Psychiatrist Questions Bipolar Disorder

What happens when you skip bipolar medications?

I was diagnosed with bipolar three years ago, and I have been taking medications as directed. I have experienced some side effects, but nothing too severe. But, I'm just curious, what would happen if I forget to take my medications?

3 Answers

PsychiatristBipolarDisorder
IF you are having side effects, you should discuss this with your doctor, as the meidcation can be adjusted to eliminate the side effects. Usually, there is not a serious side effect if you forget to take your medication one time but if this is done on a consistent basis, your original symptoms would be expected to return. Abruptly stopping certain types of medication can bring about serious withdrawal symptoms
Depression if type 1 mania, type 2 hypomania.
If you don’t take your medicine every day, you may have emerging symptoms of depression or mania and put yourself at risk of recurrence of depression or manic episode.