Posted by Joslynn on January 13, 2005, at 12:58:03
I was diagnosed with recurrent depression. The first episode, mid 20s, eventually lifted without meds, but it was a bad, severe episode, involving suicidal thoughts, not eating etc. The second episode was when I was in my early-30s, also very severe. That time I tried meds& they were successful.
On meds, I had some little dips, and one episode that I would describe as moderate to severe, in August, but short lasting. I would say it was situationally based.
I've tried to do a lot of work figuring out the situational things and triggers in therapy and had a spiritual reawakening. My question is, how do I know if/when I am ready to taper off meds? It was never my intention to take them forever.
I tried to taper off one time and felt a bit off, got scared, and went back on them after only a few weeks. My pdoc says now is not the time to taper them again. But when IS the time? How will I ever know if I don't need them if I never try to go off them?
How else do you know? When do you know? I'll stay on them for now, but I want to have some kind of goal of when to go off them. (I am on 10 mg Lex.)
The Lex is ok, but I feel kind of neutered, not as sensual, more neutral sexually. Somewhat like a plant. And I seem to be a bit hungrier. Also, what if I have kids one day? What if this has side effects I don't know about?
How does one decide when the time has come to try it on your own, without meds? If I were bipolar or schizophrenic, I would definitely stay on meds, but do I need to stay on meds forever because I have had three episodes of depression over the course of 35 years?
How do you know if/when it's time to try it on your own? Has anyone else wondered this???
I hope this doesn't sound ungrateful. I know there are people out there really hurting, who can't get relief from meds, and here I am wanting to go off them. But it feels odd to feel so asexual and I worry about long-term effects. And I think it's just my nature not to take something if I don't need it.
How do I know whether or not I really need it? Is there a certain number of episodes that puts you in the "definitely need them forever" category? Thoughts, feedback? Thank you.
poster:Joslynn
thread:441642
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050113/msgs/441642.html