Coming off medication. Pros and cons

[Ames82]

I have been on medications for approx 2 years, however this has been quite inconsistent, I have needed support from a friend when on it to actually take it. I have now been off anti depressant for a month and now I’m torn between starting again or stopping them completely. Different view from people. My psych says being off them may help me further develop skills to truly be in touch with my feelings. My doctor says give it a try and see. Part of me wants to put a end to medication other part feels it’s a safety net, anyone else experience this? I don’t know what to do for the best

[geoff]

Hi Ames, and we're pleased you have decided to come back to the forums.

If a friend has tried to keep you on medication, means you could be adverse to taking it, and no one really wants to take any, but there are times when our doctor does need to prescribe some type to rectify some condition we may have.

I'm not qualified to say, but as you want our opinion then we can suggest and if you want to not take them to develop skills, then you need to know whether or not you will tolerate what's thrown back to you and be able to cope.

If I miss a day or so taking my AD then I know that I'm knocking on the black dog's door and that's not what I would ever want to happen.

You have to decide whether you want to take this chance.

If you have been off them for a month but ' torn between starting again or stopping them ' then this uncertainty indicates taking them again.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Ames82,

Thank you for your post. You might be more confused than you started though since all of us will have different views!

I think it's important to listen to everyone around you, like your psych and GP (which you are doing already), but to try and listen to yourself more. You have already been off these meds for a month so all the meds are probably out of your system by now - does it feel different? Do you feel like you can cope on your own?

One thing I will add though is that I understand the meds are a safety net. The meds aren't going anywhere. They can still be your safety net if you decide to stop them completely; you can always decide to go back on them if you feel that's right for you.

RT

[tasol]

I have recently come off a medication using a staggered approach i.e. a gradual withdrawal as recommended by my doctor. The doctor is now looking at trying another medication for my depression. The previous medication gave me sexual function problems. My psychologist does not give any recommendation or advice, saying this is for the doctor. I am a bit reluctant. Has anybody else had a problem like this?

[ShyLizard]

Hi Ames, I was on anti-depressants for a few years too, mostly to stabilise my anxious moods, which were getting out of control. For me it really helped, and it was nice to not get so easily triggered by situations. But I didn't want to stay on medication forever (plus it was causing me sexual dysfunction), so when my life was at a point where things were less stressful in general, I decided to gradually go off it. It was difficult, because for the first few months my emotions were really strong and exaggerated (as opposed to dulled from the medication). But that eventually passed and went back to a relatively normal level (for me anyway).

I believe that it's easier to be in touch with your feelings when you're off medication, however you need to be able to cope and manage your feelings. Otherwise it's not worth it. I agree that the medication is always going to be there as a safety net if you get desperate, but it's worth trying to stay off it if you have the motivation to find other coping strategies.

I have been off medication for about 2 years now, and have also been tempted to start again on several occasions. But every time I seem to get through the bad patch and find new ways to cope. So for me the pro's of going off medication were: sexual function returned to normal, more in touch with my feelings, feel proud that I've found some ways to cope. Cons: everyday life is a little more challenging, initial adjustment period.

[hopeful_]

I have just come off my antidepressant, after being on it for a few years. I'm now on a new one, and finding the adjustment quite difficult, as I need to give it a few weeks to work, and the doctor needs to adjust the dose gradually. I feel awful, really anxious and depressed, and just not myself. I'm trying to be patient, and brave, but it's not easy. Has anyone else felt like this when changing medications? I guess I just want to know that I am not the only one going through this.

[BP1]

So after months of debating with myself, I have decided to slowly eliminate one of my meds under the supervision of my Doctor. The goal is to be off the particular med by Easter. The main reason is the incredible weight gain I've suffered over the five and a half years I have been on this med- gaining 40 kilos in that time with the expected health issues. It will take time but I want my health back....and my body.

Wish me luck guys and I would love to hear of anyone else's experience in weight loss after ditching a med.

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi BP1,

Great work in being proactive with your healing and recovery. I have seen many people drop weight after reducing medications in my experience as a mental health nurse. Sometimes it is really easy, but sometimes it takes some time to change long term habits. One great thing to start is a health diary or you could use a health tracking app. You could record your diet, your mood and weight in every few days. I use one called 'My Fitness Pal' which allows you to see the content of the foods you eat and input your activity and water intake. You can also input your weight and track you health journey through it. You could also keep a record of any side effects you experience coming off the medications. This way if you are having some irregular experiences in your mood or increase in any symptoms, you can track when they occurred which is very helpful to health professionals when you go in for check ups. Sometimes just using a calendar on the wall is enough.

Please feel free to use the forum to check in, ask questions and talk about your journey. There is already a thread with some suggestions on weight loss - just search 'Antidepressants and weight gain' above in the search bar. Or you could even try to go to the Staying Well section of the forum where there are many motivating threads on activity, walking, and eating healthy. I wish you the best of luck in coming off you medications and reducing your weight.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn