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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Christina on March 23, 2001, at 9:51:16
Hi Everyone:
I've been reading a lot posts regarding weaning off psych drugs.
It seems most of us are dealing with the same withdrawal effects and wondering how long they'll last, what we can do to survive the process, and what's the next step.A little background... I've been on various ADs and mood stabilizers for about 6 years. The major weight gain, foggy brain, lack of motivation and overall lack of joy are too much for me, so I've decided to taper off and hope for something good. I'm on Day 3 with no meds.
I'm afraid of what's next... will I have a major relapse in depression? Will I screw up whatever "good" I may have done in the past six years ("good" meaning that I haven't been hospitalized, and that I'm still alive)
Will my brain ever be normal?
Will I have to go back on ADs for the rest of my life if this doesn't work out?These are questions I think we're all grappling with, and I'd like to open the forum to hear how everyone is doing with this.
Posted by Alli on March 23, 2001, at 13:46:16
In reply to General Discussion: Medication Withdrawal, posted by Christina on March 23, 2001, at 9:51:16
Christina ~ I have nothing to offer, as I'm wondering the same exact things as you right now. I've been off of Effexor since the end of January, and I'm "just not myself"... not the person I knew and enjoyed for the past two years, anyway. And the only reason I quit Effexor was because of weight gain, darn it! I'm on BuSpar right now, which is for anxiety (withdrawal from Effexor caused major anxiety/heart palpitations). I have no motivation to do a darn thing and am weepy and tired all the time.
I look forward to reading the responses to your post.
I'm really wondering what's next. Alli.
Posted by ChrisK on March 24, 2001, at 4:36:02
In reply to General Discussion: Medication Withdrawal, posted by Christina on March 23, 2001, at 9:51:16
No meds at all after 6 years with some success? I would expect a major relapse into depression once you are done battling the withdrawl effects. Why not try a different augmentation or different type of med? If you've been through SSRI's without success then maybe a TCA or MAOI trial might help. I would suppose that you have had some successs during the 6 years. I would say to stick with what gave you the best condition and try to augment it rather than going completely off of meds. IMO, you are playing with fire and depression may catch up to you with a vengeance.
Just my opinion as someone who admits that I will be on AD's for the rest of my life because I don't want to go back to where I oncwe was.
Hope things work out for the best
Chris
> Hi Everyone:
> I've been reading a lot posts regarding weaning off psych drugs.
> It seems most of us are dealing with the same withdrawal effects and wondering how long they'll last, what we can do to survive the process, and what's the next step.
>
> A little background... I've been on various ADs and mood stabilizers for about 6 years. The major weight gain, foggy brain, lack of motivation and overall lack of joy are too much for me, so I've decided to taper off and hope for something good. I'm on Day 3 with no meds.
>
> I'm afraid of what's next... will I have a major relapse in depression? Will I screw up whatever "good" I may have done in the past six years ("good" meaning that I haven't been hospitalized, and that I'm still alive)
> Will my brain ever be normal?
> Will I have to go back on ADs for the rest of my life if this doesn't work out?
>
> These are questions I think we're all grappling with, and I'd like to open the forum to hear how everyone is doing with this.
>
>
>
>
Posted by avoet on March 26, 2001, at 17:42:51
In reply to Re: General Discussion: Medication Withdrawal, posted by Alli on March 23, 2001, at 13:46:16
Christina,
I am right where you are! I am getting off my AD right now. It has been making me more depressed than I was to begin with. It has been making me cycle more ( I am bipolar). Anyway, I have the same fears as you do. Will I be totally depressed? Will I freak out? I am scared to death. But I have to try or I will never know. Hang in there you are not alone
This is the end of the thread.
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