medication

Alli · Post by **Alli** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 3:09 am

I really love this program and feel like it teaches a lot of valuable lessons that anyone can benefit from. My only problem with it is that it really preaches that you can get off your medication. I have really been thinking about this lately. Depression and anxiety run in my family. I use the skills and I still feel like I need the medication. I'm on Cymbalta. I have no problem taking the medication. It doesn't cause me to be anxious and I actually like one of the side effects which is slight weight loss. I was just wondering if anyone felt that there is no problem being on medication for the long term.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 4:47 am

I am on efector and clanapan I dont find it a problem, I have a stressful job and without it I would be a mess. I like the program , and will still stay on my meds. I dont think its a problem

Alchemical_gold · Post by **Alchemical_gold** » Sun Apr 13, 2008 7:08 am

I was on Lexapro after my big panic attack last year. I stayed on it for several months and then started to reduce the dose myself to where I was breaking the tablets in half. After a couple weeks I went every other day and eventually off Lexapro all together. I feel more emotions (good and bad)and less disconnected from the world when I'm not on Lexapro. When I feel my symptoms coming back, I start back on it for a week or two and then go back off. If any doctors are reading this, I bet they are shaking their heads right now. I know that in the past I did not need medication for my stress and anxiety and I want to get back to that on a permanent basis. This program is helping already and I'm just starting session 3.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 4:41 pm

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Lucinda talks about most people being able to get off their anxiety medication and some even being able to get off meds for depression. She does make a distinction if you listen carefully. I hope I paraphrased her correctly.
I do need medication for depression and am on a mild dose of Xanax as needed for anxiety, some of which is worse WITH the depression meds, go figure. I have all but quit a pack a day smoking habit, so you can see me anxiety is very much better.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:27 pm

Bevhembree - you got it.

Many people need meds for depression the same way a diabetic needs insulin - long term, with disastrous results if you stop.

Anxiety meds are a bit different - the deeper you get in the program, the more you realize that your thoughts create your anxiety. The more practice you get at getting a leash on that runaway train of thought, the better you get at controling anxiety without meds. If that sounds like BS to you at this point, you probably aren't ready to come off meds. You should be extremely comfortable and confident and following your dr's and family and friends advice should you decide to come off meds. Stay in touch with your doctor even if you feel well so you can have an objective opinion to how you are doing - don't wait till things get bad to get your dr's help - use them to KEEP THINGS GOOD.

And if you are doing great and on meds - stay on!

As the old saying goes IF IT AIN'T BROKE, DON'T FIX IT!

Heather

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 18, 2008 8:24 am

yeah like i was doing fine for a few years now. and i started going of clomopramine slowly last summer and into the fall. i was ok for a while but i had some physical side affects from going off of it. and they went on for a while so it started to freak me out and on top of school stress the anxiety just came back. so now im going back on it. my family and doctor thought id be okay to be off of it now but i guess not. now im mad i went off of it in the first place. hopefully i can get back to normal now.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 3:40 pm

My main objective of doing the program is to get off my Wellbutrin and Celexa. I have had depression my entire life, and on many different meds for 17years. I am tired of all the side effects. I am concerned my doc won't go for the program, and will want to keep me on drugs; since that seems to be their business. Has any one had issues with docs, or have weened themselves off meds? Also how do you know when is ok to go off them? I'm new (can you tell!) thanks for any help!

Tinkerella · Post by **Tinkerella** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 3:30 pm

Hey double vision. In regarding getting out of your meds it is not an easy task. I was Lexapro for about a year and you have to wean yourself little by little. I started by cutting the tablets in half for couple of months. Then I started to cut them in quarters. Then I started to take the quarter pieces every 2 days until I ran out. Since then I have not been on meds for 2 years now. Right now I am taking omega 3's and cal/mag supplements. Being also an active member in church has help me a lot to knowing that God is with me always to help me through rough times. It is not easy but you can do it. It is going to take time. I hopes this helps.