I've been taking meds for schizoaffective disorder (which resembles 'schizophrenia' but not exactly) for many many years. The affective part of the word means that for at least 5 years I had major depression. I too changed my negative thinking and low self-esteem and stopped being depressed in 1997 amazingly all of a sudden. Sinse that time I have been able to stop my antidepressant medication. The schizophrenic part of the disease that is the symptoms I had have now totally disappeared. However I still have a major problem with anxiety, muscle tension or tightness which bugs me to no end. Whenever I try to stop all my meds because I think I don't need them or can live without them, anywhere from 1-6 days afterwords I get so anxious, and 'feel' so terrible emotionally that in less than 11 days I have to go back on. I have thrown up, and had terrible pain in my stomach area. I've been told by a doctor that when I stop the bad feelings I develop are withdrawl symptoms. What can I do ?
2007-03-13 08:31:31 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
the drug Antivan is great for anxiety!!! i don't think you can live (well) without your meds, stay on them
2007-03-13 08:48:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 1994. I agree with my diagnosis based on my family history, experience of symptoms and the triggers that cause them, and the reputation of my psychiatrist.
The best advice is to determine, first, whether or not you agree with your diagnosis. If you don't you may want to quit the medication by reducing the dosage over a period of 6-8 weeks. You will most certainly experience withdrawal symptoms which include those you have already experienced. Also,1 the withdrawal symptoms seem to be the same as the labeled side effects of the medication. Sorry, but withdrawal is unaviodable.
The fact that you report the onset of symptoms when you discontinue your medication may lead your caregivers to believe that you are appropriately diagnosed. I would agree with them.
Let's then assume that your diagnosis is valid. The next step is to determine if you agree with the medication regimine you are currently perscribed. Talking to your doctor is important. Most psychiatrists will assume that everything is fine without information to the contrary. Detailing your experience with your medications in your meetings will help your caregiver monitor the effectiveness of your medications.
Once you have found a regimine of medication that works and become informed as to what to expect from the medications you may want to dive into educating yourself on ways to reduce stress which is the number one cause of symptoms, noncompliance with medication, and the cycle you apparently experience.
I consider my medications in the same light as my wife considers the medications she uses to treat diabeties. Psychoactive medication promotes the optimal function of the brain. The brain is an organ of the body, as is the liver, pancreas and kidneys... Many people must use medications indefinately to promote the optimal function of organs in an attempt to sustain the highest quality of health possible.
Good luck.
2007-03-13 08:59:26 · answer #2 · answered by voodooprankster 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If they are withdrawl symptoms, discontinuation symptoms they should settle within a week. If not your diagnosis need to be reassessed and it maybe Gen. Anxiety disorder. If you are on psychotropic medicationd targetting the symptoms of PSYCHOSIS ( Hallucinations, delusions paranoia and thought disorders) then the anti psychotics need to be taken. Schizophrenia is a chronic illness. Messing around with meds can make life worse
2007-03-13 08:43:28 · answer #3 · answered by Amar S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway
Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?
2016-05-16 08:28:38 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That does sound like withdraw symptoms. I delt with the same issues and the only thing that helped me was reading the bible, praying and talking to my groups at church. I know not everyone is into the idea of church, but there are a lot of people there who care. Good luck.
2007-03-13 08:45:18 · answer #5 · answered by kerry9477 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
nicely, as much as i could fairly opt to offer you stable information suitable now, i'm afriad i won't. whilst something can take place, and there is an threat that your drugs could be lessened, i'm afraid that there is not any longer an extremely stable threat you would be thoroughly off your meds. Sorry to be the bearer of undesirable information.
2016-09-30 21:10:41 · answer #6 · answered by riopel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋