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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Should I Take Medicines For Bipolar Disorder?

My age is 35years, height is 153cm and weight is 65kg. In 2007, I have diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and taking Depakote 500mg 2times in a day and Qutipine 50 1 time. Please suggest me how long I have to take these medicine. Now I feel normal with these medicines, can I reduce the medicines.
Mon, 25 Aug 2014
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
hii dear

i admire your positive outlook


but duration of treatments depend upon you illness, severity,,symptomatically, response to treatment etc


this all factor is necessary to predict prognosis and treatment

medicines are best in a class and you have to consult you psychiatrist to know regarding your query

other wise you can tell me all details because proper evaluation is needed for discontinuation of treatment

do you have 100% improvement

if no than plz continue treatment

medicines wont be stop until full improvement
and sometimes more time also require to prevent further episode in future

so get proper advise
take care
get well soon
thank you

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Psychiatrist Dr. Abhishek Kapoor's  Response
HI
Thanks for using healthcare magic

In bipolar disorder, chances of relapse are very high. if you have last mood episode in 2007 and normal for last 6 to 7 years, then after psychiatrist consultation, you can reduce the medication. Rest, you can consult your psychiatrist. In case, you need further help, you can ask.

Thanks
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Psychiatrist Dr. Ravi Soni's  Response
hi, i have understood your concerns...
u have been diagnosed as a patient of bipolar disorder..i dont know this is the first episode or second or third..

actually there are no clear criteria for how long one shud take drugs after diagnosed as a case of bipolar disorder..

if u are doing well on these medication for more than 6 months after complete resolution of symptoms [remission of the episode] then u can reduce the meds.. like u can take depakote 750 mg at night only and stop quetiapine, i feel now there is no need for that..

actually in clinical practice what we have been doing is as under:
if a person has a first episode of bipolar disorder then he shud take medications for at least 6 mnths to 1 year after complete resolution of the symptoms..
if there is second episode then he shud take meds for longer duration like 1 year t 2 years after complete resolution of the symptoms.
if there is third episode then he shud continue treatment for at least 3 to 5 years after complete resolution of the symptoms.
and if there are further episodes then he shud take prophylactic medications for lifelong..

i hope u ll find this advice helpful.. best luck..
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How Long Should I Take Medicines For Bipolar Disorder?

hii dear i admire your positive outlook but duration of treatments depend upon you illness, severity,,symptomatically, response to treatment etc this all factor is necessary to predict prognosis and treatment medicines are best in a class and you have to consult you psychiatrist to know regarding your query other wise you can tell me all details because proper evaluation is needed for discontinuation of treatment do you have 100% improvement if no than plz continue treatment medicines wont be stop until full improvement and sometimes more time also require to prevent further episode in future so get proper advise take care get well soon thank you