Why Taking Your Medication is So Vital When You Have Bipolar Disorder

Medication for Bipolar Disorder is essential in thriving with Bipolar Disorder. I know many of you are afraid of the side effects, and those are valid concerns. Our medications do have some side effects, but you can work with your doctor to minimize the dose or take another medication that will not trouble you as much. You may say things to yourself like "Why bother?", "It's not worth the hassle!", "I'm losing myself because of this medication!", "I'm no longer creative!", "It makes me tired!", or any number of other things that make you question the need for your medication.

However, taking your medication is the hub of good health for those of us with bipolar disorder. When you have the right medication at the right dose, you will have "normal" ups-n-downs based on life events, not brain chemicals gone awry. You will also have minimal or no side effects. Achieving this nirvana as it were takes time and is a process. It's not a quick overnight success, but with diligence, a doctor that cares about your mental health, and will listen to you, you can achieve it.

You may be asking what is this process, and how long will it take. For me, it took a long time, nearly 3 years to get it just right, but I was feeling better after a few months. Typically, your doctor will prescribe medication that in his/her experience has been the most helpful to the largest number of his/her patients. Some medications require titration up, which simply means taking a little more of the medication every few days or even a few weeks. This helps your body get used to the medication. After 3 - 4 weeks, your doctor will want a progress report from you. You will need to tell the doctor if you are feeling better or worse, what side effects if any that you are having, and what symptoms you still have. Based on that information the doctor will 1) make changes in the dosage, 2) add a medication, 3) take you off the medication, and put you on another one (usually if you are having intolerable side effects), or 4) leave everything the way it is if you are doing well. If you find your self having terrible side effects call your doctor right away and get their advice on stopping the medication abruptly or slowly. Sometimes with psych meds, you must come off of them slowly to avoid even worse side effects.

Coming full circle, medication is vital to our success. In order to thrive, you must be stable, and to be stable, you must be taking medication that keeps you that way with minimal side effects. Keep working with your doctor until you get to that perfect balance. If your doctor is not willing to work with you, find a new doctor. You are the "customer", and they should be working to help you. This means listening to your symptoms and side effects, and making the necessary changes to your medication to get it just right for you. Do not give up on this! The benefits of achieving this state will pay you dividends for the rest of your life.

I hope you gained some useful insights, and for more information visit me at www.thrivingwithbipolardisorder.com

You can follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/thrivingbipolar

I wish you the best in all your pursuits.

Author: Cassandra L. Good