Mental Health How quickly does rebound psychosis develop?

[King-Anubis]

Hey everyone,

i was just wondering if anyone knows how quickly rebound psychosis normally develops after the abrupt discontinuation of antipsychotic medication. I took my last dose a few days back (I feel that I don't need it anymore - but I'm keeping an eye on my symptoms) and have not have any major changes in perception or mood thus far. I figured that as it's been a few days I won't develop it as I'm over the initial drop. On the other hand, the half life of the last drug I was on was 12 hours, so it could take a week or so for it to be out of my system. Would that be when it starts to develop?

Thanks all

 

[Lightning-Nl]

It all depends on what your diagnosis is to be honest.

I am personally diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and have manic episodes very frequently. In these manic episodes I get very bad psychotic symptoms. I was prescribed Seroquel because of this and I didn't like it at all - so I abruptly stopped it.

For me the rebound was a manic episode with extreme paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, etc.. that lasted nearly 48 hours.

 

[King-Anubis]

My diagnosis is paranoid schizophrenia, possibly biopolar type schizoaffective disorder. It was the later but they recently changed it to the former until they have more evidence.

Anyway, I woke up today (day 3) with the worst headache imaginable. I can see mild static over everything. Some paranoia (although that's probably more caused by a sudden loss of confidence and slight depression) and possibly auditory hallucinations - I can't really tell, I don't think I am, but it's possible. There's also notable derealization too, but that occurs on the medication anyway so it doesn't bother me too much.

Did your manic episode pass then? Or did you continue to experience psychotic symptoms after 48 hours? I might give it another couple of days and see what happens before deciding.

Thanks

 

[KitCat]

I developed some weird delusional/paranoid thinking over 3 weeks, landed in hospital, that was from abrupt discontinuation of lithium, risperidone and effexor (I think). I'm not even schizophrenic, my diagnosis is bipolar and never before in my life was I so... what can I say, fucked up. Normally I'd get overly confident, a bit on the grandeur side but definitely not shizo/paranoid/confused though patterns... yet discontinuation triggered that. I think I was pretty full blown by week 2, just took authorities another week to bundle me up

Later I was smarter and gradually reduced all meds and had some slightly funky stuff happening over 6 weeks or so but nothing major. There were a couple of sleepless nights, some bursts of energy but definitely nothing in the shizo category

 

[pofacedhoe]

how long is a piece of string?

everyone is different, is on neuroleptics for different reasons, taking different drugs and in different quantities

everyone's psychosis is different even thought they share characteristics

 

[Lightning-Nl]

My diagnosis is paranoid schizophrenia, possibly biopolar type schizoaffective disorder.

I feel for you man - any one of those is a tough diagnosis.

Anyways, It only passed when I had finally taken myself to the Emergency Room. I was so manic, so sleep deprived, and in so much mental distress that the Ativan (Lorazepam) (2MG) pill they gave me literally did nothing for me.

Eventually after an hour had passed at the ER the doctor literally just threw up his hands and said "Fuck it." and gave me an intravenous injection Valium (Diazepam). Within 30 seconds - I was no longer manic and within another 3 minuets - I was asleep.

Anyways, to answer your question, yes I did have residual psychotic symptoms - however - I have psychotic symptoms all the time, so I can't say with any certanty that it was caused by antipsychotic withdrawal

 

[Jerry Atrick]

Hey everyone,

i was just wondering if anyone knows how quickly rebound psychosis normally develops after the abrupt discontinuation of antipsychotic medication. I took my last dose a few days back (I feel that I don't need it anymore - but I'm keeping an eye on my symptoms) and have not have any major changes in perception or mood thus far. I figured that as it's been a few days I won't develop it as I'm over the initial drop. On the other hand, the half life of the last drug I was on was 12 hours, so it could take a week or so for it to be out of my system. Would that be when it starts to develop?

Thanks all

Are you crazy or stupid?

The reason I ask is that it is pretty stupid to quit your meds just because you feel better. Does a diabetic quit insulin just because they feel better?

Does your doctor know what you're doing?

I hate to burst your bubble but there is no cure for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. It's not a fucking cold. The best one can hope to do is find a med cocktail with maximal benefits and minimal long-term side effects. Once you find the right combination of meds you stay on them for the rest of your life.

The other alternative is to become a revolving door customer of your local psych wards and you WILL put your family and friends through hell. All because you were too selfish to think about how your actions affect others when you are experiencing psychosis.

 

[King-Anubis]

Don't worry Jerry! I started taking my medication again when I realised what I was doing was stupid. I'm well aware that it was stupid, but it's just one of those things I go through every few month. I stop taking my mediation because I feel better, but also partially because I don't believe I have schizophrenia. Either way me and my psychiatrist have decided to start coming off the meds within a couple of years, and since I no longer feel that I'm trapped - or 'stuck' - on medication for life I'm far more likely to be compliant from now.

 

[Captain.Heroin]

I hate to burst your bubble but there is no cure for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. It's not a fucking cold. The best one can hope to do is find a med cocktail with maximal benefits and minimal long-term side effects. Once you find the right combination of meds you stay on them for the rest of your life.

The other alternative is to become a revolving door customer of your local psych wards and you WILL put your family and friends through hell. All because you were too selfish to think about how your actions affect others when you are experiencing psychosis.

This is the sad and brutal truth.

 

[Jerry Atrick]

Don't worry Jerry! I started taking my medication again when I realised what I was doing was stupid. I'm well aware that it was stupid, but it's just one of those things I go through every few month. I stop taking my mediation because I feel better, but also partially because I don't believe I have schizophrenia. Either way me and my psychiatrist have decided to start coming off the meds within a couple of years, and since I no longer feel that I'm trapped - or 'stuck' - on medication for life I'm far more likely to be compliant from now.

Sorry for being a little harsh but I have been through it. I'm glad you consulted your doctor about it. If you absolutely feel you don't want meds then tapering off under your psychiatrist's supervision is still the best way to go. Good luck.