I really don't care that my boyfriend is bipolar. He's a wonderful guy, treats me nicely, and I really have no complaints.

Except one- he's been off of his medicine for 3 WEEKS. :eek:

He explained that the medicine has made him so drowsy and innattentive that he couldn't tolerate it. They've got him on effexor as high as they can go. I havn't noticed anything bizzarre and he says he's doing fine.

However, I am REALLY concerned. I know enough about bipolar to know that this is a huge mistake. What other treatment options are there for him and what other online resources could I get for him?

First of all, how old is he??

he's 30 and I'm 22

So he's a grown-up - and probably his family talking to him won't help either...
Being with someone who is Bipolar & not on meds is like staying with an alcoholic who still drinks, or a drug addict who still uses chemicals.
The very best thing you could do would be to first explain that you will be there for him while he is working on adjusting his meds. But, if he is refusing meds - flat out saying he will not take them - you would be best to lovingly tell him that you cannot be with him unless he is doing everything he can for his chemical imbalance.
It's hard enough to live with Bipolar Disorder when someone is trying to work at at.

But, having you dealing with the mood swings that are sure to happen at some point in the future if he remains unmedicated is NOT helpful to him OR you. Having him on meds is the only thing that will help.
Would he do that for you?
It might help get him back on meds if he thought he had to.

Thank you so much. I've never dealt with anybody with bipolar disorder, so I really don't have a clue as to what i'm doing.

Find a different psychiatrist perhaps somebody board certified. It would help to talk with the psychiatrist but if he doesn't lower or change the medication mayeb there is problem. (This is not meant to be medical advice. Just an opinion). good luck.

You are wonderful for sticking by your boyfriend. When my (now ex) girlfriend discovered I was bi-polar, she dumped me because she said she couldn't handle it. And I treated her like gold.