Hi, how’s it going? Hope you are doing well.

I just got my oil changed in my car. Now, I don’t know much about cars, but from what I understand, the oil is very important. It apparently flushes the car’s system. I know that you aren’t supposed to wait until the car is out of oil to change it. It is an issue of maintenance.

The same thing can be said about bipolar medicines. You shouldn’t wait until you are in the middle of an episode to take them. They are also meant to be a preventative medicine. This means that it may be able to keep relapses from happening in the first place. So they should be taken even when you are stable.

I know that many people don’t like the idea of having to take a medication for the rest of their lives. But it’s better than the idea of having to deal with all the pieces of a bipolar episode for the rest of your life. It’s better than dealing with the instability that comes with untreated bipolar disorder. And it’s better than losing everything you have and want because your bipolar episode allowed you to burn bridges.

Just think of it this way: Someone who has insulin-dependant diabetes will have to take insulin for the rest of their lives in order to stay healthy. Someone who has high blood pressure may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of their lives. Someone who has chronic seizures may have to take anti-seizure medication for the rest of their lives. It’s the same sort of thing.

Bipolar disorder is a medical problem that happens to affect the mind more than the body. And, since it is a medical problem, it needs to be treated in a medical way. There are no surgeries that can be performed to cure bipolar. There isn’t a cream you can rub on your forehead that will take it all away. There isn’t even a miracle-cure pill that you can take one time and it will cure you.

But there is such a thing as preventative medicine. Unfortunately, at this point in time we cannot cure bipolar disorder. But we can prevent it from taking over a person’s life. Isn’t that great news? But it can only be great news if you take your medicine that was prescribed to you and follow the rest of your treatment plan.

Now, if your medicine is wrong or if you are having problems with it, then you need to talk to your psychiatrist. If there is a serious problem then they can usually see you on an emergency basis, especially if it is during business hours.

Find out ahead of time what your psychiatrist’s policy is on emergency visits. It is always better to know ahead of time so you can be prepared. Also, keep in mind that some minor side effects are normal and usually go away within a short time after starting the medication. If you have any major side effects, then you should talk to your psychiatrist immediately.

They will know whether your medications need to be changed or altered. Also, if your medications need to be changed, then they will know whether you need to be weaned off of your current medication gradually, or if you can stop it all at once. Make sure you follow all of their instructions when it comes to this.

When you and your psychiatrist have worked together and found the mediation that is right for you, then it is important that you take it exactly as prescribed, without missing a dose. Also, know ahead of time what to do if you should miss a dose. Usually you either need to wait until the next dose is due or take it in between doses. Your pharmacist or psychiatrist will be able to help you determine that. It should also be on the pamphlet that came with your medications.

Taking the right medications regularly as prescribed can help prevent relapses and keep you stable. It is well worth the effort it takes to take them, even if it is for the rest of your life. Stability makes it worth it.

What are your thoughts on this?

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave