's finally on risperdal and it's working so far.
I'd hate to think that would change.
Maybe when he goes through puberty.
I'd think hormones could effect that or more stress in your life.