Meds

Has anyone experienced hell when trying to get off your medication? This is why I absolutely hate our Western Medicine system!

[Agora1]

Oh yes toddt2...it was a bear getting off the med. The difference was in that I knew that each day brought me closer to reaching my goal of being medication free. The struggle was so worth the end results. Stay Strong my friend

[fauxartist in reply to Agora1]

I just think some people have to take meds....bipolar , schizophrenia....manic depression...etc. and it's no different than taking heart meds. But if your talking about Benzo's or pain meds...yeah...I understand wanting to get off those.

[Agora1 in reply to fauxartist]

I agree fauxartist. Meds may be the only way we can function. In my case it was about Benzos and having been on them 30years was causing more harm then good. I'm still on Lexapro and as long as it's doing it's thing, I'll leave well enough alone. xx Thanks for clarifying that, it's important never to get off a drug without the consult of your prescribing doctor.

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

But why would you want to stay on a medication where the side effects of getting off the meds are worse than the actual disease or condition they are supposed to be treating? A MAJOR side effect of getting off of any anxiety medication I have ever been on is extreme levels of anxiety! WTF is that?

[fauxartist in reply to Hidden]

what drug are you trying to come off of todd?...would help to understand where your coming from....I agree side effects are not a good thing...totally understand that.

sorry just read what drug your trying to get off of....got it

[Hidden in reply to fauxartist]

Sertraline currently and Gabapentin recently

[Agora1 in reply to Hidden]

There comes a time toddt2 where there needs to be some intervention regarding therapy and medication. You can't expect to be taken off the meds and be allowed to swim by yourself. You need a lifeline. Another method or tool to get you through the extreme levels of anxiety.

So many things play a part in getting off meds. Your acceptance that this is anxiety and not harmful. Dealing with the extreme symptoms and knowing how to control them w/o medication. It's not easy. It's a learning process in retraining your brain to calm down. Our brain is a beautiful complicated organ that manufactures chemicals that can relieve pain, reduce our stress but it can also work against us.

By learning other methods in stress reduction while on the medication, it would make it easier to wean off because you have something to lean on which after a while will become your control method. Complicated not really if we understand the mechanics of the Mind/Body connection. Breathe toddt, breathe

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

I have done all of these to prepare. I'm not mad at the medicines, I'm mad at the doctors and the health system/"Western Medicine" because the doctors have no reguards to what the meds and side effects of getting of of the meds can do to patients lives. Some of these side effects have been letal to my relationships and people do not understand its not really you talking to them, it's the side effects. Doctors should have to answer for ruining people's lives, it's that simple. When they develope these meds, they develope them so people have to take them for the rest of their lives. Period! Do you know why they do that? $$$$$$$$! The number 1 thing that is wrong with the entire world today! Do me a favor and realize the difference between Western Medicine and Eastern Medicine. We are people to damnit and we are all being taken advantage of and robbed because our brains are wired differently. Tell me that isn't the BOLD FACED TRUTH?

[Agora1 in reply to Hidden]

Of course it's all about money toddt...The Pharmaceutical companies push the drugs on the doctors and then the doctors in turn farm them out to us. As for your question as to what drug I was on for 30 years. It was Xanax. Small dose 0.25mg but daily. What the drug of choice is one day, is not the other. If you could find yourself a good Holistic Medical Doctor they would agree with you.

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

I've tried accupunture, diet, exercise, etc., etc. I live in a smaller town where there are absolutely no specialists with anxiety and depression. The clijnic literally sends you to anyone of their doctors when you ask to see someone about anxiety.

[Agora1 in reply to Hidden]

I guess I'm fortunate in that my psychiatrist (who wasn't the one who placed me on Xanax) happens to be an expert in Benzo withdrawing. So I was in good hands in getting off the medication.

It was an Internist who had placed me on that small dose of Xanax. I don't think they knew then how habit forming it could become. I was lucky in that I never needed to take a higher dose, it just stopped working one day and I went into withdrawal while being on it.

I too have tried it all regarding acupuncture, meditation, exercise, biofeedback, hypnosis deep breathing and on and on. Thank goodness I did, because now I have a lot to fall back on when stress gets to me. Instead of reaching for a "chill pill" I turn to YouTube and Meditate, Deep Breathe and do Self Hypnosis.

So toddt, nothing you have tried or learned is wasted. That can become your "go to" even while weaning off your med. Come vent anytime you have to, support is necessary by those of us who understand.

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

Can you give me some direct into deep breathing or self hypnosis?

[Agora1 in reply to Hidden]

I didn't forget you toddt. I use YouTube. I'm looking through my notes to see what may fit you best. The videos on there are amazingly helpful. I'm going to give you some short ones at first and then you can progress to longer videos. At the beginning I don't want you to tune out when you first start. It is an acquired training of your mind and body to respond to what you are being told. I'm at the point now that hearing the first couple words I immediately respond into a relaxed state and automatically start my deep breathing. I'll get right back to you, if you go to bed, my message will be waiting for you first thing in the morning. It's all about getting your life back in control and feeling well again. Who knows you may want to take on the challenge of doctors and pharmaceuticals taking more responsibility with their patient's care. One step at a time.

[Agora1 in reply to Hidden]

Sorry toddt, once I get into listening to the YouTube videos, I go into a trance. Hard to pull myself away. You may want to start with "Hypnosis for Clearing Subconscious Negativity" by Michael Sealey (soothing mellow voice) and/or "Sinking & Slowing Breathing Meditation" by the Quiet Mind Café.

Hope these help to just introduce you in relaxing.

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

Thank you Agora1! I just liked those videos on YouTube so I can begin the whole experience. I guess I have never tried deep breathing because I wasn't sure it would work. I am sure I need to invest more time into myself to get better. As I have sated before, I'm human and my mind is always looking for the easy/quick fix.

[Agora1 in reply to Hidden]

toddt2, I've got a lot more from where that came from. That was just to "dip your toe in the water"

The idea will be for you to find what works for you. Once you get into YouTube, just type in what the problem is you want to address and like magic, help will appear

And yes, whatever you pick, it does take repetition and some work on your side. You've got this. Have a good day

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

Thanks Agora1! You too!

[Hidden]

I'm currently trying to get off sertraline and having a very hard time. Nausea, light headed, mood swings. This winter I also had some issues with Gabapintin while I was on it and getting off of it. The Gaba made me have extreme mood swings and high levels of anger. The part that really makes me upset is the doctor never once explained the side effects of being on, or getting off of these medicines. That happened to any of you????

[Agora1 in reply to Hidden]

toddt2, is your doctor aware that you are currently trying to get off Sertraline? It is important. Your health history, the dose and length of time on this drug need to be taken into consideration. Don't forget the Sertraline was substituting the chemicals your brain needed and now it needs to readjust, heal and learn how to make them on it's own again. That's why a doctor must oversee weaning off. For safety sake as well as support.

I understand you being upset, but doctors don't usually tell us the negative side of drugs or we would never take them. His/her job is to make us feel better at the moment.

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

THAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH WESTERN MEDICINE!!!! They are giving you something that your body is missing and not doing anything to help your body compensate or naturally try it to help remedy itself! My doctor was well aware that I was trying to get off the medication. I had tapered off to 10mg and still have killer side effects when trying to quit. I haven't met a docot yet that I feel genuinely cares. My current doctor told me nothing about side effects or what I could do to combat them. She agreed to stop seeing me before I even quit the meds!

[Agora1 in reply to Hidden]

I'd be the first to agree that western medicine has a long way to go. Research is constantly going on and yet we feel as if we are spinning our wheels at times regarding chronic conditions. That is why it is imperative that we don't rely 100% on medication. We need to integrate other natural methods of reducing stress, pain or whatever it may be. I use Meditation and Deep Breathing. It was a process in learning over the 30 years I was on Benzos. I tried everything including counseling until I found what would work for me and then I weaned off my meds. It took me 2years slowly cutting down every 2 weeks until there was nothing but powder that I was taking. Even after that, because of it having been In my system for 30 years...it took another year for my brain to heal. All that time, I used meditation and deep breathing, exercise and positive thoughts to get me though.

The thing is toddt I have control back of my life once again.

[Hidden in reply to Agora1]

What medicine were you taking for that long? I'm mad at the doctors and the health system/"Western Medicine" because the doctors have no reguards to what the meds and side effects of getting of of the meds can do to patients lives. Some of these side effects have been letal to my relationships and people do not understand its not really you talking to them, it's the side effects. Doctors should have to answer for ruining people's lives, it's that simple. When they develope these meds, they develope them so people have to take them for the rest of their lives. Period! Do you know why they do that? $$$$$$$$! The number 1 thing that is wrong with the entire world today! Do me a favor and realize the difference between Western Medicine and Eastern Medicine. We are people to damnit and we are all being taken advantage of and robbed because our brains are wired differently. Tell me that isn't the BOLD FACED TRUTH?

[fauxartist in reply to Hidden]

yeah....that's totally not cool for the doctor to not give you a heads up....and yes, I have had terrible withdrawals from a long time ago when I got off pain meds for a neck injury....that was pre-sobriety....now I only take Lexapro for my depression, I'm no good with out it, and take the lowest dose. Everyone reacts to meds differently...what did your doctor say about these mood swings and other side effects...that would make me angry too if I didn't know that would possibly happen....sorry your going through all that.

[Hidden in reply to fauxartist]

I had to find out about the very nasty side effects of Gabapintin on the internet! As I have stated in a different comment, I don't see my doctor anymore because of all this. I haven't met a doctor yet that I feel actually cares about me. Been to two diffent branches of local hospitals and both are the same. When I was at my local Mayo Clinic, I had been suicidal for awhile during a rough patch. I told the doctor's nurse that I was dealing with suicidal thoughts. When she left the room, I heard her talking to another nurse saying how rediculous and funny people were that talked about suicide and that she couldn't wait to start working with children because people like me were stupid! How does that sit with you?

[fauxartist in reply to Hidden]

I just read there can be interactions with those two drugs together...talk to your pharmacist about the side effects....they have to know because it's their job, it's what they do. Sometimes doctors just don't think...and prescribe drugs that they don't know can have interactions.

[Hidden in reply to fauxartist]

Really! Are you kidding me?!!!!!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

If I ruined somebody's life would I have to answer for it? You're darn right I would! What makes them different?

[fauxartist in reply to Hidden]

no....seriously.....it was a mixed bag of symptoms and side effects, most minor, but none the less....some do have reactions to one degree or another...but your best info is going to be from the pharmacist.

[Hidden in reply to fauxartist]

I knew something was wrong with me, then I read some of the problems associated with the Gabapintin and I immediately got off of them. Should this make me want to schedule an appointment with this doctor just to bitch her out? Because that is what I am going to do!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Sertraline is an ssri. Anytime you artificialily mess with brain chemistry the brain stops making the chemicals that are being supplemented by the medicine. Same thing happens with illegal drugs. Except in the medical field they do not call it withdrawal syndrome. Instead they sanitize it and call it ssri discontinuation syndrome. Sertraline is a generic for the brand name Zoloft. Their has been controversy in years past that people getting off Zoloft have a tendency to become violent. It all started when Phil Hartman’s wife killed him and committed suicide.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I really did not know any of that! Why is it okay for doctors to prescribe these medicines without explaining these things?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I don’t know the specific reason why they don’t explain it to us. My working theory is they really don’t know the long term effects from taking these medicines. The brain is still a mystery to medical science. In fact they don’t know for certainty how these medicines actually help with depression and anxiety. I have tried to ween off Zoloft. I got agitated and lost my temper easily. It scared me and I went back on it. I am not a violent person.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Neither am I. So you are still on it and can't get off?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes I am. I have come to accept I might need it the rest of my life now. I have noticed I am able to focus better while on it.

[Rpan]

I’m coming off the same medication it sucks. For me I felt side effects on the medication than my blood sugar went dangerously low, so I had to stop the med. I now have the worst insomnia, worse feeling than ever before. The first night I didn’t sleep at all, than I started reading about the withdrawal. Stomach is killing me, headache, itchy, feeling very hot, and I’ve been off it for one week. So ya I’m in the same boat, for me though I’m losing confidence with my MD. The whole thing is very depressing, you go for help, to find very little help is available ( medication wise) it’s very frustrating.

[Hidden in reply to Rpan]

I couldn't agree more with you! Finally someone who I feel is looking at things through the same colored lenses! I wish I could kiss you! Please read some of the other posts I have made answering some other people's responses to my post. I can't handle any of these doctors anymore. I have found in so many cases in life that the only person you can rely on to make things better for you, is you! $ rules everyone and everything around us! No one truly cares about making anyone else better.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I went to my family doctor he took blood said my liver enzymes were slightly elevated so he sent me to a liver doctor. The liver doctor on my second visit wanted to do a liver biopsy. I said to him liver biopsy? Are you kidding me? He never asked about it again. Lol turns out I changed my diet and now my liver count is perfect. Healthcare is big business these days. Doctors find out you have insurance it’s open season for them. You become a cash cow. Look at the racket they got going with colonoscopies. They tell you at age 50 they have to shove a hose up your ass. How stupid of a society do we have to be?

[Hidden]

I really hope to talk more to you rpanio! How have you been trying to deal with all of this?

[Rpan in reply to Hidden]

I have to constantly try many different things to help. I do really think that doctors are genuine, it’s just that this science is so old and dated. It’s mostly trial and error with medications, which just stinks. I have learned that medications are not the answer. They are the tool to just try and buy time so that we can work on our real issues. So when a medication fails me, like they often do, I just keep it moving. I don’t drink or so drugs, I exercise, I rarely have sugar and I don’t have carbs, all of these things help. My doctor has been clear with me, this is an inside job.

[Rpan]

Man I do so much my friend. My story is long, been going through this for many years. I read and learn as much possible about anxiety and depression. I go to counseling, I see a psychologist,

[Hidden in reply to Rpan]

Ive been on this ride for 20+ years now. I read as much as possible and am always looking for new ideas. As a human of this age, I am guilty of looking for the easy fix and instant fix. Do you have any recommendations for reading. What do you suggest when I am not in an area where I can see a specialist or someone who has extensive experience with social anxiety?