Posted by SLS on December 20, 2013, at 6:59:43
In reply to Re: A way out?, posted by Christ_empowered on December 19, 2013, at 23:43:47
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> I have somewhat similar problems, but take much different meds (Abilify, Trileptal, Prozac, Neurontin).
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> I don't know of any way to deal with more severe mental illness without meds. I do Orthomolecular, which works with meds, and that's been helpful.
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> I think there's overlap between relapse and drug induced brain changes. Just being honest. For instance, when I was younger, I went off all meds for a couple years. I was barely functioning, then I flipped out completely under high stress. Something about that crack up changed my diagnosis from severe depression (psychotic) to bipolar I. I can't do without modern day pharmaceuticals.
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> Was at least part of the problem prior medication use? Probably. Was there an underlying problem as well? Definitely. Do I wish I could be without meds? Yeah. Do I worry about it a whole lot? Not really.You've come a long way, C_E. You are a good example of how it sometimes takes acceptance of one's medical condition along with the practice of patience to reach a better place.
I don't discount the health-promoting potential of "orthomolecular medicine". I am cautious when I hear someone tout its healing potential as being absolute exclusive of other treatment modalities. Will someone deficient in vitamin D feel less depressed for taking vitamin D3? Apparently, the answer is yes. If it were me, I would probably try no more than two orthomolecular treatments before bringing in allopathic pharmaceuticals; at which point, one may continue to explore orthomolecular alternatives. If you get feeling really good, don't make any other changes! Once you are stable for 6 - 12 months, and you feel the need to explore the discontinuation of your medication, I would suggest doing it one at a time using a gradual taper that may take several months. Do NOT shock the system and destroy the newly built scaffolding that your medical treatment has established. Fortunately, you seem to be able to recapture the therapeutic response to Abilify, even after a complete relapse.
I wish for you your continuing healing and the work it might take for you to integrate into society as a more functional human being.
Prayer doesn't hurt.
- ScottSome see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1056552
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20131209/msgs/1056605.html