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is it ok to take an ap when needed? does it lose its efficacy?


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I'd think it would depend on which one and why you are taking it. If you are taking medication to prevent a relapse, it can't work if you don't take it.

If you're taking it for sleep, it might be different. It's going to depend on your specific circumstances. You'll have to ask your doc.

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Hi

I'd think that it would really be up to your doctor. I wouldn't take a really strong med like an AP on my own as needed without the direction of a doctor.

That said, though, I know that some people can take Seroquel for sleep in small doses...and my doctor has said that sometimes APs are used in large doses to knock out a manic episode. But I wouldn't call that "as needed" in the way I think you mean it.

For keeping symptoms at bay, everything my doctor has told me is in agreement with what Velvet Elvis said...you have to take the meds. They're not like benzos where you can take them when you think you need them. They are meds that adjust the chemistry in your brain.

I don't know if this is the information you're looking for...

Hope you're doing okay.

Sallie

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Can an AP be taken as needed? Yes. Usually its reserved for something like treating a manic episode, and then its taken for, say a week or two. I think the docs would prefer to adust other meds, or add the AP in at a lower maintenance dosage so that you get consistent effects and avoid the yoyoing.

This is definitely something to discuss with your pdoc, and I think he would be attentive.

a.m.

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