Posted by 49er on January 30, 2011, at 5:50:25
In reply to Re: I think im stopping my meds » 49er, posted by SLS on January 29, 2011, at 12:16:00
> > I know I sound like a broken record but I will keep preaching this method:)
>
> Actually, you sound like a fixed record. You are very helpful.
>
> If you need something to do because of boredom, perhaps you can add to your personal knowledge base by investigating other opinions regarding alternative methods of discontinuing drugs. You could be our first "expert" in drug discontinuation protocols and withdrawal syndromes. If after your investigations you decide that your current recommendations are best, you could speak to the weaknesses of other methods.
>
> If you already do this, then never mind. :-)
>
>
> - ScottThanks Scott, you're very kind.
Regarding drug discontinuation protocols, there really is little research. Even the folks like Peter Breggin, who are strident about their anti meds views, really don't have good advice about this.
Regarding discontinuing antidepressants, there is some thought that transitioning to Prozac can be helpful. David Healey, who has spoken about against ADS but who interestingly is a big fan of ECT, advocates this.
On a similar note, the benzo boards are big advocates of everyone transitioning to valium because the theory is as with Prozac, that the longer half life would make it easier to get off the med.
I obviously don't have an evidence to back up what I say but in reality, this doesn't seem to work so well. It seems to me that you're better off sticking with the drug you are on to withdraw from. The side effects of withdrawal and transitioning to another drugs can be quite negative. Of course, as I say, there are no absolutes.
As far as tapering faster, that might work for some people. But the problem is that many times, a person will experience delayed withdrawal symptoms. You may think everything is fine and then 3 months later, you get hit big time with mysterious symptoms.
That is why I feel to be on the safe side, you should taper slowly. While I am not completely recovered from tapering off of psych meds (I still have weird sleep issues), I am convinced if I had tapered too quickly, I would be alot worse. And I am definitely not depressed except for the usual unemployment issues that anyone would be concerned about.
Again, I am making these claims on anecdotal experience and nothing more.
I am not sure I really addressed the issues you raised:) I think doing the type of research you suggest is just not possible since little is out there for various reasons which are too long to get into and would get me extremely sidetracked.
49er
poster:49er
thread:978112
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110130/msgs/978245.html