Mental Health Humor : Ask Dr. Bob Bob: Stopping Meds
Posted by chatobstewart on June 16th, 2008
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Ask Dr. Bob Bob: Stopping Meds is it the right thing to do? This is a loaded question since the side- effects of many meds do sometimes seem worse then the condition they aim to help. (See past posts: MEDS and MEDS part 2 .) Yet, the overwhelming answer from any doctor is NEVER, NEVER, NEVER stop taking your meds with out talking to your own doctor first. There may be some “real” reasons to stop your meds right away. Some can have side-effects of a rash that can cause death! Still, if you are having a real adverse reaction that is not common then call your doctor immediately or get to the hospital A.S.A.P.
Side effect is a subject, we as consumers of mental health medications, need to be especially skilled in and have some knowledge of. We need to be our own advocate, whether we have just been diagnosed or if we are a seasoned vet. We should always ask questions about the meds. Since most meds take any where from 6 to 8 weeks to really kick in.
On their website, the DBSA, has a page with 12 questions we all should have asked and gotten answered before we leave the doctor’s office. On their page titled “Communicating With Your Health Care Provider - What Questions to Ask ” listed here are two examples:
Be sure you know…
- The possible side effects of your medication(s) and what you should do if you experience a troublesome side effect.
- “If your medication needs to be stopped for any reason, how you should go about it. (Never stop taking your medication without first talking to your doctor.)”
It was the lack of meds that put me in the hospital. For two years, I went with out. Sometimes because I thought I could control my uncontrolled disorder and other times because I had a bad reaction to medication. I believe, no let me rephrase that, MY WIFE believes that medications is the only road to keep her husband she knows and loves back. Since she was the one that has stuck by me the longest these past 17 years, I have to believer her! While others have had very bad experiences with meds or claim they don’t work, well, I hate to say it, but meds do work when the missing puzzle of the your own chemistry is not found. Until then, some of us might rightfully feel like a Guinea pig!
Since, we all have different diagnoses, with different degrees of chemical adjustments needed…It is safe to say, not every medication will work the same for everyone. It also is safe to say, that there are those among us, that don’t need meds and can use cognitive therapy and will power to stay balanced. For me, it will be meds with therapy and a network of peer support. I will use every thing at my disposal to keep my balance because without it, I will not survive!
What about you? I know you have your thoughts on meds. Some of us hate them. Some of us can’t live without them… SOUND out and comment below.
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June 16th, 2008 at 9:03 pm e
I’m having some issues with meds at the moment, too, not mine, but my son’s. He’s only been on this dosage for a few days, but it’s really screwing with his sleep and appetite. I am not pleased. Considering that I don’t think they’re helping that much…I am not pleased.
June 16th, 2008 at 9:40 pm e
I also advise people to NEVER just stop taking their meds. Never. But it can be done if something better takes their place. I found something better. But that’s jumping ahead and skipping a large issue.
I was resistant to ALL meds given to me for over five years. I became a guinea pig as doctors pumped loads of various meds through me trying to get that magical cocktail right. The list of meds I took was phenomenal. Some of them gave me momentary relief but it never lasted and most did nothing. Or let me say, they at least blessed me with unwanted side effects.
I remember talking to others years ago, who told me how different meds just knocked them right out or fried them for days at a time. I’d tell them I’d already been on those and I not only felt nothing but my symptoms plowed right through them. It used to blow people’s minds when I shared those things.
This is a topic I don’t see tackled head on much. Resistance. Nothing worked for me. Nothing. My doctor told me near the end that he feared for me as he was running out of options. He was my fifth doctor. This doesn’t even take into account all the other health practitioners I worked with trying to find relief.
That fear propelled me to look elsewhere. I did find something, a few somethings, and they worked. I’ve been med free for almost three years now but I take proactive steps in their place. No meds coupled with no plan is a good plan for disaster.
I understand the fear of not having meds or running out. I once ran out and had to make a 50 mile trip north to the VA medical center for my pills. (I am a Marine Gulf War vet.) There was not enough time and I literally went 100+ miles an hour all the way there on the NY Thruway. I begged God to make me invisible to the Troopers. Guess it worked. I made it to the pharmacy just in time and didn’t get pulled over. But that’s no way to live.
I also understand how some people hate meds. I hated some of them. Most didn’t even make me feel one way or the other. But I also stopped meds a couple times with no replacement plan and I crashed. Massive symptoms, massive family trauma, massive contact with police, stays in hospitals.
No. JUST stopping meds is no good at all. I agree.
June 16th, 2008 at 10:09 pm e
Thanks Ken for bring up the subject of medication resistants. At one time or another over the years it happens… you just wake up one day and boom, the meds just stop working… Or like you, the puzzle of the ‘MED COMBO” just can’t be found… That is why none of us should rely just on “a pill” to make us better… It take a whole wellness plan of attack. I’m glad to see you have one and you put it in a book for every one to use. I posted your YouTube video so people can see the guy behind your post. Thanks again.
June 16th, 2008 at 11:35 pm e
You’re a good man Chato! You didn’t have to do that but I really appreciate that you did. I forgot to mention the other part of stopping meds. This happens when you think you’re “cured.” The meds are working so you feel normal. You take it to mean that you are, in fact, fine, and no longer need them. You shoot right past the fact that they’re simply doing their job.
I had a brief month or so when I felt totally normal. So, naturally, I stopped my meds. This brings on a condition (for me) that is called, “A whole lotta cops.” I get covered in them, or I did. And now you see a little bit of my humor.
But true.
Now cops that knew the old me refer others to me who are like I was. That is one of the sweetest forms of vindication I have ever experienced! I’ve worn an awful lot of handcuffs over the years and 2/3 of them were from my bipolar days. It feels great to be on “the other side” now!
June 17th, 2008 at 5:52 pm e
Fascinating reading… I’ve known way too many people who’ve quit meds cold turkey and had that cause more problems than it solved.
June 19th, 2008 at 3:51 am e
I found out a while back that doctors are supposed to tell us what the side-effects of any medication we take are, but so few actually take the time to do this! It is kind of sad. We do need to be our own advocates and ask about the side-effects and if the medication will interact with any of our other medications as well.
Sierra
http://anxiety.today.com