How can I deal with bipolar without medication?

Question

I used to take medication but it made me fat so I stopped taking it and lost weight. I've been ok for several years but now I am feeling depressed a lot again. How can I deal with it without medication?

Answer 1

you cant usually do it well without medication, as it is a disease that needs medication. however, if u were on depakote and gained weight, talk to the doctor about adding topamax which helps weight go down. i am not a doctor but i do take medication for bipolar disorder. write to me if u need any clarification. i take depakote-er and effexor-xr and i hve been considering adding topamax which was a suggestion made to me.

Answer 2

I don't believe so. With many illnesses, you can stop taking medication once you feel better. Bipolar disorder is different. It's a lifelong medical illness, like diabetes, so long-term medication is absolutely necessary.
It's very common for people with bipolar disorder to decide to stop taking their medication. Some people find that they miss their manic highs, or they're curious to see if they can go without the drugs for a while. Others may worry about side effects, or the ongoing cost of the drugs. But the fact is, medication is the best possible protection against relapse.

Answer 3

The only advice I can give you is to go to God with it, and get counseling. I'm also bipolar, and have been off any medication for about six months, but I'm getting ready to try something new because I am pretty manic and have a bad temper when I'm not on meds. I also know that it can take a while before you find the right balance of medication. Good luck :)

Answer 4

Unfotunately there really is no alternative for medication. Nothing strong enough to tackle the depression anyway. All I can say is that there are many brands of anti-depressants, I would recommed you talk to your doctor about the fact you put on lots of weight with one, because I'm sure there are others that specialise in assisting weight control.

Answer 5

Bipolar Disorder is a chemical imbalance in your brain and there's not much you can do without medication for it. Most doctors suggest medication AND therapy. I saw a holistic psychiatrist for years and she always told me to take folic acid, fish oil (omega-3), and I would also get B12 shots.

Answer 6

Consult a holostic medicine doctor. There are natural, herbal ways to overcome chemical inbalances without loading your body up with Rx drugs. neither are they miracle cures, nor do they work without your effort to cleanse certain systems of your body (as in your digestive track), but you CAN overcome bipolar disease without Rx drugs.
ALSO-EAT natural and organic food for good energy and WALK outside in the fresh air and/or the sun. It rejuvenates your body and flushes out toxins from your system.
ALWAYS DRINK WATER-
Know that you are a beautiful, strong person and teach yourself how to help your body cure itself. That may sound crazy and far-fetched, but try reading some info- it may change your life!

Answer 7

Three things, and this from family experience.
Fish oil, four capsules a day.
Exercise- walk at least half and hour a day.
Try to get at least half an hour of direct sunlight a day.
I am not a doctor but a biochemist. Lots of recent research supports these three things.
What have u got to loose? Give it a try.

Answer 8

You might seek help from a Naturopath. Call 206-323-7610 to locate one. Or, write the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, PO Box 20386, Seattle, WA, 98102. I don't think you should try to deal with this on your own.

Answer 9

It might be hard to do without medication. talk to your doctor, maybe he can lower the amount of mg.

Answer 10

There is some useful advice here.