Recovery- when to come off meds?

[Sandpiper14]

Hi guys,

I am recovery from a mental health crisis that I was experiencing at the end of last year.

I’ve come a long way but find drinking sets me back quite a lot so I’ve also decided to kick that to the side.I get really crappy hangiexty and act in ways I never would if I was sober. I’m also certain that the meds that I am on don’t mix well, anyone else find that with SSRI’s? I’m thinking of coming off them but I’m not sure how I know whether it’s the right time or not.

Anyways I’ve been back in work for the past 6 months now and I’m going to take every day as it comes. I’ve decided to start therapy too.

I’m still quite young and navigating my 20s have sucked but I’m trying to be positive.

[Agora1]

Hi Sandpiper14, Welcome to our community.

I'm happy that you are starting therapy. Getting the professional guidance

that you need will help put you on the right path, the right positive path.

As you've seen, using alcohol to feel good is short lived and can be quite

dangerous mixing it with your medication.

Quitting both at once may not be a good idea. Allow your therapist to help

you through this decision with weaning off them. You're young and you have

your whole life ahead of you. I'm proud of the fact you want to have a more

positive future. My best xx

[Sandpiper14 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you so much!

I think I will wean off them or deffo reconsider and take professional advice! I was certain I was ready to come off them but after this weekend of drinking I’m not too sure.

[Agora1 in reply to Sandpiper14]

You're doing the wise and safe thing by doing this one step at a time.

I did wean off my meds at one time under the care of my psychiatrist.

My best to you. Keep us updated xx

[Shnookie]

why do you want to come off your meds ? U R doing great. Back at work. It’s so positive that U R going to have therapy. It’s not a stigma to take meds. Please work with your doctor. Wishing U the best

[Sandpiper14 in reply to Shnookie]

I’m going on a long trip this summer, il be abroad for most of it. I don’t want to be dependent on them when I’m out of the U.K. in case I loose them or something! I’d hate to have a breakdown when I was away and not be able to access more meds. Does that make sense?

[bethelbee in reply to Sandpiper14]

My advice is to consult with your doctor regarding your meds. It is not a goid idea to do any med changes without him/her. As Shnookie said, if you are doing well on them you shouldn't come off. Going off can cause a relapse and you'd be more likely to have a breakdown while away. Make sure before going away you have enough to get you through vacation and while away make sure you keep them in a safe place so as not to lose them.

[Sandpiper14 in reply to bethelbee]

Thank you! I’ve worked out a plan with my doctor! I have around a month until I leave and I’m going to try a lower dose but I can always go back up if I needs!

[bethelbee in reply to Sandpiper14]

Glad you are working with your doctor! Sounds like a good plan. Hope the lower dose works well for you.

[Shnookie in reply to bethelbee]

Excellent point you make. Hope U R doing OK my friend

[epiman]

I drank alcoholically on Effexor to the point I went to AA. I swear the Effexor made me drink more than when I wasn't on it, but I've exhibited alcoholism most of my life. Thank God for AA. It was hell, but now I've been sober for 5 years, and I'm now on Viibryd and doing well. At a minimum consult with your doctor.

[Sandpiper14 in reply to epiman]

I’m sorry to hear that! I will deffo mention it the next time I have a routine appt!

[designguy]

I drank alcohol while on ssri's and even now that i'm on a snri without any problems, I still had a hangover like normal before I was taking the meds. I would suggest you make sure you are stable mentally and emotionally for a few years even before trying to taper off of meds. The times I have tapered off of them and from reading others experiences on this forum, have not turned out well. If you are going to travel, let your pharmacy know and take enough with you for your trip. Why risk problems on your trip? I have found and which is common with a lot of us, that my body physically does not make enough feel good neurotransmitters and i need the medication to function well and the same could be for you too.

[Sandpiper14]

I guess I’m scared of becoming dependent on them. I want to make myself happy again without relying on meds although I fully support anyone who needs to go on them I just struggle with it myself!