2007-03-02 12:29:16 · 16 answers · asked by James B 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Can you stop taking them? Yes, absolutely. Should you? Probably not without your doctor's advice..unless they are over the counter medications such as advil and nyquil.
The type of medication that you take is important..i have to assume that it is some kind of psychiatric medication..as you are asking it in the mental health section. It would make little sense to ask about allergy meds in here...
So, what I am about to say I probably shouldn't..but, (and there's always a but)..it is perfectly possible to take yourself off psychiatric meds without a doctors advice...especially if you have been taking it for a long time and have concerns as to whether it is working for you anymore and your psychiatrist still wants you to continue taking it. If you gradually lessen your dose over a significant period of time, while watching out for withdrawal symptoms 'carefully'..then there should be no reason why you cannot do it.
I tend to have a small problem with those that say absolutely 'no' to questions like these..simply because I truly believe that psychiatrists have a tendency to over medicate their patients instead of really getting to know them and their symtoms beforehand. Medications should be taken as a last resort and I think that folks are far too apt to take them in the hope that they will be the 'miracle' pill that they are looking for..instead of looking at themselves and fixing things the hard way.
2007-03-02 13:17:49 · answer #1 · answered by KED 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say that question is one that you should ask your doctor. I think you will find they will tell you, it is not a good idea. if your MD diagnoses that you can be off your med--O K. but otherwise, I have seen peaple have some real problems by stopping the meds on theire own. First and foremost-- work with your doctor. they can tell you best. Yes sometimes it is dangerous to stop taking meds, that your doctor has told you to take, unless they tell you it is O K to stop. again be sure you follow up with your doctor on this and other medical needs.
2007-03-02 12:45:29 · answer #2 · answered by wildbill324003 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well now this is scary. What drugs are you talking about the street drugs are OK to quit.. I highly recommend that you stop those with some supervision. Prescribed medications usually say on the label to ask your doctor before discontinuing. Heed that warning. This is the important thing to remember call your doctor or pharmacist (Walgreen's usually has a excellent druggist) and explain to them why you want to quit. They will gladly give you guidelines for each medication. Also if it is money you maybe able to use a generic form of drug which would be cheaper..Ask you physician and never stop a prescribed medication with out checking with the physician who prescribed it. (PS I said call the doctor you could be taking a serious risk just up and quitting a medication)!!!!!!!!!
2007-03-02 12:42:17 · answer #3 · answered by fnbug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never stop taking your meds unless it is with the supervision of a medical professional. You may need to titrate the dosage so that you can safely stop the medication. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Good luck.
2007-03-02 12:34:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what you are taking but never stop taking them without professional advice. Sometimes we think we are okay and that may be the time we need medication the most. My son is schizophrenic and he has stopped his meds twice and found that without him he has psychotic episodes but with them he has finished his college degree and currently is working on his MBA with a 4.0.
2007-03-02 13:17:37 · answer #5 · answered by wheresthevowels 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not stop taking your meds with out the doctors permission, you have to be weaned off of them other wise you can go into withdrawal from not having them, talk to your doctor first before doing anything.
2007-03-02 12:35:13 · answer #6 · answered by dahorndogd013 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can not just stop taking your meds unless your doctor tells you so. Meds like antibiotics for instance should be taken as prescribed, or else you will only become resistant. TB drugs for example, should be taken for 2 months or six months (case to case basis). if you won't follow the prescription, your sickness will just worsen and it will just be harder to treat.
2007-03-02 12:44:14 · answer #7 · answered by shux 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never just stop medication without your doctors knowledge. Some medications you have to ween off. There are some side effects getting off med to fast. Check with your doctor.
2007-03-02 12:32:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should always consult your doctor first.Sometimes the dosage can be reduced slowly to let your body get used to being without the medicine.It also depends on what the medicine is for.If it is heart,blood pressure or
cholesteral than would not be wise to quit taking the meds.
2007-03-02 12:46:39 · answer #9 · answered by sharen d 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the meds, but they could be. Even with your "everyday" antidepressants, you will suffer from some kind of withdrawal unless you gradually go off them. It can be uncomfortable, at best.
2007-03-02 12:40:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋