Are we really angry, or is it our medication doing such.

[Flimxxxski]

My question is, As  it is common to diagnose depression, bipolar disorder, agitation etc., the list goes on.  But my
question here now is this.  If we started originally with just bi polar disorder and then we got medicine.  After a while we say that the medications aren't working, doctors strengthen our dose and yet still....something seems to be lacking because that zest your waiting for doesn't come.  Then they add in either a  stronger dosage on top now of another new medication.  This goes on for a while until we decide we are done with this adventure and want to move to something other.  That's when our children notice that mom is really changing and she seems to be more grumpy and mad all the time.  Then, You take a little self reflection time and realize now, its for the best we took our medicine. My fear is this. My daughter will develop an even more significant issue tat what love can help her with and that she will dependent on her medications and us that as an excuse.   And btw, I will have you all know that her dad is the one whom wanted her medicated.

[Crystal413]

Medication and side effects are common. They werer for me. Yes, some meds side effects can be anger, agitation etc. that's when you see the dr or call him/her. A Bipolar episode can also make you angry, agitated etc.

[weaver71]

I have not taken meds but about 6 months of knowing I am bipolar 1 for over 20 years. I can say this, I get agitated, angry, occasional psychosis, without any medication.  The meds stopped those symptoms over all, but the psychosis broke through the meds. If I were trying to make my bipolar go away, which I am not, meds would work on most of it. CBT and lifestyle changes are the only thing I've been able to do for full blown mania, and it still can happen, just less often lately. So, my opinion is, we have to measure consequences. First, can I withstand the symptoms I am having off meds? Second, can I tolerate the symptoms of medication? And lastly, what suks less? Those are questions the person being treated has to answer, but most of us have to make those decisions at some point.

[Crystal413]

How old is your daughter? The thing about Bipolar is there's no one size fits all medicine. It's all trial and error with a lot of patience. It will be helpful for your daughter if your all on the same page working together. A pscychiatrist appt with the three of you would be very very helpful. I hope your daughter is in Therapy too.

[CRSeaside]

You bring up good points about medication. What you need to know is some people with bipolar disorder get very sick a short time after stopping meds.
  You mention someone else wanted her medicated. Without a proper Psychiatrist evaluation, you can not just get these stong medicines.
    The intention is to balance brain chemistry.
      The dose ages do not always need to be increased. I personally was fine on Seraquell for many years at the same strength. It was used as a mood stabilizer and to help me sleep.
       Talk therapy is very valuable with mood disorders.
       Furthermore groups are available thru NAMI for friends & family to provide understanding.  

[MrGinger]

This post is very hard to follow and it is unclear as to what the problem is and what the question is.... Pls clarify