Posted by Johnny Doe on August 12, 2004, at 22:48:57
I don't know what percentage of people this is, but many people taking psycho. medication are not seeing a therapist and/or working on the issues that lead them to medication in the first place. So in addition to the obvious chemical side effects of discontinuing use, we are left psychologically vulnerable.
An analogy I would like to make is of that of a young child living at home. The child is very happy and foolishly thinks he is capable of living out on his own; a noble aspiration, but very stupid. The problem is that many of us (myself included) have tried to "run out of the house" with no clothes, money, food, or any idea how to support outselves. Human maturation is a slow process; we aren't sea-turtles.
If you are at a specific level of medication, and are not happy, it seems that considering dropping all medication completely is a very unwise thought. You have to learn how to swim before you can jump in the pool, and to assume you'll just figure it out when you get in is silly.
For those who are satisfied, and want to come off, this is my advice...the slower the better. Not just so your body can adjust, but your mind most importantly. Remember that you didn't just "ease" into adulthood from childhood over a couple of weeks. I'm not implying that one should take years comming off a medication, but it may be necessary for some.
Currently I am at 75mg of Effexor XR. In addition this, I see a physchologist every two weeks and have recently started meditating. As silly as this may sound, you may be greatly surprised at how much this helps if you learn how to meditate properly. I am planning my withdrawl attempt, which isn't my first, and I know that from the time I start cutting down to when I'm completely off will be at least 3 months, no less.
Now by that I'm not implying that a 150mg taker necessarily would need 6 months, etc. It's just important to remember that you need time for your mind to adjust to life without the aid of medication.If anyone feels differently, or agrees, please post follow-ups. Thanks.
John
poster:Johnny Doe
thread:377039
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040811/msgs/377039.html