I think it might be time to take action and demand that the Pharma companies provide small or micro dose versions of antidepressants to assist those who wish to stop taking the medicines or when switching medicines. It’s ridiculous to allow them to make billions on these drugs, but to not address the issues related to the development of tolerance or discontinuation syndromes.
It’s sad to have to read the “figure it out yourself” hoops that most have to jump through when trying to find the right medicine or when switching medicines or when tapering. Why do we pay so much and accept such poor treatment?
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hstroller
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I have had professionals tell me I should be free in two weeks. Everyone is different though. I told her I would stay on it, got another RX and tapered off two months, walking it back twice.
There are many medicines that are extended release that can’t be divided. However, even if it can, why should you have to try to do it yourself? How about having 1mg, 2mg, or 5mg micro doses? It would help so many people who need a long complex or difficult taper, especially with meds with short half life’s.
Idk, cost? Logistics? Could be lots of reasons. I wouldn’t want to get another RX if I can cut it which is certainly not a burden and it allows me to control the dose. They affect everyone so differently that the time and amount that works doesn’t look the same to everyone. It is important that patients be able to do some self care regarding taper. You need to know when to slow down. I asked because I haven’t seen an antidepressant that wasn’t a tablet but I don’t exactly investigate these things.
Antidepressants are medication to treat symptoms, not a cure for any underlying causes of depression and many anxiety disorders. For instance, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants that are relatively safe and side effects are different for everyone. Every antidepressant medication is required by FDA to have black box warnings of all side effects. It is the Doctor’s job to take into account patients’ symptoms, any health problems and other medications. Your doctor can order certain blood test to monitor how your body responds to a particular antidepressant. SSRIs aren't addictive but stopping antidepressant treatment abruptly or missing several doses can cause withdrawal-like symptoms. All Doctors should watch closely their patients’ progress and adjust the dosage or changing medications accordingly. It is not up to patients to figure it out themselves. Patients should have clear communication and follow-ups with their physicians. Everything builds up tolerance as you can see in something as simple as spicy food. I agree that pharmaceutical companies do make a ridiculous amount of profit. However my point is, it is not up to patients to figure it out themselves. Best wishes.
My experience is that psychiatrists don’t talk about stopping antidepressants much. Some don’t even talk about side effects seriously. Some antidepressants come in fixed, non-dividable doses, so how do you taper off when there isn’t a smaller pill and you can’t divide what you are on?
In order to reach the full effect, there is such thing called equivalent doses that is starting point for practitioner based on patient evaluation. Depend on patient’s progress, it will be reduced or increased or even changed into a complete route of treatment. I’m sorry you experienced less informative psychiatrists. A concern patient will always asks questions and demands answers because that is important. It’s a long journey unlike abx can treat within 5-14 days. Hope you will be able to get the best treatment in the future 🙏
Took the words right out of my mouth! I was thinking about this last night as I tried to n cut a 50 mg Trazadone pill into a 37.5 mg dose. I have been tapering from 100 mg to get off the drug. All I get are little pieces and shards that make it really hard to guess how much 37.5 is. I’m cynical and believe manufactures do this to make it as difficult as possible to get off of the drug they manufacture.
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