Starting Over

[Phoenix_Rising]

After six years of limping along with a six drug combo that doesn't work, pdoc and I have decided it is time to get off all my current meds (in stages and with other "temporary" meds to use as mood stabilizers). I'm currently getting off prozac and lamictal and tapering carbemazepine. I've already dropped paxil. I'm still on Lithium, Klonopin and Seroquel. Pdoc is using seroquel as a mood stabilizer and a way to keep me chilled out through this change. (Inpatient is not an option due to insurance and the hospitals in my area--they suck). I am also taking 2.5 mg of Klonopin per day. My current Seroquel dosage is 200-300 mg during the day and 200 mg at night.

I'm curious if anyone else has gotten off all their meds so they could start over. If so, what meds, if any, did you use to help you through the process?

Since I'm new to Seroquel, I'm also wondering if I will build up a tolerance.

Thanks!

Peace,

Phoenix

[Ophelia]

Well, because I have been on the same drugs for the last five years (for the most-part), I, too, want to do the reset thing.

I guess sometimes it just might be the best thing, especially for those who are on a number of drugs.

We'll talk. Other than that, I don't think I actually have much *helpful* to say.

[AnneMarie]

PR, I think Seroquel sedation wears off, but otherwise, I don't think it's a tolerance building med.

Med changes are rough. I'm thinking good thoughts for you.

[Phoenix_Rising]

PR, I think Seroquel sedation wears off, but otherwise, I don't think it's a tolerance building med.

Med changes are rough. I'm thinking good thoughts for you.

Thanks for the answer, Stacia and for the good thoughts.

I'm beginning to wonder just how crazy I am to be doing this....

[dancesintherain]

I'm beginning to wonder just how crazy I am to be doing this....

I'm obviously not the one who's going to have to suffer through the med change, but if what you're currently on really isn't working and you've been trying it for a while, it doesn't sound crazy to me to try a different combo. The process will probably suck, but the hope is that there's a better option that will work better...and if things are really crappy, it's hard to see a desire for "better" as crazy to me.

I'm currently doing the whole med change thing (though at a more minor scale, so less stressful) and I've found that the benzos help keep me chilled out, the antipsychotic helps with sleep and stabilization. So what your doctor's already doing is what I'm attempting...and then once I end up at a good dose, we'll probably try to drop the rest of it gradually. Beyond that, it's the general self-care things...taking advantage of the good days, when they come; making sure to keep in contact with supportive people; journaling is a big thing for me; forcing myself to try to do the things that I know are necessary (food, regular sleep schedule).

take care!

[Phoenix_Rising]

danceintherain:

Thank you so much for your response.

if what you're currently on really isn't working and you've been trying it for a while, it doesn't sound crazy to me to try a different combo.

It helps to hear this. Its something I try to remind myself of, but it often gets lost in the "this really sucks" moments.

I hope your med change goes as well as possible. It sounds like you're doing a great job.

Thanks again for writing.

Peace,

PR