Would it be more beneficial for me to stay on medication, or stop taking it?

[Mel24]

I am a 17 old, and 3/4 of the way through my year 12 exams.

I have been on a specific medication for around 4 months (but I’ve been on medication for 2 years in total trying to see what works and what doesn’t). On medication, my mood is stable and I feel happy most of the time, but I’m quiet and can’t act like myself in social situations.

Recently, the doctor doesn’t know, but I stopped taking my medication (it’s been about 3 days since I’ve taken it), and I can express myself more and am more engaged in social activities than when I was on the medication, but I’m starting to get down again.

Im just wondering, would it be more beneficial to stay off my medication do I can be more myself (but feel down), OR should I go back on my medication and be happier most of the time (but not able to engage in social activity or interact with people efficiently).

im lost and I’m not sure what to do.

[Lee lee 73]

Hello Mel24,

Going off meds so abruptly can often do more harm than good. As you said, you're already starting to go down again...and it can get much worse. Mel24, given that you're 3/4 of your way through your exams, it would be safer to stay on them until your exams are done. Then maybe think about reducing the meds slowly with the guidance of your dr. Of course, everyone is different but you your exams (and you ) are important for your future. Please hang in there with taking them Mel24. Good luck with your exams.

Lee lee 73

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Mel24,

I actually disagree. Given that you have stopped your meds cold turkey, your body is getting used to not metabolising that medication anymore. Depending on the dosage or the type of medication you've been taking (don't tell us by the way), it means that your body could either be still going through withdrawal or you may no longer have any in your system.

If you were to suddenly start re-taking it, depending on what dose you take (go straight back up to full dose or ease onto it) it may mean more side effects - which you obviously don't want.

Personally - I would go to your GP and be honest about having stopped the meds and why you did it. Then he or she can give you the best advice for you. All meds react differently so you may end up finding that if you switch to a different med you can get a win-win.

Hope this helps,

[Lee lee 73]

Hi RT,

I just want to point out that with most Anti depressants, they come with a warning advising not to stop taking abruptly. I agree with what you are saying if someone had stopped taking meds for 3 weeks but not 3 days. I also agree with you if one had been taking AD's for a week or so. I'm only speaking from personal experience I guess, as you maybe as well and yes, everyone is different. GP is best to advise. I've seen your replies RT - you provide great support. Good luck Mel24.

Leelee73

[geoff]

Hello Mel, we have had many people post in and tell us that they have been taking AD's and feeling so much better, so they decide to stop taking them.

The reason they are better is due to their AD's, and once they stop that's when they begin to fall back into the black hole.

As you are 3/4 of the way in year12 I would be considering going back onto them because at the moment your score is more important than being social, friends won't be able to give you a good income and normally friends at school always say 'we must catch up' but this rarely happens.

Look after yourself.

Geoff.

[Alexander_Horse]

I came off my meds by accident when I forgot to bring them on a trip. I wouldn't recommend that. Best to speak to your doctor.

[thegirlwiththescars]

Hi Mel24,

I recommend that you give the medication one more month, before deciding to get off them. Ultimately, you have to do what's best for you. The medication will ease the effects of mental illness. The question is, can you handle your health without them or not? You can always engage in social activities in different ways like Facebook or Snapchat. Your safety comes first. Weigh out the pros and cons of each decision, and think about it thoroughly.

[geoff]

Hi Mel, just wondering how your study is going and how you feel.

Thanks.

Geoff.

[Tess2]

Hi mel24,

i agree with the advice about not stopping meds suddenly. But most ADs take weeks to build up effective levels, so three days off won’t have had a huge impact yet. Your feeling better socially could be related to how you expect to feel. Being in year twelve I would finish exams before making major changes. In the meantime go and see your gp and discuss how you want to go forward with medications or without. Please take care of yourself at this stressful time for you

tess

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Mel24,

Great that you have reached out during a particularly stressful time. Year 12 exams are known by many to be a stressful period. I am curious if you stopped taking your medication intentionally or if you were so busy studying that you forgot?

You have had a lot of advise on this thread. Each persons response to medication is very individual based on their own biology. One person can take a medication and another one can take the same one, same does... and they can get a completely different response. I commend you and your GP for trying different types of ADs in hope to find the best possible treatment for you.

In response to your question, I know you are feeling lost but I would only take the advise of your prescribing GP when it comes to changing your medication.

Self managing medications can be hazardous and not correctly reducing the dose if you decide you want to stop taking the ADs can have side effects. You have indicated that you are mostly happy except for some lingering social anxiety on the medication. I wonder if you have had any treatment for anxiety while on ADs previously?

No matter what you decide, I would only advise you to change your medication in collaboration with your GP. Your GP will consider what your experiencing and may come up with a reasonable plan such reducing your dose or suggesting a different AD that will better support your mood but also allow you to feel more yourself. You might even want to discuss other treatment options such as counselling to help with your social anxiety.

It could be an idea to bring someone with you to your appointment to assure you are being heard about what your goals are or at least write down what you want so when you get to your appointment you remember all the things you want to discuss. It is really common when people attend GP appointments they forget exactly what they want to say. Coming in with your goals written down or bringing someone who knows what you want can be really helpful.

Let us know how you go after you see your GP and if you are still feeling lost after discussing your options with your them, please make sure your reach out.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn