Posted by Angel Girl on March 26, 2004, at 18:59:44
In reply to Re: Don't Worry About Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by Damien on March 26, 2004, at 2:31:39
> While I agree with the points raised by the poster of the message quoted below, I think I'm missing the point somehow. The same way doctors don't worry about addiction when prescribing pain medications for people with cancer, etc, because the medication is necessary pretty much for the rest of a person's life, why is it that someone just stops taking a medication that is improving the quality of their life? I personally take stimulants for ADD and Wellbutrin for depression. These are not temporary fixes - these are the medications required to restore my neurotransmitter balance to some semblance of normal. They don't "fix" the problem where I can eventually stop the meds, as it is the actions of the medications that create the normal balance. Thus this is a life-long issue. If I want to be "well" then I continue taking medication.
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> I don't believe that someone with biochemical depression is going to magically have their brain chemicals fall back into proportion and no longer need medicine.
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> This is one of the issues that has created the so-called "revolving door" of mental health. People get well because of meds, then think since they are well, they don't need meds. So they stop taking meds and the whole cycle has to just begin again.
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> Anyway, if I'm coming across wrong, I apologize. I am slightly off-topic, but I'm curious as to what others think about antidepressant medication. And why people stop taking it if its helping.
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> Thanks.
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> > For some of us withdrawel can be serious possibly throwing us into a severe manic or depressive state possibly even requiring hospitalization. I don't think the fear involved in withdrawel should be made fun of. It is not fun and I don't think it is nice of you to assume people are weak or not sick enough if they are afraid of withdrawel symptoms.
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DamienI think you hit the nail on the head, speaking of one who's been there done that. Some people stop taking a med that's working because they think that they are better and don't need it anymore. However, it may be that the drug is working so well that it is masking the underlying problem that you aren't aware is still there. So when they come off of it, the depression comes back and hence the revolving door you mentioned. JMHO!!!
Angel Girl
poster:Angel Girl
thread:327930
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040325/msgs/328851.html