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Bipolar

Posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 03, 2009 at 11:51:22:

Dr. Stoll,

I was diagnosed bi-polar at 40 years of age and have been taking Lithium Carbonate and Celexa. Most of my adult life I've taken antidepressants. My mom is the same way with her moods. I had temper tantrums when I was young and would have big mood swings as an adult costing me a couple of jobs. At times my meds would have to be adjusted because I would be angry, throw things and I could not control it. After my meds were tweaked, I got back to normal. Once, I went to my psychiatrist's office in one of my moods and she changed my diagnosis to bipolar 1 instead of bipolar 2 as it had been previously diagnosed. Periodically, I here that people say there is no such thing as bipolar.

1. Does it exist and could I have it?
2. Are there natural remedies?
3. Please give details of what you think and believe and what I can do.
4. My insurance is over $700 per month because of this preexisting condition. Can it be reversed on my records if it's an incorrect diagnosis?

Thanks in advance for your help,
Teresa

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by James [2174.8095] on September 03, 2009 at 12:10:44:

In Reply to: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 03, 2009 at 11:51:22:

Please read my other post to you on this topic. Anger can be part of bipolar but in most cases it is not. It can also be an Anger disorder, more properly known as Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) a psychological condition characterized by sporadic episodes of aggression, violence, and destructive behavior.

Psychiatrists like to place a diagnostic code on a person so they can feel "comfortable" in the medication they prescribe. People are not that simple.

Most people with the condition you describe are simply angry - anger arouses the nervous system and provokes more irritability. Most patients are angry for very good reasons - while the reasons may be decades old they learned to use their anger and moods to change their environment.

The fact that your mother was moody raised the set point of your nervous system (unpredictable environments actually cause neurological damage to children). I would also suspect there are many other childhood and adult life issues - even if you are unable to see them.

Unless you have a major (proven) psychiatric condition all these drugs you take just upset the nervous system further and keep you from feeling the source of the anger so you can change and heal.

Bipolar is absolutely real but the incidence of a true BP disorder is some what rare...but terribly overdiagnosed.....

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Charles [448.2996] on September 03, 2009 at 15:01:09:

In Reply to: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 03, 2009 at 11:51:22:

First off Teresa, you can learn to control your temper. My youngest son used to get so mad he would but the floor, that all changed one day when he butted a concrete floor. He quit butting the floor but he wanted everything to be perfect and life just isn't that way. I am glad to say he has gotten much better through the years. He always was a good kid, no trouble in school or with alcohol or drugs, he just couldn't control his emotions.

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 03, 2009 at 15:05:18:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by James [2174.8095] on September 03, 2009 at 12:10:44:

Dr. Stoll,

1. I'm new to this site and am not sure when I get others advice if they are right or not.
2. Should I ween myself off of my meds under my doctor's supervision?

Thanks,
Teresa

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by James [2174.8095] on September 03, 2009 at 15:34:15:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 03, 2009 at 15:05:18:

I am medical psychologist and while I can make suggestions I would never diagnose a person from a post. This is why I suggested a second or third opinion. I would strongly suggest you see a PhD psychologist instead of a psychiatrist for an opinion - MD's tend to be very RX driven.

Some of the drugs you are on can have significant withdrawals (these are not a return to your condition) I would not only suggest you work with a doctor but join the Yahoo and other groups that support people coming off these drugs - in many cases they know more than the physicians.

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Charles [448.2996] on September 03, 2009 at 16:14:27:

In Reply to: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 03, 2009 at 11:51:22:

Teresa

Chemicals with 'Antidepressant' activities.

5-HYDROXYTRYPTAMINE
5-HYDROXYTRYPTOPHAN
ALLOPURINOL
ASCORBIC-ACID
BETA-AMYRIN-PALMITATE
CAFFEIC-ACID
CALCIUM
ELEMICIN
FOLACIN
FOLIC-ACID
GLAZIOVINE
GLUTAMINE
HYPERICIN
IBOGAINE
ISOLIQUIRITIGENIN
LIQUIRITIGENIN
LITHIUM
MAGNESIUM
MELATONIN
MYRISTICIN
PHENYLALANINE
PHENYLETHYLAMINE
POTASSIUM
PROSTALIDIN-A
PROSTALIDIN-B
PROSTALIDIN-C
PSORALEN
PYRIDOXINE
QUERCETIN
ROSMARINIC-ACID
SELENIUM
SEROTONIN
TRYPTOPHAN
XANTHONES
YOHIMBINE

Carrots Antidepressant 1-3 g/3x/day/orl/man 2,000 mg/day 200 ug/day 50-4,000 mg/day/man IC50=15-62 uM ihl

Corn Antidepressant 1-3 g/3x/day/orl/man 2,000 mg/day 200 ug/day 40-50 mg day 50-4,000 mg/day/man

Apples Antidepressant 1-3 g/3x/day/orl/man 2,000 mg/day 200 ug/day 50-4,000 mg/day/man

Onion Antidepressant 1-3 g/3x/day/orl/man 2,000 mg/day 200 ug/day 50-4,000 mg/day/man

Daucus carota [ 15 chemical(s) - View ]
Zea mays [ 14 chemical(s) - View ]
Malus domestica [ 13 chemical(s) - View ]
Petroselinum crispum [ 13 chemical(s) - View ]
Solanum tuberosum [ 13 chemical(s) - View ]
Allium cepa [ 12 chemical(s) - View ]
Apium graveolens [ 12 chemical(s) - View ]
Avena sativa [ 12 chemical(s) - View ]
Brassica oleracea var. capitata l. var. capitata [ 12 chemical(s) - View ]
Citrus sinensis [ 12 chemical(s) - View ]
Glycine max [ 12 chemical(s) - View ]
Juglans regia [ 12 chemical(s) - View ]
Lycopersicon esculentum [ 12 chemical(s) - View ]
Medicago sativa subsp. sativa [ 12 chemical(s) - View ]
Persea americana [ 12 chemical(s) - View ]
Anethum graveolens [ 11 chemical(s) - View ]
Beta vulgaris subsp. subsp. vulgaris [ 11 chemical(s) - View ]
Cichorium endivia [ 11 chemical(s) - View ]
Foeniculum vulgare [ 11 chemical(s) - View ]
Hordeum vulgare [ 11 chemical(s) - View ]
Juglans nigra [ 11 chemical(s) - View ]
Lactuca sativa [ 11 chemical(s) - View ]
Musa x paradisiaca [ 11 chemical(s) - View ]
Pisum sativum [ 11 chemical(s) - View ]
Prunus domestica

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Walt Stoll [93.7902] on September 03, 2009 at 16:58:43:

In Reply to: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 03, 2009 at 11:51:22:

Teresa,

Why do you not at least try the 3LS for a year or so and let us know how you do???

Walt

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Walt Stoll [93.7902] on September 03, 2009 at 17:06:24:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 03, 2009 at 15:05:18:

Teresa,

Listen to James. However, I would recommend you build yourself a foundation first (the 3LS) and then consider tapering off your drugs under medical supervision. It is impossible to do that from here.

Walt

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Attn: Charles Re: Bipolar

Posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 03, 2009 at 20:37:16:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Charles [448.2996] on September 03, 2009 at 16:14:27:

Charles,

What does all that info mean?

Thanks,
Teresa

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Re: Attn: Charles Re: Bipolar

Posted by Charles [448.2996] on September 03, 2009 at 20:46:40:

In Reply to: Attn: Charles Re: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 03, 2009 at 20:37:16:

You said you had taken antidepressants most of your adult life, those are the chemicals that has antidepressant activity. the list of plants below are the plants that have the most chemicals that have antidepressant activity.

Carrots and corn have the same amount of activity and onions and apples have the same amount. I don't know if you ever eat corn raw or not but you get more of the activity when you eat the vegetables raw.

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Savannah [7343.7886] on September 03, 2009 at 21:00:52:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 03, 2009 at 15:05:18:

Hi Teresa,

I was diagnosed as bipolar II several years ago, and was on several medications. The medications did nothing to help my condition. They just made me a walking zombie. I was fortunate enough to find a holistic doctor who helped me get better without drugs. I started seeing him in 2006. It took about a year and a half to get completely off of the drugs, and now I feel great! His philosophy is pretty much the same as Dr. Stoll's. It is possible to be mentally healthy without any medications. I feel better now than I have ever felt in my life. Keep seeing your doctor to help you get off of the medication slowly, but don't be surprised if you don't have the doctors support. My psychiatrist told me that she had never seen anyone with my complex medical history come off of the medications with any success. Well I sure proved her wrong!! It was difficult, but well worth the effort. Follow a PWFD, exercise, and start some kind of SR. You can do it, and you will get lots of support from people on this board. Good Luck.

Savannah


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Re: Bipolar

Posted by James [2174.8095] on September 04, 2009 at 07:05:38:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Savannah [7343.7886] on September 03, 2009 at 21:00:52:

The first day of my psychopharmacology class the professor wrote in huge letters on the blackboard: There are no medications that cure mental or psychological problems.

Many of the constructs we have assumed are immensely wrong and many of the psychiatric drugs do far more harm than good. In addition to my years working with anxiety patients I have spent the last 18 working with patients to get off psychiatric drugs (unless they had major mental illness and then some of them also).

I once worked with a doctor who's occupation was to get people out of psychiatric and state hospitals that were there because of the drugs they were on. You would be amazed at how many were incarcerated that became functional when they were not chemically lobotomized.

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Re: Bipolar -- TESTIMONIAL

Posted by Walt Stoll [93.7902] on September 04, 2009 at 07:10:54:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Savannah [7343.7886] on September 03, 2009 at 21:00:52:

Thanks, Savannah.

Walt

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 04, 2009 at 10:52:26:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Walt Stoll [93.7902] on September 03, 2009 at 16:58:43:

Dr. Stoll,

Before Lithium and Celexa, I had screaming and yelling outbursts. When another drug didn't work for me or my Lithium level was off I broke two cell phones throwing them against the wall. I was uncontrollable, irrational and hateful for a few days until my lithium level was back to normal. That's when my psychiatrist said I'm Bipolar 1 instead of 2 like she once thought. I personally wondered if the drugs lead to the temper tantrums, not my 'disorder'. Right??? Before meds, I yelled at my sister right before her wedding, I threatened to walk home from the store (4 miles)because I was mad about something. When I was younger, I walked five miles in the middle of the night to get my car (that's real safe in Dallas).
When I was young, I would lay in the floor and cry and yell.
As I said on another post, my diet has been mostly sugar and junkfood, abuse from my screaming mom as a kid (I've been to counseling).
When my lithium level is normal, I don't have any swings but worry what this may be doing to my body.
I also take Valtrex and just started Methlin for ADD. I'm not as scattered on Methlin, but want to know if there is an alternative.

What makes me mad about all this is that I'm in a High Risk Pool by Texas through Blue Cross Blue Shield pay astronomical insurance rate because of this pre-existing condition.

Any advice is appreciated,
Teresa

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Walt Stoll [93.7902] on September 04, 2009 at 18:06:10:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 04, 2009 at 10:52:26:

Teresa,

Get all your friends to write to their congress people and get Obama's public option passed. Librium was one of the first genetically effective treatments.

Walt

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Charles [448.2996] on September 04, 2009 at 19:08:51:

In Reply to: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 03, 2009 at 11:51:22:

Teresa, you ever smoke, you wanna put some tobacco on your head? :)

Bipolar Superactivities for Nicotiana tabacum

Anticonvulsant
Antidepressant
Antifatigue
Antiinflammatory
Antiinsomniac
Antioxidant
Antioxidant Synergist
Antispasmodic
Antispastic
Antistress
Anxiolytic
CNS-Depressant
CNS-Stimulant
COMT-Inhibitor
Calcium-Antagonist
Dopaminigenic
Immunostimulant
MAO-Inhibitor
Neurolytic
Neuroprotective
Sedative
Serotoninergic
Tranquilizer

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 05, 2009 at 09:44:01:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Walt Stoll [93.7902] on September 04, 2009 at 18:06:10:

I'm embarrased to admit I don't know what that means. I'm trying to see if there's an alternative to taking all these drugs. I'm tired of taking meds, especially if I don't really need them. I wrote to give you a background of why I believed I am bipolar, however, my behaviour could be from my diet starting at a very young age. Please expound on your comment about librium and tell me what you think is going on. I completely trust your advice, but sometimes it's vague to me. Sorry. I do appreciate you. As for Obama, I don't know what to think. If it's anything like the healthcare in Canada, I'm scared. Again, your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Teresa

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 05, 2009 at 09:47:25:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 05, 2009 at 09:44:01:

What is Librium? I take Lithium

Teresa

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Walt Stoll [93.7902] on September 05, 2009 at 11:49:02:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 05, 2009 at 09:47:25:

Teresa,

Lithium is one of the elements in the periodic table. Librium is a manufactured drug for anxiety.

Walt

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Walt Stoll [93.7902] on September 05, 2009 at 11:51:44:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 05, 2009 at 09:44:01:

Teresa,

Are you saying that you do not understand what the 3LS (3 legged stool) is? I guess we are not communicating very well.

Walt

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Jan DeCourtney, CMT (Happygal) [716.8083] on September 05, 2009 at 23:58:08:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 05, 2009 at 09:44:01:

Hi Teresa,

The 3LS Wellness Program (and perhaps doing a few other things) is an alternative to taking drugs.

The best way to understand this is to go to your library and get a copy of the book, "Recapture Your Health." It is fully explained in there along with an entire chapter about applying the 3LS to conditions like bipolar.

Best wishes,
Jan


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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 06, 2009 at 22:49:34:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Walt Stoll [93.7902] on September 05, 2009 at 11:51:44:

Dr. Stoll,

I found what LGS means and have ordered your books.

Thanks,
Teresa

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 06, 2009 at 22:59:14:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Walt Stoll [93.7902] on September 05, 2009 at 11:49:02:

Dr. Stoll,

I've never taken Librium, but have taken Lithium for over four years along with Celexa. I've tried many other BP drugs and my body is very sensitive to meds causing me to get hives, etc. I've gained 35lbs. from taking lithium. My psychiatrist gave me Klonipin for my anxiety, but I rarely take it and recently gave me Temazepam for sleep because Trazadone turned me into a zombie. Then she just gave me Methlin to "get up and go" in the mornings. I'm embarrased to say I thought she was a good doctor, but feel I don't know who I am anymore. I will be taking James' advise and going to a psychologist for a second opinion.

Thanks for your help,
Teresa

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 06, 2009 at 23:02:44:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Jan DeCourtney, CMT (Happygal) [716.8083] on September 05, 2009 at 23:58:08:

Hi Jan,

Please expound on "the few other things" I should do along with 3LS to get healthier.

Thanks in advance for your help.

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Walt Stoll [93.7902] on September 07, 2009 at 09:16:18:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 06, 2009 at 22:59:14:

Thanks, Teresa.

All of this is saying to me that it is long past time for you to get busy reversing all of this--even though it is such a lot of hard work (learning and doing) but you will see that is worth while.

Let us know what you learn from the books.

Walt

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 07, 2009 at 16:30:18:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by James [2174.8095] on September 04, 2009 at 07:05:38:

Hi James,

Is it necessary for me to get a second opinion with a psychologist or can I just go off my meds myself? She has put me on so many things that didn't work that I'm used to weaning. Right now, I take 900mg of Lithium Carbonate and 40mg of Celexa. I was going to do 600mg lithium for a week and then 300mg lithium for a week or two. Celexa 20mg for a seven days and then off.
Or, I could go back to my psychiatrist and argue with her again on wanting to get off my meds.
Also, I want to do Beth Loiselle's diet and 3LS. Will going off meds at the same time as starting the diet be too much?

Thanks,
Teresa

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Walt Stoll [93.7902] on September 08, 2009 at 06:48:34:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 07, 2009 at 16:30:18:

Teresa,

I would not go off meds until at least 6 months of the 3LS and then only under supervision of the prescribing doc.

Walt

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Attn: James - Bipolar

Posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 09, 2009 at 21:15:55:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by James [2174.8095] on September 03, 2009 at 15:34:15:

Hi James,

I'm in Dallas, TX if you know of a psychologist here to refer me to. Will they be able to tell if I'm really bipolar on the first or second visit, or will it take some time. I'm laid off and currently paying astronomical insurance rates with a huge deductible. I will be going on The Power of Healing With Whole Foods diet and having my psychiatrist take me off the drugs six months after starting the diet. Is it necessary to get another opinion before going off meds?

Thanks,
Teresa

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 13, 2009 at 12:09:26:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Walt Stoll [93.7902] on September 07, 2009 at 09:16:18:

Dr. Stoll,

A month ago my psychiatrist put me on Methylin to give me the get up and go I need because I'm so tired all the time. I am very scattered and can never stay focused very long on anything. A pharmacist told me that if I get the "get up and go feeling" from the drug that I'm not ADD or ADHD. I'm confused. More importantly, should I stay on it for six months or so while I'm on the Lithium and other drugs or get off right away.

Thanks,
Teresa

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Diagnosed Bipolar/Feel Lost

Posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 13, 2009 at 12:52:19:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Walt Stoll [93.7902] on September 07, 2009 at 09:16:18:

Dr. Stoll,

I've been to many doctors since I was in my twenties and taken many different antidepressants. No matter what I've taken, I feel lost with no motivation or interests. I'm 46 and need to find a career, but instead, I'm just going through the day to day motions. I was like this in childhood before my meds too. It's like I'm just existing. What is wrong with me?

Thanks,
Teresa

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Re: Bipolar

Posted by Walt Stoll [93.7937] on September 13, 2009 at 13:02:39:

In Reply to: Re: Bipolar posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 13, 2009 at 12:09:26:

Teresa,

Short term this is not a problem in my opinion.

Walt

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Re: Diagnosed Bipolar/Feel Lost

Posted by Walt Stoll [93.7937] on September 13, 2009 at 13:04:17:

In Reply to: Diagnosed Bipolar/Feel Lost posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 13, 2009 at 12:52:19:

Teresa,

Ask me again 6-12 months after you have been doing the 3LS carefully.

Walt

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Bipolar Drugs and Birth Control

Posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 13, 2009 at 18:55:22:

In Reply to: Re: Diagnosed Bipolar/Feel Lost posted by Walt Stoll [93.7937] on September 13, 2009 at 13:04:17:

Dr. Stoll,

You're gonna start billing me! This is hopefully my last question for a while. I am 46 and have taken birth control since I was 15 due to really bad cramping. As you know, I'm also taking Lithium, Celexa, Methlin, and Valtrex and want to do 3LS for wellness and probable candida.
My gynecologist suggested http://www.essure.com/ and I declined. He said to stay on the pill for another five years since I have bad cramps without the pill.
Because of the cramps when off and anxiety and moods, I'm afraid to go off, but I'm also afraid that they could be causing moodiness and candida. What do you suggest?

Thanks again,
Teresa


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Re: Bipolar Drugs and Birth Control -- How to---

Posted by Walt Stoll [93.7937] on September 14, 2009 at 07:23:00:

In Reply to: Bipolar Drugs and Birth Control posted by Teresa [7053.7922] on September 13, 2009 at 18:55:22:

Teresa,

"Don't worry about the bill!. :o)

My recommendation would be to continue with the meds until the 3LS had been practiced for at least 6 months. THEN, begin tapering off under the prescribing doc's supervision.

Let us know how you do.

Walt

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