Giving up on medication

Dear Mnz,

Psychiatric medications are difficult things. What suits one peron doesn't necessarily suit another. Another thing you have to take into consideration is combinations of medications. Sometimes a medication regime doesn't work,but the addition or subtraction of one mediction can make all the difference. I think I have taken every medication known to man (I am bi-polar), and spent months desperate and discouraged when nothing worked. Finally my psychiatrist came up with a combination which WORKS for me and I feel great. Sadly it is a matter of trial and error. Don't give up - if necessary go to a second psychiatrist and ask for a second opinion. Psychiatry is s much an art as it is a science. I wish we didn't have to go through this but it is the only way. I would strongly advise against giving up on medication. If you do decide to do this then do it with your doctor's approval - withdraw gradually so that he/she can monitor how you are going, and make sure things don't get worse. Wishing ou all the best,

Ellu

Hi @Nmz

I agree with @Ellu. Medications are very tricky to find the right balance. I was given a new med while in hospital last December and then sent home after day 2. Wasn't a good idea but it was xmas and the hospital closed the mental health unit. (I know a stupid idea). This new med made me very anxious, wanting to SH and other things. But now i am off that medication and back on another one which is okay at the moment.

It makes me angry at times with so many med changes by the psychs but I guess i have to trust my psych in that he hopefully knows what he is doing.

But yes it's all trial and error and unfortunagtely our bodies are the ones that cop the side effects, whether good or bad.

take care, good luck 🙂

Dear Loulathecat,

It is hard to know what to do, isn't it.I think what you need most is a health care professional you can trust and feel comfortable talking to. It is dangerous for us to mess around with our medications (I am bi-polar) because we don't know anything about their effects or what they will do in combination. See how you go without the medication, but make it a priority to find someone you trust and can talk to in order to discuss a medication regime which might improve your quality of life out of sight. Shop around - if you don't like the first doctor you see, ask for a second opinion. Or a third.Doctors don't take it personally, they realise that some patientes will "click" for them and others won't. I know if you have someone dependable you trust and can rely on you can talk things through and make a mutual decision about the medication issue. Your life can be so much better than it is - my bi-polar is now under control and I am leading a normal life. Best wishes,

Ellu

Thank you @BlueBay and @Ellu.