How to not relapse - bipolar meds reduction?

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I’m reducing one of my bipolar meds (that suppresses hypomania/mania), I want to come off it & not go on anything else. I will still be on lithium & another. Has anyone got any advice as to how to not relapse? I have a benzo PRN, I know the sleep etc, but I have always relapsed & I really don’t want to. Any advice appreciated

Am I asking too much to stop something that’s biological to whatever degree, is what I’m wanting to ask I guess. How much will strategies, PRN, sleep etc, stop an episode? Or am I expecting too much? Has anyone managed to stop episodes that biologically want to happen?

It’s a very individual question. If coming off it in the past has prompted episodes then I would expect the advice to be to stay on it. What does your consultant advise?

Thanks MurderSheWrote 2025, that’s really helpful to know. Reducing or stopping meds has always caused relapse (upwards), but I’m desperate not to need something else (consultant said reduce this then start something else), but I have physical health problems & trying to balance the physical & MH needs & so really desperate to not relapse & not need something else, but I do know I’ve never not relapsed. It is a very low dose of an antipsychotic, so I keep thinking maybe it’ll be ok, I can but try. It’s very quick when relapse.

What is your concern about transitioning to another antipsychotic? If your body needs it, then I wouldn’t deny yourself the opportunity to feel as well as can be and as free of hypomanic/manic episodes as possible. In the circumstances you describe I would be keen to stay on an antipsychotic and benefit from the support it gives.

I’m desperate not to need something else

Why?

Why wont you transition to another medication? Whats the blocker?
Are you suffering severe side effects from the current meds? If so what?
Id also ask the question "Is that side effect is worse than relapsing?" If not, why would you not continue to take it.

Full Disclosure my df was (as is common with bp) non compliant with his meds and repeatedly tried to come off them and went against medical advice again and again. He repeatedly relapsed throughout my childhood.
as well as his ruining several major life events birthdays christmass, very memorably my 1st communion, etc etc it had a huge (negative) impact on me generally so i am pro compliance regarding medication having been collateral damage re him and his meds.

Hey there,
to be safe any changes to medication should be discussed with your health care team, and take any advice from strangers on the internet with a pinch of salt.
If you are interested in diet as an intervention for the management of bi-polar take a look at this video: "Treating Bipolar with Ketogenic Therapy- An Interview with Matt Baszucki".
Best of luck!

I’m not saying I won’t take them, but my consultant has said I’m running out of options because I get significant side effects & have to stop medications. I would rather be stable without an antipsychotic & just on the other meds I’m on. I want to be stable, but I also don’t want side effects that are significant & result in consultants saying I need to stop them time & time again

Thank you Sajacas I will take a look at this