What do you do when it has come down to being brain-dead on medication versus uncomfortably unstable?

Did you discuss this with your doctor? I mean, did you tell him/her what has been the problems for you, the side effects that you don't want to have? Doctors need specific information from you about what is happening. Sometimes it means going through quite a few medications to find the ones with the least side effects.

I quit taking my meds and now I'm back to being functional...I actually lost three years to meds, I have no recollection of those years. Unfortunately, the downside to not taking the meds is that,yes, I am back to being rather volatile. I try to keep it in check but it doesn't always work. I will never be on meds for this again! Even my friends and family agree they would rather deal with the swings than have a vegetable around.

Sorry, I know this doesn't answer your question, but perhaps it will help to know you're not alone!

i was on meds for the last 9 years and i stopped a year ago because of the exact same thing. as well as doubling my bodyweight i too was a vegetable. i still feel in a constant daze. the meds do not help you, they just make you a zombie so you don't have to deal with your problems.

good luck, i too will never go back on medication, it has ruined my body and my life.