I Would Do Something About My Cognitive Impairment, But...

I would try to take control of my life - and address my cognitive impairment - but in order to do that, I have to reduce my medication. I live with my parents and they will not let me reduce it to a lower dosage. The medication that I am on is Zyprexa 10mg. The dose I need to reduce it to is anywhere from 3-5mg of Zyprexa. My parents said that the only way for me to reduce my medication is if I am not living with them. The reason why I feel that I should reduce my medication is because, for me, it makes me undisciplined. For me, it is an "anti-discipline" medication. Back when I was on a low dose, I was much more disciplined - than I am now. I don't have any discipline now. The disciplined habits I plan on practicing - once my medication is low enough - is being completely celibate, fasting, eating a strict raw vegan diet, etc.

Hi jonas,

It must be very frustrating to feel as if you can't assume control of these issues because of your medication dosage. As for your parents not allowing you to reduce it, I'm sure they have your best interests at heart, but in my opinion, this is something to be discussed with your psychiatrist if possible. Have you tried telling your psychiatrist the reasons you'd like to reduce it?

If you're fortunate enough to have a good psychiatrist, they should be listening to your concerns, even if they ultimately conclude it's probably best for you to stay on your current dosage. Often finding the right medication involves a great deal of trial and error, so your doctor may give you the option of trying a different med or combination of meds.

I can relate to your situation somewhat as, a few years ago, I was on Zyprexa and the dosage was sometimes as high as 20mg. This left me feeling very much like a 'zombie' and unable to function (although I was also extremely depressed at the time, so I'm sure this contributed heavily to the lifelessness and lack of motivation).

Luckily, since landing upon a much superior psychiatrist around a year and a half ago, my treatment has gradually been overhauled and I no longer have these problems on the mood stabiliser I'm on (Carbamazepine, 600mg).

Also, my own parents have tended to be over-involved in my treatment. My dad (who's himself a doctor), tried to treat me 'unofficially' with anti-depressants for a couple of years, until it became obvious I desperately needed the outside help I'd been repeatedly asking for.

I was officially diagnosed with bipolar about 12 years ago and now, even though I appreciate the support my family gives and their opinions on how my mood/behaviour seems to them, I just follow my psychiatrist's advice about medication. This is working out well, even though my dad especially can't resist giving his input!

I hope this helps and you're able to talk about your worries to your psychiatrist. In the meantime, perhaps you can try to move towards a healthier diet and lifestyle yourself by making small changes- even though, depending on how you're feeling, I can appreciate how hard this might be. Good luck and take care of yourself.

Hey l'ennui,

Thanks. The psychiatrist that I am currently seeing is actually fine with me reducing my medication - to even as low as 2.5 mg, she said. It's my Dad that is not fine with it, despite the fact that he is not a psychiatrist. I mean, I do enjoy taking the medication because it makes my life a lot easier by making me undisciplined. It kind of 'programs' me. However, I just feel that I should reduce it because, for me, it's the right thing for me to do. I need to take control of my life.

Hey,

You're very welcome. I think it's really encouraging that your psychiatrist is on board with you reducing the medication, and if you feel it's the right thing to do, there's no reason why you shouldn't have a discussion about how best to do it. As long as it's done gradually, under supervision, and both you and your family are aware of your warning signs, then it's worth a try. You can always increase it again if you need to.

I know it can be difficult when parents try to take control, but ultimately it should be your decision. My dad's always saying I should be on less medication, but now I just thank him for his opinion but say I'm following my psychiatrist's advice. Hopefully your dad will be more understanding if you explain your psychiatrist is ok with you reducing it, and how you're feeling right now on the current dosage. All the best.