Stopping Meds Advice?

[PTSD sufferer]

Hi Everyone,

Soon, I stop my meds hopefully forever! I'm on anti-psychotics, and have successful gone from a very high dose to quite a small one over the past 4 months. That's good news. I'm coping ok so far, although some days its not so easy to manage the everyday stressors.

Just wondering if anyone has had the good fortune of stopping medication all together and if they have any advice for me about what to expect? or anything I should do to make the transition easier?

Currently, my biggest worry is getting to sleep at night as it is hard if I take my meds too late at night and being sleep depraved makes self management harder for me...

PS.

 

[bethinhfx]

Well, I think you have to be careful. I went of my ADD meds and anti-depressants at the same time. BAD IDEA. I needed a break but I needed to go back on them, which I finally am. Depends on who you are and what your needs are I guess!

 

[doglover]

Hi there,

I used to take anti-psychotics, two anti-depressants, mood stabilizer, benzos and add meds. First stopped the ADD meds. Switched benzos to as-needed. With a doc's awareness I weaned myself off the other meds.

I still take OTC remedies to help me sleep - I don't do nearly as well when I don't sleep well.

Full disclosure - at the request of my T, I started an anti-depressant last Friday. I felt shameful about it, but work has been exploding in my face lately (boss/coworker stuffs not client side stuffs). The med will hopefully help me as I adjust to a new (and better! I say so) position.

Advice would be:
Follow doctor's orders!
Have support system in place - people you can call, who are willing to be with you.
Relaxation therapy! Grounding, breathing, mindfulness-based practices, soft music, soft fabrics, pretty smells, etc.
Keep your doc and/or T aware of any changes you note when you decrease the dose.
Think positive but also prepare for the worst.

 

[ronin47]

Think positive and pick the right time. Don't go off your medications when you're in the midst of a lot of stress. Create a fail safe environment for yourself.

Definately keep in close contact with your doctor. Don't hesitate to contact him/her if you feel something isn't quite right. It may simply be a question of going off of them a little slower rather than going back on them.

Keep your channels open, if you know what I mean. Keep a contact list of as many people as you can think of who you know for sure you'll be able to call if something goes wrong with getting off the meds.

 

[PTSD sufferer]

Thanks everyone!

I am only on one med (I went through quite a few to find the right one). I was on a super high dose of 300mg, I've be coping (some days better than others) on 50 mg for the past 5 months. I am coping well, all things considered, so it looks possible to stop them at the date I set with my T.

I need to stop the medication because I have been told (gyno) that I need to become pregnant this year. Gyno has suggested hormone drugs, but I want to try naturally before introducing more medications into my diet. I also know that hormone drugs may make the symptoms worse, so hoping that no meds at all is the best solution for me and for a baby.

If that does not work, then I have to try the hormones, and then IVF. Not going to be an easy ride, but my fertility problems have put a timer on things. And, if I can't cope with the symptoms, then a different anti-psychotic has been suggested (although the side affects are very nasty) so I am not keen on that. Stress has a negative effect on falling pregnant, so I have to really manage things well.

I guess I have a problem, because the only people in my support network are my hubby (who works long hours), my GP (takes 2-3 weeks to get an appointment), my psychiatrist and my psychologist (who are easier to contact). For the most part, I am on my own- which is not unusual for me.

I have friends near-by who I spend time with, but they know nothing of my past or my illness, I don't think calling them and saying hey 'having drug withdrawals and I've lost it' is a good way to 'come out' that I am mentally unwell though :eek: Not sure how they will take the news, kind of wanted them to like who I am, rather than attach a stigma to me because of the illness. Those I am closest to and would trust more are a really long way away (i.e. plane flight). Family - nope I am a self appointed orphan.

I like the idea of soft fabrics and things, and will definitely go shopping. Does anyone have an idea of how quickly the weight will come off when stopping anti-psychotics? May need to adjust my wardrobe with smaller comfy cloths - well I hope I do.

Really hoping this will all be a success, don't know how I will take it if it isn't, but can't think that far ahead. It has to be a success.

 

[Deb63]

I know where you're at. After spending the last twenty years taking a cocktail of drugs. I recently stopped taking the last of my drugs, lithium (for misdiagnosed Bipolar), lamictal (depression), and the drug I most depended on to quell my anxiety, Klonopin. It has only been three months, but my thinking has changed so much, for the better! The anxiety stinks, and all of the feelings I have all of a sudden are overwhelming, but it is so good to know that I can actually feel those feelings, which is a motivator to want to change myself. I never knew just how powerful those drugs are until I got them out of my system. Medications can be necessary, and if used wisely, they can be life-saving, but they can also be the wrong drugs for you and they can alter your perception in dangerous ways.

As for weight problems, it seems that as time goes on, the weight just seems to come off naturally. I can actually feel real hunger instead of drug-induced hunger, and it seems that the less I dwell on that, the easier it is to control my diet. I still struggle with twenty pounds, but I know that it will have to come off as I improve my life habits, trying to exercise, eat healthier, etc.

I really don't have the answers, maybe I never will, but all I can tell you is what I have become aware of in the last three months, and it is just baffling! Body chemistry gets really screwed up when taking meds and it takes a very long time to fix itself. My dentist made me aware of that the other day when she could not anesthetize me well enough to keep the pain away. This was never an issue in the past, but since stopping the drugs, my body has a very high tolerance, and she could not give me enough Novacaine to properly take away the pain! I was mortified!

Good luck and hang in there!

 

[Anna]

I don't take meds. It is pretty hard sometimes. I get hyper, I shake, I have real downers where I will sit in the corner and cry. I don't sleep very well and behave very odly with a strange look in me eye.... get angry, have strange outburtsts. heh... It is possible, but you do suffer. I prefer my personality the way it is and don't like the inteference of meds to be what society deems to be "normal". You just need one hell of self control. It is like, I am not bipolar or schizophrenic. I don't hear voices, see hallucinations. I hate meds. I only ever took valium and that was a bloody awful experience I tell you.

My friend takes antipsychotics, and she is not the same as she was. I can tell she is very uncomfortable speaking sometimes with me as I say weird shit sometimes because I am not doped up on meds. Is bad enough being pumped full of artificial hormones just to stop pregnancy. They fatten you up, so if I took meds I would fatten up even more! No thanks!

Just my view though. My brother has clinical depression and has to take meds or he will become suicidal. I don't take meds, but maybe I should? No idea... sometimes it gets bad, but it is like I want to try without as long as I can. I kind of like being a little bit crazy heh...

Only my opinion though! ´But it has worked for me so far. And I think as long as you don't have any serious problems then it is possible. I have managed so far without. It does hurt sometimes though, and people can get uncomfortable being around you, but therefore I just stick with close friends or keep away from the intolerant ones.

 

[PTSD sufferer]

Thank you Anna and Deb for posting, I am sorry that it has taken me such a long time to come back to this thread...

I stop the meds this week! Wow, time did fly in the end. My anxiety has been elevated for a couple of weeks, so hoping that I can manage next week.

Apparently, I get to look forward to the following possible withdrawal symptoms, nausea, vomiting, the runs, insomnia, sweating. But then again, I may not have any withdrawal symptoms at all.

Hubby is being particularly annoying these days. He has 'displaced rage issues' and can be overly controlling at times. He seems to think I should stay on the meds for life, and keeps telling me to extend the D-day. At the same time, he seems to ignore how well I am doing, and increases his efforts to aggravate me (he knows how and the affects), then tells me to stay on the meds because I walk away a little am upset with him.

It is really strange, he even told me off for running to the aid of a motocyclist who came off his bike the other day. Then he lectured me on how I have too much empathy (for giving a shit as to whether this guy was ok) and need to stay on the meds...I wasn't emotional about the accident and the guy was ok, just a little shocked, so it seems illogical to me that he would tell me off about giving a shit when someone may be hurt. Sometimes, I think he doesn't see me or even hear me, just super-imposes his mother on me. And, I'm the one with PTSD!

Sorry for the rant. Just feeling a little unsupported at the moment (he is my only face to face support, other than my Ts). And, I was quite proud of how far I have come in T and felt like stopping the meds was an achievement of a long term goal. Hubby is making me feel like I should doubt that though....sigh

 

[PTSD sufferer]

Stopped my meds on schedule, my T is very happy with me and I am happy to give this a try.

Unfortunately, my sleep has been disturbed (insomnia) but happy to report no 'nightmares' or 'daymares', just general frustrations that I am managing. Stomach a little unhappy, but nothing major. Just tired from less sleep than usual.

Lots of yoga and breathing exercises, a warm bath and hot milk. Wearing the comfiest cloths I have, and lots of relaxing incense...easing into it, and doing ok.

:)

 

[Sterre]

Apparently, I get to look forward to the following possible withdrawal symptoms, nausea, vomiting, the runs, insomnia, sweating. But then again, I may not have any withdrawal symptoms at all.

Wow, PTSD sufferer, congretulations about weaning of the meds! Well done!

Maybe it is good to know that the WD symptoms that may occure are not only physical ones. You may get crying spells, and outburst of rage, panic attacks, or sudden depression ( that allivates quickly).

It is a misconception that withdwawal symptoms are only physical, they can manifest themselves psychological also.
A lot of peolpe who suffer the psychological withdrawal symptoms are told to go back on the meds, because doctors view it as a relapse, wich in my opinion is not right.

Dont fear or confuse yourself if you notice some of these emotions, they are most likely to be psychological withdrawal symptoms.

Good luck!

 

[Srain]

Good luck with this PTSDSufferer. It has taken me awhile to get off a massive amount of medication and for the most part I am off them, just some PRN meds left for sleeping that I'm reluctant to let go of just yet.

I read about how your husband is reacting and I can kind of see his point, it must be very frightening to those that live with us and love us to think that we may be going backwards (in their minds) by weening off medications. My husband was seriously concerned but when I spoke to my pdoc about it she was very happy to hear that I was ready and willing. Once he had heard that then he was calmer. He still watches me closely should I get heated up over something or too far down over something else. He loves me and worries, so I try to reassure him where I am at and that if I need help I will ask for it. This seems to calm his concerns.

You have a lot of knowledge about these things and I trust that you will know when to reach out. Good luck! Don't forget that your getting sleep is extremely important.

((((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))))
Peace and strength,
Rain

 

[PTSD sufferer]

Maybe it is good to know that the WD symptoms that may occure are not only physical ones. You may get crying spells, and outburst of rage, panic attacks, or sudden depression ( that allivates quickly).

Thank you so much Sterre! I have had a bit more anxiety that usual, an increase in the beginning of panic attacks (which I am managing). Thank you so much for letting me know the psychological affects of WD. My mood has been a little off, and I worry my hubby will see this as a sign of the worst to come again...its good to know that some of it could be psychological affects of WD. I didn't know this, so thank you.

The adjustment to natural sleep (which is not quite working out for me at the moment) is messing with my concentration. I got a little upset when I thought I could not find something I had to post today, when I had already posted it yesterday LOL. I thought it was a bit silly that I got a little upset, as usually I just put it on the list to deal with when I am calmer.

A sense of humour does help...and what you say makes perfect sense.

My husband was seriously concerned but when I spoke to my pdoc about it she was very happy to hear that I was ready and willing. Once he had heard that then he was calmer. He still watches me closely should I get heated up over something or too far down over something else.

I hear you Srain. My hubby has been doing the exact same thing. He came and met with my P yesterday. Hearing what my P had to say helped my hubby a lot. Hubby worries about my anxiety rising mainly. He has general anxiety about my anxiety - we bounce off each other a lot when it comes to anxiety. He has also taken comfort in knowing that I will be continuing with T, and that I can get an appointment at any time I am concerned with both my P and my T.

Doing my best with trying to adjust to natural sleep, which is not as easy as I thought. It seems that I need extreme cold (fans on super high) to help me nod off...well eventually nod off -and I live in a cooler climate (LOL). Have to try really hard to accept that I will fall asleep eventually and practice a lot of patience with myself. I tend to increase my anxiety about not sleeping, and then I don't sleep because of the anxiety...the usual worry cycles.

It is so good to hear that others have cut down meds, come off them or are med free. And, everyone's advice about WD and adjusting, it gives me so much strength to hear from you all and to know that I am supported. Your words really do mean so much to me!