Mind Magazine July 2017 Mind Magazine July 2017 | Page 15

Expert advice
If you experience bipolar
disorder, you’re more likely to
have a family member who also
experiences bipolar moods and
symptoms, although they might
not have a diagnosis.
This suggests bipolar disorder
can be passed on within families
through environmental triggers.
Medicine, drugs and alcohol can’t
cause bipolar disorder, but they
can cause some similar moods
and symptoms.
It’s important to talk to your
doctor if you’re concerned.
To find out more, visit
mind.org.uk/bipolar
Q What happens when you stop taking medication?
A As all psychiatric drugs
change brain and body chemistry,
they can all cause withdrawal
symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms
can be physical or psychological.
The longer you have been
taking a drug, the more likely
it is that you will experience
withdrawal effects.
Although some people can stop
taking medication all at once,
many people become very unwell
if they do so. It’s impossible to
tell in advance, so everyone is
advised to reduce their dose
gradually. This gives your brain
time to adjust.
tranquillisers. Before coming off
any drug, it’s best to discuss it
with someone you trust – ideally
your doctor.
Support groups can be helpful
too – Mind’s Infoline can tell
you what’s available in your
area. To find out more about
stopping medication, see
mind.org.uk/comingoff
Some drugs are dangerous to
stop suddenly if you have been
taking them for more than two
or three months. These include
clozapine (an antipsychotic),
lithium and benzodiazepine
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