Posted by Peter on July 9, 2002, at 3:06:18
In reply to Re: Complex Medication Cocktails, posted by oracle on July 9, 2002, at 0:27:46
> Hmmmm.....
>
> Would you describe how long you took to get
> off each med ? Or just how long from start to finish for all
> of them.
> Well, the two times I opted to go off meds, my doc started with a depakote taper. I think both times I was taking 750mg nightly, and he put me on a really gradual taper-about 125mg off every few weeks. By the time I reached my last 125mg, I had episodes of agitation, restlesness, and anxiety; it wasn't unbearable, but unpleasant enough that I wanted relief with more meds 'cause I didn't know how else to deal with it. Not to mention that the first time I was reducing meds, Sept. 11th happened, and I' m in Manhattan-my internist thought I had anthrax 'cause of these little marks on my skin which turned out to be some allergy! it was pretty awful- biopsies and everything. So all that really precipitated my anxiety/depression. The second time there were also external factors that might have triggered these episodes, thus making it hard to tell if it was a legitimate verification of a chemical imbalance or just natural psychological reactions to dire circumstances. I sure tend to overthink everything-right now I'm doing ok-I feel stable-the zoloft is helping my social phobia and depressive dips, the adderall my motivation, and I'm sure the depakote and klonopin are doing what they're supposed to. Freedom from meds would be nice, but I have alot to be grateful for. Even if I don't need the meds, things seem okay on them-if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'd love to live by that motto! Easier said than done! (-:
Peter
poster:Peter
thread:111691
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020628/msgs/111828.html