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How Long Should Nexito And Aripiprazole Be Taken For Bipolar Disorder?
Question: I was diagnosed with bipolar psychosis along with depression in 2010. I am in contact with a psychiatrist and currently i am on aripriprazole 5 mg, nexito 5 mg, bupron 150 mg. My question is how long do i still need to take medications as i've had no relapse for 3 years. It came back when i reduced the medicine and stopped it cold turkey. How do i know now if i gradually stop the medication it won't relapse.
Brief Answer:
Gradual dose reduction will prevent relapse
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic
I can understand your concern. First of all I'd like to tell you a little about Bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a psychiatric mood disorder. In BPD episodes of mania or mania and depression are seen. In between episodes individuals remain absolutely normal. The disorder runs a chronic course and the incidence of episodes can't be predicted. But if proper treatment is taken then chances of relapse become very little. In most cases psychiatrists advise to continue maintainence treatment for about 1-2 years post remission of symptoms.
You are on 5 mg Aripiprazole, 5 mg Escitalopram and 150 mg Bupropion. These doses are minimal doses and as you are symptom free for last 3 years so in my opinion there is no need to continue these medicines any more. Though the risk of relapse can't be predicted exactly but based upon my clinical experience I can say that reducing the doses gradually would minimise the risk of relapse.
Consult your doctor and start reducing the doses gradually. Don't be afraid of relapse, you are symptom free for three years so the chances of relapse are very very low.
Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again.
Take care
Gradual dose reduction will prevent relapse
Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic
I can understand your concern. First of all I'd like to tell you a little about Bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder (BPD) is a psychiatric mood disorder. In BPD episodes of mania or mania and depression are seen. In between episodes individuals remain absolutely normal. The disorder runs a chronic course and the incidence of episodes can't be predicted. But if proper treatment is taken then chances of relapse become very little. In most cases psychiatrists advise to continue maintainence treatment for about 1-2 years post remission of symptoms.
You are on 5 mg Aripiprazole, 5 mg Escitalopram and 150 mg Bupropion. These doses are minimal doses and as you are symptom free for last 3 years so in my opinion there is no need to continue these medicines any more. Though the risk of relapse can't be predicted exactly but based upon my clinical experience I can say that reducing the doses gradually would minimise the risk of relapse.
Consult your doctor and start reducing the doses gradually. Don't be afraid of relapse, you are symptom free for three years so the chances of relapse are very very low.
Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again.
Take care
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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