Weaning my house of cards

Snoman · ‎03-03-2015

I have enough side effects from my current AD that tI am keen to get off it. I have been doing really well thanks also to my psych. About 4 months ago I spoke to my GP about my concerns of coming off the current AD - it is know for severe withdrawal side effects. She suggested possibly switching to a very similar one that is kinder on the system. Problem is that it is much harder to wean off that one.

Anyway, I have started to wean off my current AD (with the intention of staying off meds). It is a capsule, so I can count out the little beads inside. I started weaning in the first week of January, and have only just gotten down to 75% of my original dose. I keep a log as it is important to do this right.

On days that I reduce my dose, I am only dropping my about 0.07% of my original dose. Some days I don't reduce. I base this on how I am feeling and how much I need to be stable in the coming week.

The process is working really well. Mostly I have been feeling better than I have for years. My only issue is that my emotions are as stable as a house of cards on a wobbly table. It doesn't take much to fall apart. I had one very awful weekend and have since been more mindful of when to reduce.

I have taken up taekwondo as part of the replacement to my meds - exercise is so helpful in combating depression. Days when I have training tend to be good days to reduce my dose. I always feel much better after a session.

The fragility of my mood tends to keep me away from the BB forums. I know that once I stop reducing my meds (because I will be free of them), then my mood will be come more stable.

Snoman

JessF · ‎03-03-2015

Hello Snoman, I have had the experience of having to come off medications with nasty withdrawal effects before, and my doctor has suggested similar to you, switching to another one with lesser withdrawal effects and then weaning off the second one. Having had two attempts to get off this first medication, the first being horrible with brain zaps, this second attempt with the 'transfer' option was a lot smoother for me.

Like you, I had very fragile mood during the process, and have ended up going back on medication, but at a much smaller dose than before. Good on you with the taekwondo, exercise does work, even though I curse having to do it.

I'm intrigued what you say about feeling fragile keeping you away from the forums, do you not feel you can come here and get support? Or do some of the stories get too depressing? I have found this myself which is why I limit my time, or I spend more of it in the recovery section which is more forward looking.

Snoman · ‎04-03-2015

Thank you Jess,

In the past I have often had to limit my time here as the stories eventually get too much for me. Right now my fragile mood only allows me to have a quick cursory read of some posts. If I intend to respond, I put on my empathetic hat, and right now that is way too much for me. I can't spend much time on replying before I know I have to move on. I normally try to re-read my post before submitting it. That is too much.

Answering your question has also made me realise I am avoiding my empathetic hat all the time. I know this is temporary. I am getting stronger.

Even though I know I am not currently able to respond or read many posts, I still come here occasionally just to see who is still around. I miss the lovely people here. Just seeing that regulars (like you 🙂 ) are still around and posting gives me a smile inside.

Sno

white knight · ‎04-03-2015

Hi Sno,

I took then weaned myself off 12 tablets before I hit the jackpot. All the Ad's didnt work well for me in terms of side effects. Then a mood stabiliser was the one that was really effective with little side effects at all. But funny enough I still take 10mg of AD's with no side effect and it keeps my emotions in tact. So there might be an answer for you soon. Please go through the processes with your doctors and I dips my lid with your throughness in the process.

As for this forum you are not alone when it comes to regulating your input. The beauty of this forum is you can put the computer down when you desire. There is no obligation or expectations. Sometimes after a lengthy spell on here I have to stand and walk to my garden to change my environment then I'm fine.

It's good to see you here.

Tony WK

JessF · ‎05-03-2015

Thank you Snoman! Your profile picture is very good, I must say, how many times do we all do that? Say I'm fine when we know we're not.