Medications?

[fairydust]

I have posted in my diary regarding my current issues with medication but thought that this may be a more appropriate place to get feedback from others. I am currently on Sodium Valproate prescribed by the psychiatrist as none of the usual antidepressants / anti anxiety medications seemed to be working. I am also taking two Xanax each evening to calm me enough to sleep (fear of nightmares). I was just wondering if anyone else has had experiences with a similar drug regieme and if so did they find it helpful.

I was also after any feedback regarding the length of time that it has taken people to recover enough to not require medication?

 

[Lucycat]

Hi
I have not tried the same medication as you.
When I fist had a 'meltdown' my GP was quick to prescribe diazepam and Temazepam, with the instruction to avoid alcohol.

I took as much of both meds and the alcohol as I possibly could and was unable to function, but still could not sleep or stop crying.

Luckily after about 2 weeks I saw my Therapist, as a patient for the first time. He advised Quetiapine so I went back to my GP and relayed this info. The GP was happy enough to prescribe it ( instead of the Diazepam and Temazepam) and I have been taking it ever since. I found the right dose for me was 25 mg in the morning and 50 mg at night. I have since been able to stop the morning dose and have it 'as required' instead.

My T has said all along that I will 'soon' be able to start reducing the night time dose. However I have now and again, tried to reduce it but just cannot sleep without it. I started this med in January 2010, so I have been taking it for just over a year. I never dreamed I would take it for so long, but now it does not bother me. I would like to manage without and will try to stop again at some point, but I no longer bother that, just maybe, I will be on it 'forever'.