Coming off medication

[londongent]

Hi all,

I plan to start the programme and I remember hearing that one of the women speaking said she was able to come off her medication (while being on them for 10 years).

I've been on medication for 5 years and I'd really like to get over my depression and I just find it hard to believe that if you're on them for more than a few years, it can be very tough to get off.

What are your thoughts?

[Paisleegreen]

I don't know if I'm one of those women. I did go off my anti-depressants after being on them for 10 years of less. But that is when I experienced my first panic attack a couple months later.

I wasn't on this program at the time, but was visiting a Psychologist and was working Dr David Burns 10 steps to Self-Esteem. I weaned off of Wellbutrin with the aid of xanax. Now I'm off of Xanax and Wellbutrin.

I'm taking a low dosage of Remeron and I'm seeing a new Psychologist and not weekly like I was before. So this program does help. I've had the CDs for over a month now. They are very helpful and I have Lucinda's From Panic to Power book, which helps fill in what the CDs don't cover. Hope this helps. Paislee

[londongent]

Hi there,

Thanks for your reply.

Looking at the website, I found this:

"I had been on medication for ten years prior to using the Combatting Stress and Depression Program Program. Ten years and even my psychiatrist said I may have to be on drugs for the rest of my life. Now without medication I feel wonderful. The Combatting Stress and Depression Program Program was a miracle for me." - Ginny

While I think it is fantastic, I just find it a little hard to believe (then again, perhaps it is my negative thinking...).

It's just that I've tried coming off my medication around 3 times in the last 5 years and unfortunately the symptoms came back.

Maybe I should give this a shout.

[wantrelief]

You CAN get off the meds but please be careful. I was on Paxil for 4 years and weaned down to 10 mg and then 1/2 a pill (5 mg) for a bit and then tried to go off. It wasn't bad, but going from 1/2 pill to nothing...yikes! For me it was a nightmare, like I was going thru a hellish withdrawl, sweats, nightmares, fears, I will NEVER go on an SSRI again. Your thoughts have such power that you can do this, just breathe thru the rough patches. I'm betting a lot of people can do it without issue, but it didn't do well for me. The withdrawl took a weekend to go from 5 mg to nothing. I thought it would be nothing, it was not nothing. Make sure your doctor knows, you can't just go off your meds without them knowing.

[New Me]

After about week 11 of the program, I decided to wean off of my anti-depressant (Lexapro), and began the weaning process SLOWLY, and AFTER I talked to my doctor (just a general MD). The first few weeks off were hindered with some withdrawal side effects but overall I felt great and proud of myself. It's been about 2 months (plus a little), and I'm noticing I'm becoming a little short on patience (although not feeling depressed), so I'm circling back through the Attacking Anxiety tapes again, just to remind me how to deal with various issues. I seem to be drifting back towards my old tendencies regarding lack of positive thoughts, so I'm realizing this "process" will probably be a life-long work for me...another words, I will have to keep intentionally working on myself and my natural tendency to see the worst in things. The re-cycle seems to be working well, reminding me to keep up the positive self-talk, etc. Also, I'm a control freak, so having to remind myself to let others take on a little more of the control, and I'm trying to blow a few more things off. Best of luck, and don't feel pressured to get off your meds...just make sure it's right for YOU.