Going off Meds Mango25: OK, so I guess this is part warning and part question.
Have any of you decided, hey, I don't need to take that drug anymore and, then, went totally off the deep end?
So I ran out of Remeron and thought, ah, I was just taking it to help me sleep, and I don't think it's working anymore anyway. I don't need to get that refill. Well, five days later, I can tell you that this was NOT the thing to do. Sleeplessness came right back, I lost five pounds (yes, in five days) and, emotionally, I feel as bad as I felt four months ago. I looked on the Net and, not surprisingly, read lots of warnings to NOT do this. Dumb, dumb, me.
So my chemistry is all messed up right now, granted. But two things have occurred to me.
1) If my thinking and feeling and psyche can go, that easily, right back to the dark and twisty place, then I may have thought I was getting better, but, really, I'm not.
And 2) I had never been on any kind of medication before and doing so now really was a hail Mary for me. I'm glad I did, though, because I was in bad shape when I started and it really helped. But, with this reaction, I'm starting to wonder, am I ALWAYS going to end up where I started when I go off drugs. I don't want to be on them for life, and I was hoping that one day I wouldn't need them, but now I wonder if I'm not quite healing properly by being on them. Does that make sense?
Re: Going off Meds wizer_now: Medications are often prescribed for certain time periods. They are usually intended for short time use, ie months, or perhaps a few years. In most cases they are not for life, although some patients are indeed on them for most, if not all their lives.
Many anti-depressants are Rx'd for periods of 6-9 months. This is the most common prescribing schedule, because it "breaks the pattern", gives the patient an opportunity to deal with the underlying issues, and most importantly, this length of time lowers the chances of another major depressive episode.
I speak from experience. That much said, I was on a combo of Welbutrin/Zoloft for about 6 months and quit cold turkey several months ago. I've been ok since. Back in '98 I was on Paxil for a few months and also quit cold turkey.
The withdrawal effects are loads of fun. Not. I am not recommending this course of action. I am only speaking from personal experience and what I have been told by a licensed mental health professional.
Disclaimer: This post represents my opinion only and is not to be taken as medical advice!
Re: Going off Meds Magalucia: I would urge you to discuss with your Psychiatrist or primary care physician to get you off of the meds gradually if you feel you no longer need them. I have been on several meds (including Remeron) and have been ok as long as I taper gradually. Effexor is particularly rough if you stop cold turkey. Be careful.
Re: Going off Meds Crystal_Blue_024: What kind of side effects can you experience?
I have recently cut my dosage of Lexapro from 20mg to 10mg, and sometimes only take it every other day...
Re: Going off Meds wizer_now: [quote author=Crystal_Blue_024 link=topic=41077.msg459665#msg459665 date=1171057233">
What kind of side effects can you experience?
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There are lots of potential side effects. People dependent, dosage dependent, duration of treatment dependent...you get the idea. Results vary. But for a good idea of what you can expect, start here
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