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Supporting medication reduction
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3 weeks ago
My daughter was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and commenced on medication 8 years ago. She completed a qualification and has been working, albeit with ups and downs, and periods of unemployment, but no hospital admissions. Recently she visited her GP and now tells me that she is planning on reducing her medication - she said the GP said it wasn't meant for working people, when she complained about the side effects and that the doctor is supportive of her coming off the mediction gradually. She feels she will manage work better without the medication side effects. She lives with me and has no close friends or other supports. I'm anxious about this going wrong and I know nothing about possible withdrawal from the medication or signs of it. My memories of past visits to A& E departments are not pleasant ones. As she has been relatively stable for so long she hasn't seen a psychiatrist in years. I'm trying to be supportive and positive as that is what has worked best in the past, but I'm worried. She hasn't actually started reducing the dose yet, but plans to in the next week. I'm thinking I should try and get her to make some kind of agreed plan I can act on in need, but I'm not sure how to approach it, without sounding overly negative about it. I thought about visiting the GP myself, but that seems an invasion of her privacy - she is well over 18 years old and needs to be independent too. If anyone can share information on how they supported someone to reduce a long term treatment, I'd really appreciate it.
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3 weeks ago
Moth ,
thanks for being a supportive mum. I have been on same medication for over 30 years I went off it for a few weeks over 18 years ago
I had a good friend I confided in who eventually took me to a dr as I didn’t have my own dr as I had recently moved to the town. I also trusted my partner to tell me if I needed help.
Can she reduce her medication slowly.
Trust her and be honest and explain what you would like her to do.
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3 weeks ago
Thank you. That is helpful to know. Yes she has said she would reduce her dose very slowly.
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3 weeks ago
Moth
feel free to post here and lest us know how your daughter is doing. She is lucky to have you as a mum. Feel free to ask me any questions..