What may happen when I stop taking Zyprexa & Wellbutrin for bipolar 2?

Question

I plan to slowly decrease and eventually stop these medications.

I see my doctors in 14 days, and I'll take pills every other day until then, just to test the waters.

For what it's worth, I was on a very heavy amount of Depakote for many years.
My doctor took me off, and there was no change whatsoever...

I was diagnosed with schizo-effective, OCD, and bipolar 2.

Answer 1

You have the classic symptoms if can be called that of most ones with your diagnosis.....they think, hey I am ok so why take my medicine. Well, you are ok because you ARE on your medicine, why take the risk by getting off of them? Its an illness like diabetes, heart disease, etc......you need life long treatment.

Answer 2

I would suggest a second opinion on your diagnosis. I wonder who gave you your diagnosis?

Depakote is an anticonvulsant which has helped people with bipolar illness but has been superseded by Lamictal, now the treatment of choice particularly with bipolar 2. If the diagnosis is bipolar 2 then mania is largely ruled out. Zyprexa treats mania. I also question the use of Wellbutrin, although a useful antidepressant with fewer side effects than others in some areas but a relatively weak inhibitor of the reuptake of serotonin and epinephrine in the mood centers of the brain. How is the OCD being treated?

Are you being medicated by a psychiatrist or by a general medical practitioner, such as a family doctor or primary care physician?

I want to make myself perfectly clear to you. Without doing a complete face to face workup I cannot make any definitive statements about your treatment. I am only raising some questions for you to ask.

Answer 3

when did your symptons start? If before puberty, then it definitely wouldn't be any type of Schitzo.

Also demand that all other disorders are completely ruled out before accepting the schitzoid diagnosis.

And check with the lawsuits against the makers of both drugs, Zyprexa is known to cause problems with the pancreas, one of the nodes of which, the Islets of Langherhans, produces insulin.
Long term use of will cause diabetes.

Consult a second doctor. You have the right to do that, and your insurance has an obligation to pay for it.

Especially in the really subjective nonScience of psychiatry.

Since the results of compliant acceptance of whatever treatment is prescribed can have really tragic results, you have the obligation to yourself and your family AND even to other patients. to make as many choices as possible for yourself, learn as much as possible about not only the disorder with which you were diagnosed, but also all other disorders which have similar symptons.

Answer 4

I hope that your plan to decrease and stop taking your medication is under your doctors advice not your own. By what you say is the diagnoses I would say you probably need to continue your medication. If you are stopping your medication on your own i would suggest you speak to your doctor about your plans before you do something so drastic because you will have episodes from stopping. I wouldn't want you to do something and land yourself in an institution just because you didn't feel like taking your medication anymore. Talk to your doctor, that is most important.

Answer 5

when you fully stop, you will have the a real opportunity to deal with reality, remember that some people are cruel and unsympathetic, try to focus on the simple things of life which will make you happy. Start a simple hobby if you can. Good luck with your life.

I know I don't have the best answer, but this could help you up the road. Stay positive.

Answer 6

Stick with the full medication unless your doctor says you can get off. Why would you want to quit taking them? You will go right back to where you were. If it makes you feel better, take it!

Answer 7

Nothing at all if you begin a comprehensive program that includes a good diet, exercise, supplements like omega 3 (fish oil) and 5-HTP (a precursor to seratonin), along with daily practice of properly applied cognitive therapy.

Answer 8

I have ocb and I take wellbuterin, my Dr. suggests that when I am ready to come off it, to decrease the dose, not to jump right off. He also suggests some counciling.