My psychiatrist is planning to taper me off of my mood stabilizer.
So I’ll just be on an antipsychotic (Risperdal)
My doctor wants me to increase my Risperdal from 3mg to 4mg to compensate for not being on a mood stabilizer.
The thing is I’m doing well on 3mg of Risperdal and 4mg makes me too tired.
Should I listen to my pdoc and increase my Risperdal dose right away?
Or play it by ear and see how I do without a mood stabilizer and remain at 3mg?
0 voters
Why do they wanna take you off the mood stabilizer?
Liver issues 1554
Ohhhh… okay, that’s a pretty big issue… do all mood stabilizers do that?
I’d be hesitant to get off a mood stabilizer but maybe you could try and see how it goes
I think they’re choosing the lesser of two evils. You should follow the advice. You may, in time, adjust to the 4 mg
If it makes you too tired being on that amount, I know how that feels, and it’s not a good place to be.
Did you raise this concern?
Yes I’ve raised this concern in the past.
It sounds like my prolactin. I have been telling them for over a year about it, and it took a call with the chief pharmacist to actually get them to listen.
Remember, you have to deal with any side effects, and you should not have to take advice if you disagree with it.
I assume your treatment is by consent? If so, you have the right to an opinion just as much as your pdoc.
Yes it’s by consent
I am glad. If it doesn’t work for you, the pdoc needs to re-think.
Hope you can find a compromise that helps you @Wave
Best of luck!
Thanks @Joker
You should always listen to your doctors peoples
But I’ve been in the psychiatric system for decades.
I’ve decided.
I’m going to remain on 3mg and take on a wait and see approach.
First signs of mania or mixed states, ill quickly increase my dose.
At some point I’ll text my doctor to keep her on notice.
But I see her in a week anyway.
Thanks all!
I voted for listening to your pdoc but ultimately it’s up to you. You know yourself better than any of us do. I hope this works out for you and i wish you well.
Thanks @disciple
I’m changing my mind.
Feeling a bit high since lowering the Depakote dose.
Starting tomorrow I’ll go up on the Risperdal dose.
I should know better.
Listen to your doctors people! 
I was on Riperidone briefly…twitchy fingers…restless/ jumpy legs while trying to sleep…low libido.
I got off of it right away. That Depakote is really messing with you physically and mentally.
Is there not a similar substitute medication you could try instead of it?
I’ve tried all of the major mood stabilizers @anon39054230
But if I have to I may go back on lithium
Oh I get so confused!
I think what I’m experiencing are withdrawal side effects not bipolar symptoms.
Not going to raise the Risperdal dose just yet.
Frankly if you are being seen by a psychiatrist your GP has no right to directly interfere in their work. It is very unprofessional and perplexing to you the patient. The psychiatrist is the one who has studied this topic longer, and it is their primary area of knowledge - so what they say goes.