My name is Kathy. I have been diagnosed with bipolar since 2002. I feel I have had it all of my life of 51 years. It is on both sides of my family, mother and father. I do believe that if I had not become extremely ill with a kidney disorder; I would of never been diagnosed with bipolar. I had been in and out of state and Va facilities from 2001 till March 2003. Then, one day I went in a state funded facility. Because of my suicide intentions of not wanting to live, but not actually doing anything drastic; I was given an extra medication with my prescribed Dapakote, prozac. It was Wellbutrin. That did it. I came out of the confusion, and have not stopped taking any of it. I do contribute a lot of my freedom to an answer of prayer. That God just was not finished with me yet. So, that brings me to the question above, can I feel I can come off my Dapakote? By the way; I have 7 brothers and sisters, and they all have experienced something of several disorders. My mother at the moment has been diagnosed with Alheimer's, which I take care of. Sincerely, Kathy Jones Dublin, Ga.
Q: Can a person diagnosed with bipolar; eventually stop taking their meds?
Hi, Kathy. I'm not a clinician and don't have an MD. But stay on the Depakote for now.
Reason: An antidepressant such as Wellbutrin carries a strong risk of flipping you into mania or speeding up your cycling if you are not on a concurrent mood stabilizer such as Depakote.
What may be happening with the Wellbutrin is this: The med has some effect in increasing dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is vital to cognition and awareness, which may explain why you felt your head clear up. Too much dopamine (say from various street drugs) can crank you up too high and cause no end of problems. Not enough dopamine (say from taking an antipsychotic med that blocks dopamine) on the other hand may make you feel fuzzy and lethargic and unmotivated.
In other words, your Wellbutrin is working just right for you, but only because your Depakote is stabilizing your cycle.
Since I'm not a doctor, please discuss this with your doctor.
I can only recomend really informative book called( WHY YOUR DRUG MAY BE YOUR PROBLEM) I do not remember the author however you can locate this book at barns&nobles. I have read this book and I do not use this drug I do have someone who I love deeply who takes this and xanax and is in the detox process. Please read this book it will be helpful and will give you a battary of info on all perscribed meds and things you may not otherwise have been educated on.
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
