Posted by djmmm on May 20, 2003, at 8:37:56
I am interested In hearing from anyone who has reached a point (in medication therapy) where they have considered stopping meds.
(My question is for those who have found success, and have discontinued meds.)I am, for the first time in years (been taking various meds for about 10) in the process of discontinuing Parnate, not because of efficacy problems, or side-effects, but because I am no longer depressed, nor do I suffer from social anxiety.
When I say I'm no longer depressed, I am refeering to major depression, and I still get anxious, but I feel that my social anxiety is within an appropriate and "normal" range. I still get sad sometimes, but not hoplessly and debilitatingly depressed. I think my moods and emotions are within a natural and reasonable "human" range.
I say "I think" only because over the past years of my life, begining meds at 15/16 yrs old, I have struggled with what exactly feeling "normal" is, since I really have no concept, or memory of ever feeling "normal"
I really don't like promoting medications, but I think if i had never tried a MAOI, I wouldn't be where I am today.
I guess my point is also directed to those who are thinking about taking medication, but are afraid of side-effects, weight gain, or having to give up food they like, etc At my most depressed and lowest, I never thought about stopping a medication that was working, or not trying a medication that could save my life because I didn't want to give up eating cheese, or have to worry about gaining weight. At my lowest I would have given my left arm for just one day happiness.
I guess this is just food for thought, for those who will never find success, because they aren't willing put everything on the line to get their life back.
poster:djmmm
thread:227852
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030520/msgs/227852.html