CLOSED // Topic Tuesday // Medication

Should you choose to go off your medication, it is best to do so in a way that ensures your mental and physical wellbeing are looked after. You can this by

• First consulting with your health care provider. He or she can work with you to create a plan of action that will gradually take you off your medication or switch to a non-drug treatment option.
• Reduce the medication dose gradually wherever possible. The slower the dose-reduction, the greater the chances of preventing a relapse, and reducing unpleasant withdrawal effects.
• Tell people close to you of your intent and needs coming up, for their support, encouragement and understanding.
• Prepare an Advance Directive that indicates how you would like to be treated should you have a serious crisis during the withdrawal process. Ensure you give a copy to someone you can trust and also to your doctor or psychiatrist.
• Monitoring your mood can help you spot subtle trends that might otherwise get overlooked. Also, recording any side effects can help you to remain objective and recognise any less obvious patterns that occur. A good one to look at is from the Black Dog Institute at http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/docs/12.MoodChartforBipolarDisorder.pdf

These are just a few of the many things people choose to do when coming off their medication. I imagine it could be an almost exhaustive list. Does anyone feel comfortable sharing their ideas or experiences?

so confused about how this forum works! where do I comment?

@Hazelle

Just to catch you up, above your post you will see @snoopy latest question.

Feel free to share your thoughts / experiences

Nik

Hi @Hazelle. Welcome.

I might aswell share my current experience!

23yo female: depression, anxiety, PSTD & BPD

Over a year ago I started my antidepressant medication regime. At the time I was suffering from depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, impulsivity and self harm. 2 months after starting my treatment these symptoms began to decrease, however the thinking patterns still existed. I started to talk about my problems with my doctor and psych which also helped.

Over the last year I have managed to take control of my mind and notice when the dark thoughts begin to submerge themselves into daily life. Becoming more aware of my thinking really helped to start making small changes. I am also halfway through my DBT course for BPD.

I have just recently contacted my doctor about decreasing my dosage. She prescirbed me a lower dosage to start weening myself off. I did listen to her advice, however I have made adjustments to her reccomendations.

Basically I have just become self aware and have a really good understanding of my personal triggers and symptoms. This has helped me dictate my gradual decrease in meds.

Hi @Hazelle

Thank you *so* much for sharing your story. It's a very empowering one!

It seems like you have a great balance of taking on board what professionals say and also noticing what your mind & body tells you. That's a really great asset to have.

Nik