Skipping your meds once in a while good for you I’ve learned

[Jaco2016]

Just wanted to share that I’ve come to realize on some days where the side effects of my antidepressant seem particularly bad or I feel extra “weighed down” /my depression is worse that if I skip my med the next day then I feel a lot better! I’ve noticed this too on days when I’m really constipated I’ll skip my dose the next day and my bowels magically free up! I’m thinking this is due to having too much medicine in my system and skipping a day helps to clear some of this out. I’m also trying to lower my dose to as little as possible but still effective dose because like I said I feel like I have too much in my system at times. Hope this helps anyone else who may be struggling with medications... and of course consult with your doctor on this before attempting on your own!

[HearYou]

PLEASE READ THE LAST LINE OF JACO16"S POST BEFORE YOU READ THE BEGINNING OF THE POST.

He had success with skipping his meds occasionally, but he checked with his doctor first and he had no serious side effects.

On the flip side of not taking meds for a day or two is my story.

I have had a seizure twice when I forgot to take one xanax for two days and ended up in the hospital for three miserable days, and a fractured vertebra that had to be mended surgically, and a several thousand dollar bills from the hospital, testing , surgery and physician bills after the insurance paid its portion.

Any constipation issue of some meds can be avoided by eating more fiber or buying fiber capsules and just take them daily.

[Jaco2016 in reply to HearYou]

Sorry you had a bad experience with this. I took Xanax back in ‘08 and when I quit cold turkey (without consulting a doc first) I had depersonalization and took myself to the ER for a “nervous breakdown.” These drugs are incredibly powerful and I hope no one would be as foolish as I was to quit cold turkey.

Constipation is only one side effect of my AD. There are also night sweats, insomnia, nightmares, teethgrinding and decreased libido. All of which are reasons I talked to my doctor about getting on the lowest dose possible of this drug. Many docs over prescribe as much drug as possible which is wrong IMO as they are not the ones having to take these powerful drugs! While they certainly can help anxiety and depression they are still blunt instruments and they affect multiple systems within the body which can I turn make depression worse! Xanax is incredibly powerful and it sounds like you may benefit from weaning off that medication if you can , to avoid physical dependence. Good luck!

[HearYou in reply to Jaco2016]

I have worked in the medical/legal field all my career, I have no idea of your background, and while I respect your opinion, unless you are trained in the medical field of my PTSD, I believe I will continue to follow the advice and medications recommended by the Board Certified Neuropsychiatrist and Board Certified Pain Management Anesthesiologist who are teaching professors at medical school here. Couldn't get more cutting edge care.

My medications and treatment are routinely reviewed and planned rotation on to others. I am fortunate as these physicians make appointments for me on a monthly basis for over 20 years. They discussed the change from my medical related career, were at my graduation cum laude from law school, and hid from me when I sought to depose them. lol

You suggest I "wean"off xanax, when you aren't aware if I am even taking it, or the dosage. As much as chemistry bores me, these physicians explain how each of the medications influences my brain and body and interact with one another. No, I fully believe every single pill I've taken was beneficial for the timeframe taken, and when it was changed. I have been very fortunate to be at the right place, at the right time, have talented surgeons put me back together after an accident I should not have survived, and have the physicians I have now. I wish every person could have access to the care I receive.

I am glad pipa3 posted and listened to the replies to her about deciding to just not take her meds.

[Jaco2016 in reply to HearYou]

Good for you!

[HearYou in reply to Jaco2016]

You just have to have the last word, don't you.

[Jaco2016]

Psychiatrists call taking a day off your drugs “ a drug holiday.” I think my psychiatrist was bored certified, but not board certified !

[HearYou in reply to Jaco2016]

Rheumatologists call it that regarding osteoporosis prevention meds. Dibbs in "last word:!

[Jaco2016]

I’m sorry to hear that. How often are you skipping ? I’m assuming you are not skipping on purpose . I only skip when I feel like the meds are causing me to feel worse as sometimes happens for whatever reason...