Antipsychotics

I was diagnosed as bipolar just two years ago after being diagnosed as having major depression with psychotic features for years.  I have been on antipsychotics for about 14 years now.  I keep reading where most people, unless they are schizophrenic, are not kept continually on antipsychotics.  I am presentlly on Risperdal.

I have tried on numerous occasions to go off of it, but I feel terrible when I do.  I cannot explain what feels bad but I usually feel afraid and just basically feel terrible.  I start getting very quiet.  I am not saying that psychotic features come back (so far I have only managed to go off of it for up to two months and then I have to start back again).

My question is, what would make me feel so bad without it?  I mean, if psychotic features do not come back, do you know why I would feel so bad or would still need it?  Is it bad to continually take it year after year?  I don't know if I really need it or not.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

The general feeling is that you should continue on this drug, or this kind of drug, indefinitely. The bad feeling you have is probably a warning sign that you have been wise to heed in the past, and probably should continue to do so in the present.

The only side effect to worry about in long term use is tardive dyskinesia, which I am sure has been explained to you. It is much less likely with Risperdal than with the older medications, but you should be sure to talk to your doctor about this, and your particular risk.