Mood stabilisers - Why - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

eowyn · 07-31-2007, 05:05 PM

Hi,

Can anybody explain why mood stabilisers should only be taken for 2 - 5 years?

What happens after this time?

Is the person with bipolar cured?

Or is it because they're dangerous and shouldn't be taken longer than this?

Or is there some other reason?

And after this time how likely is it once they come off the mood stabilisers they will have another episode?

4support · 07-31-2007, 05:22 PM

Hi eowyn,

I have never heard of mood stabilizers only being taken for 2-5 yrs. Just curious where you heard this? Many take lithium/other mood stabilizers for life...as bipolar is a lifelong illness and the meds are the key to management and stability. Usually the benefits outweigh the risks of the medications, although it can take awhile to find the right meds.

Best,
4support

tsohl · 07-31-2007, 05:28 PM

AMEN, 4 Support. I've never heard of that either.

eowyn · 07-31-2007, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4support

Hi eowyn,

I have never heard of mood stabilizers only being taken for 2-5 yrs. Just curious where you heard this? Many take lithium/other mood stabilizers for life...as bipolar is a lifelong illness and the meds are the key to management and stability. Usually the benefits outweigh the risks of the medications.

Best,
4support

that's what I couldn't understand.

But I have read it several times, several publications, the doctors treating my friend told her it. And I've read it on the Royal College of Psychiatry website.

4support · 07-31-2007, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eowyn

that's what I couldn't understand.

But I have read it several times, several publications, the doctors treating my friend told her it. And I've read it on the Royal College of Psychiatry website.

Well, here in the U.S. for what it's worth, my husband has had 4 psychiatrists, his family doctor and an excellent therapist who have all advised him to lifelong management with medications. Lithium requires regular blood tests for monitoring, but is safe when taken properly. I'm sure each medication is different, but there are many available, and many more on the horizon. Possibly some are not to be taken more than a few years, but then another one can be used. The thing is...bipolar is not curable...and being unmedicated presents much bigger problems, again benefits outweighing the risks.

It may be helpful for you to read some of the information available on [url]www.****.org[/url].

Regards,
4