Posted by Trans-Human on January 14, 2009, at 20:15:13
In reply to Re: Amisulpride Withdrawal?, posted by bleauberry on January 14, 2009, at 18:59:26
"You might consider swithcing to a different med? Zyprexa? Abilify? Maybe in combination with an antidepressant since they do well with antipsychotics?"
On average - people administered anti-psychotics will live on average 30 years less than those not given anti psychotics. Even with these dire statistics there is still a chance of sudden death on these types of drugs - & common enough to be considered a real risk. Then factor in obesity, diabetes, Tardive Dyskinesia, gastro intesinal disorders, potential of life-long drug dependance on these chemicals, severe sexual dysfunction; & a whole host of short & long term side effects & health risks.
Do these risks & effects justify the wide-scale use of meds? Is this a fair trade?
I am not saying that biological psychiatry does not have a place; it does. But there should be far more empthasis on individual choice of treatments & access to more theraputic, holistic, & psychological/spiritual methods of recovery - many of which show a wealth of evidence of being highly effective.
I am not saying that people should stop taking meds. I have never suggested to anyone that they do. I didn't have a choice in being put on meds. I was offered virtually nothing else in relation to treatment. It has taken 20 odd years to finally be given limited psychological help.
Some people are best helped by meds - but I do think that the majority could be far better helped by other means. I don't know categorically that in my case meds have been what I have needed; & even if I had been given comprehensive "alternative" help - then maybe it would still have been best to have been given a med. I don't know.
I try to be as accepting as I can of this med; but I don't think I'll be on it for life - & I hope I won't be.
There is a very good & balanced article on the subject of Meds here -
poster:Trans-Human
thread:873876
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/874053.html