I am a female of 29 years. I went through a bad marriage and went into depression after an year of marriage. I hv been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and I am taking Lithosun 300 (3 tablets/day) since 2.5 years. Is there a possibility to reduce dis medicine as it is causing side-effects?

Dr. Vikas KhannaPsychologist17yrs exp

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Dear questioner, my advice will be to taper off the drugs gradually in consultation with your psychiatrist. It will need some doing as withdrawal and physical and psychological dependence on them. I hold the view that drugs (anti-depressants/anti convulsants) are chemicals and most of its exact mechanism still unknown to the experts as well. They are like necessary evils, they will not cure you, but act as palliatives which actually with their hosts of physical and mental adverse effects will worsen esp lithium. Bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component and predisposition to it. My advice would be to enjoy the high or hyperactive state and not try to see it as apart of disease. (only avoidance of physical harm to be seen) and in the low or depression period, not fight the period, trying to get over with it. This struggle intensifies the depression we all have highs and lows, not with the same intensity though and it is due to expectation or an ideal which we are desperate to chase. How should one be. Is the one doing the mischief. Since and till we are chasing happiness, so long we will be unhappy. This is my genuine view which is backed by strong conviction. It is difficult. But think over it. Do what you feel like. Medicines /some medicines or no medicines. But enjoy your highs as much as you can and let your physician always be in the loop if you wish to taper the medicines. Take care. 

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