What happens when a girl with depression stops taking her medication?

Question

Her parents don't know that she has stopped taking her meds, and even if they did, they probably wouldn't get her more, because she seems "fine." But she isn't. She has hurt herself before, and I'm afraid it'll happen again. What danger signs should I look out for, and what should I do?

Answer 1

Her parents should be made aware of her problem. A school counselor could help as well. This girl needs help to get on the right track. If she lets this go untreated it could lead to more problems. Not all Anti-depressants work on any one person. She may need to try more than one before she finds the right one. But, I will tell you also, these melds can cause a ton of side effects. This may be why she wants off of them. I have taken them before and had good results. But, I stopped taking the one that worked best for me because I thought I didn't need them anymore. Well, I did. But when I went back to the one that worked the best, it did not work anymore. Also, she needs to be seen by a psychiatrist, not a family practice doctor. They do not have enough training in these specific drugs to know all of the good and bad side effects they provide.

Let her read this, it may help her to know that someone else has had issues with these drugs. But, she needs to give them another chance. It could save her life in the long run.

Give her hug for me, and tell her it is OK to to feel the way she does, but she should not give up on the drugs.

R.K.

Answer 2

First of all take a deep breath. Everything will be ok because you are going to take control of the situation and it will get better. You need to visit a psychiatrist and share with them what you have shared here. Be honest. Sometimes it takes time and trying different medications to get things right to the point where you feel better. You are going to have a good future because you are in control of the choices you make. Someday you will have a great wife and a full and satisfying life. I grew up in a home that was also not very good and as an adult I have made different choices and have a better life as a result. It is all about what you choose. I also gave my life over to God who is in control. That was a load off of my shoulders and God's way is far better than my way. The cutting behavior is within your control. You must make up your mind to not cut. Join an online support group for cutters. I think right now you do not have enough in your life so you are focusing on what you don't have instead of focusing on what you could have. Start small with deciding to go back to the psychiatrist and have a medication review. Then begin doing something positive like an exercise program. Walking is ideal as would be doing aerobic tapes and there are many free ones on Youtube. Exercise coupled with medication can really make a difference in your mood and in your cutting. You need to find things that give you the same rush as cutting. Some people find that rush through exercise, some find it through doing volunteer work. I would also suggest volunteer work to you. You are 14 and a good writer. Our elementary schools in Arizona are full of kids who don't know how to read. Why don't you volunteer to tutor through one of the programs like Boys Club/Girls Club. You will meet more people that way and start to build a positive self image. Also you seem to have a very negative view of CPS. There are some foster homes out there that are great. I know of people who foster because they are unable to have children themselves. Yes there are some horror stories out there but also some positive ones. However you know your situation best and if you can hang in here for a few more years. As for your friends--they are not professional counselors so they may not know how to respond when you start talking about cutting, suicide, etc. So maybe they change the topic of conversation because they can't handle what you are saying. Usually to have friends one must first be a friend and if you are so wrapped up in what is happening to you that does not leave much energy to be a friend to others. So go and get the medication regulated. Start exercising a little each day. Do some volunteer work. And you will soon find that your life can be richer than you ever though possible. Focus on the steps you need to take today to make a better tomorrow. You can do it. You can overcome all of the circumstances you are describing.

Answer 3

When someone stops taking medication it can have very adverse side affects. It is very possible they will become even more depressed and much more vulnerable to depression. Especially if they quit cold turkey. If medications are to be stopped they need to be stopped slowly, always with the help of a doctor. I would keep a close eye on her and make sure she knows you are there for her. It is always possible to contact a facility for depressed persons so they can give you advice as well. If this person starts giving away valuable items to ppl they care about I would worry. That tends to be a sign they will do something drastic soon. Also if they do stop meds she can get on St. Johns Wort which can ease up nerves a bit. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

From personal experience I knew a female that was on meds all her life, she got tired of it and got off of them, she of course relapsed but decided to try a registered ND, anyway, they treated her whole body and she is now on a natural Hormone therapy which has changed her life, try and find an ND in your area for her .

Here is the web site with there lists, I know I sound like an infomercial but I saw how it helped my friend so I am a bit preachy about it.

http://www.naturopathic.org/

Answer 5

Wow, there's so much to look for, and you're not an expert. This is the time to tell her parents, they should know.

To look for? If she starts giving away her possessions or talking about killing herself, those are signs of suicidal intentions. If she's full of despair, no hope for the future, that's bad, too. But, really, you're not an expert, you should get some help with this. If you can't tell her parents, tell another adult, like a teacher.

Answer 6

This is a two fold question.
First off... signs she is off her meds... if she is taking an SSRI like Celexa or Paxil (and others) she will likely have alot of flu-like symptoms. More than likely an overwhelming sense of feeling "unwell".
Secondly... if you are concerned about suicidal tendencies (which it sounds like you are)... be aware of a few things. Is she giving away personal possessions, especially those items with special meaning to her. Also, is she making amends for past wrong doings. Does she have an unusual sense of "peace" about her... like she finally has it all figured out. And of course the obvious... is she threatening suicide or self harm.
If none of these things apply but you are still concerned, speak with a local mental health professional... or the police. Safety first is always your best choice.
Hope this helps.
Just remember... its better to take do something about it and be wrong... than not do something about it and be right....
She is lucky to have concerned people like you in her life.

Answer 7

You didn't specify the diagnosis nor which medications your friend is taking. Different drugs have different effects when medications are discontinued. But it sounds like your friend thinks she is ok but may not be. So talk to an adult, your parents or her parents, your school counselor, teacher, pastor, any adult and get her some help before she does something to herself and it's too late.

Answer 8

If you think theres a chance of her trying suicide you can have them taken to a hospital. If she's been on and off meds she probably knows how to hide the warning signs by now unfortunatly.

Answer 9

she will have more symptoms. more withdraw, more crying, more sadness and lack of energy. if she has hurt herself before, it can be a matter of time before she does it again. you should tell her parents when she is not around, (don't call either, she probable will be home when you do) and tell them, and have them tell her they counted her pills, and that's how they found out. they need to know this. even if she finds out and gets mad at you, at least your friend will be alive to do so.

Answer 10

You should talk to her in friendly way, I think something is hurting her so that she is depressing herself. and If that wouldn't work, and u should talk to the psychiatrist