Posted by Sparrow on May 16, 2002, at 0:56:28
A while back, "Uppendown" wrote that he had stopped all meds. I was wondering how this was going. Uppendown, if you are so inclined, I'd be interested in hearing how you're faring.
I confess there is a part of me that wonders what the benefit is *for me* to continue on a drug that is, at best, a lousy compromise for a life.
Allow me to say, that coming from a family riddled with mental illness ranging from the very mild to devastating and severe, I do know that meds can be a great tool to help certain conditions. However, I've also observed a loved one suffer from mild depression and anxiety, seek treatment and end up so much worse off. She's on an ever changing cocktail of meds. It breaks my heart.
I suffer from anxiety and can be very moody. I am not suicidal or unable to fully function in the world and overall, am happy with my life. I'm coming off Paxil (slowly) since I've spent the last year and a half sleeping. The withdrawal from Paxil is distressing and nauseating. My doctor is suggesting Wellbutrin as a replacement med.
I've read about other's experiences with this drug and I'm not so sure I want to put myself, voluntarily, back in the same boat with another med. And yet........while driving home with my husband tonight, I was so anxious and almost hopeless about life in general - out popped these little tears - I'm wondering if the meds have made me forget what drove me to them in the first place.
Any thoughts on this?
poster:Sparrow
thread:106601
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020510/msgs/106601.html