Anyone weaning off of brain medications (anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, etc.)?

battlestarlet

Hi there, I'm trying to wean off of all of my brain medications and I'm using exercise to make the transition easier. Anyone in the same boat? How's it going? Feel free to friend for mutual encouragement!

breathebelievejen

I'm not trying to wean myself off my mood stabilisers but I do use diet and exercise as a way to help me cope with my mental health problems. I applaud your efforts, good luck and all the best

battlestarlet

Good luck to you as well! I would prefer to stay on mine, but I'm considering (maybe??) trying to get pregnant. (OMG. hahha!) Doc says it's best to try and get off of everything. So far it's been rocky. I find good music during my workout really helps. Music therapy I guess!

Heartisalonelyhunter

I came off mine cold turkey and got pregnant 2 weeks later

mrzig999

First ... I spoke to my shrink and explained my desire to wean off my 40mg citalapram hydrobromide first by half, then completely. He concurred with the suggestion/warning that I closely monitor myself for the obvious potential "dark" spots. I stopped altogether about 2 weeks ago. The keto-diet is what I attribute the steady and positive mood. Also incorporating exercise at a gradual pace has helped me stay rather up-beat. Maybe there is something to this "healthy living is good for you" myth. I thought it best to keep doc in the loop, and make positive changes. To say "so far so good" might be a bit of an understatement. Good luck to you, and best wishes.

mbaker566

i wish I could relate. I've never had an issue coming off of one. but taper as the dr suggests. eat well, get enough sleep, don't stress, and use the exercise for release of emotions
most importantly, to me, work on positive self speak

Timorous_Beastie

I did several years ago. I slowly tapered off Celexa and Xanax and now exercise is my main form of stress/anxiety release. The brain zaps coming off the anti-depressant was pretty weird.

I had a slump about two years after I got off them where I thought I might need an antidepressant again, but it just made me feel numb. I'd rather feel ups and downs than a steady dullness. But when I did need them, they worked wonders. It's only when I don't need them that they make me a zombie.

deasphodel

I'm still pretty new to my tablets, and it isn't quite the right mix yet I don't think, and I've started recently to try and keep diet and excersize right. I'm pretty much in the same boat of just hoping it will help.

VioletHaz

I am off meds now but I got off of them a few years back.
I let my doc know my intentions to get off of meds. She wasn't thrilled about it but she went along with it to test a theory of mine. My theory that my original depression was caused by the onset of hypothyroidism, then taking the anti-depressants caused me to behave bi-polar which led to increasing meds and increased hospitalizations. Getting worse on more meds was backwards to me so I thought to start from scratch. Thyroid levels were level on synthroid so that wouldn't be an issue.

I did the weaning but I was not exercising at the time. I just had no time or energy for it. The first few months were the worst with the "brain zaps' (as also mentioned by Timorous), body aches, and little black holes of depression that felt worse than ever. I pushed through with the help of my future husband and my therapist. Then I started feeling more in control even on bad days. I knew the bad days end and good ones are always around the corner. I kid you not that it felt bad for at least 6 months and not completely better for almost 12.

I gave myself plenty of time to get the meds out of my system before trying to have a baby. It was after the 12 month mark. I just believed that the meds sit in your cells for a long time and I didn't want a pregnancy possibly affected by it as I was over 35.

With exercise added I bet it would have helped with the detox better. Stay hydrated, move lots, and Good luck!

mitch16

Heartisalonelyhunter wrote: »

I came off mine cold turkey and got pregnant 2 weeks later

While this may have worked for you, this is probably best used as an example of "what not to do"...

battlestarlet

moyer566 wrote: »

i wish I could relate. I've never had an issue coming off of one. but taper as the dr suggests. eat well, get enough sleep, don't stress, and use the exercise for release of emotions
most importantly, to me, work on positive self speak

Positive self speak. Yes yes yes. Never say anything about yourself that you wouldn't say to your best friend or to your child.

battlestarlet

Timorous_Beastie wrote: »

I did several years ago. I slowly tapered off Celexa and Xanax and now exercise is my main form of stress/anxiety release. The brain zaps coming off the anti-depressant was pretty weird.

I had a slump about two years after I got off them where I thought I might need an antidepressant again, but it just made me feel numb. I'd rather feel ups and downs than a steady dullness. But when I did need them, they worked wonders. It's only when I don't need them that they make me a zombie.

The brain zaps are so so weird. I also feel a little drunk? Like, I'll turn my head to the left or right quickly and it seems to take my eyesight a little longer to catch up.

battlestarlet

VioletHaz wrote: »

...

I did the weaning but I was not exercising at the time. I just had no time or energy for it.

...

Yeah, I don't feel like exercising most of the time, but I'm trying to make it non-optional. I'm treating 30-minutes of movement a day as a required medication in itself. But it's hard.

Congrats on your success.

battlestarlet

mitch16 wrote: »

Heartisalonelyhunter wrote: »

I came off mine cold turkey and got pregnant 2 weeks later

While this may have worked for you, this is probably best used as an example of "what not to do"...

Yeah, cold turkey is not for me. A while back there was a glitch with my pharmacy and I could not get my medications over a 3-day holiday weekend, it was actually 5 days in total. Never ever want to go through that again. I'm weaning off gradually.

bbontheb

How long have you been on them? I have been on antidepressants (ssni) for 12 years and three pregnancies/breastfeeding.

battlestarlet

bbontheb wrote: »

How long have you been on them? I have been on antidepressants (ssni) for 12 years and three pregnancies/breastfeeding.

My medications are mostly mood stabilizers rather than antidepressants. I've been on them for ... jeez... maybe only 4 years. It took a long time to find the right mix. My doctor mentioned that an SSRI may be ok for pregnancy, but unfortunately those aren't really what I need. (Congrats on three pregnancies!)

SherryTeach

battlestarlet wrote: »

Good luck to you as well! I would prefer to stay on mine, but I'm considering (maybe??) trying to get pregnant. (OMG. hahha!) Doc says it's best to try and get off of everything. So far it's been rocky. I find good music during my workout really helps. Music therapy I guess!

Are you stopping your medication under the supervision of a mental health professional, preferably a real psychiatrist? They are trained in the use of psychiatric medication and can supervise the transition and respond to issues that come up. It is dangerous to do this on your own.

battlestarlet

SherryTeach wrote: »

Are you stopping your medication under the supervision of a mental health professional, preferably a real psychiatrist? They are trained in the use of psychiatric medication and can supervise the transition and respond to issues that come up. It is dangerous to do this on your own.

Yep, I have a great psychiatrist and a good family doctor. We're doing the weaning nice and slow.

SherryTeach

battlestarlet wrote: »

SherryTeach wrote: »

Are you stopping your medication under the supervision of a mental health professional, preferably a real psychiatrist? They are trained in the use of psychiatric medication and can supervise the transition and respond to issues that come up. It is dangerous to do this on your own.

Yep, I have a great psychiatrist and a good family doctor. We're doing the weaning nice and slow.

That's good to know. My BF is a psychiatrist and generally freaks out when he hears of people just on their own going off their meds.

csofled

I have weaned off of several different depression medications. It is critical to do so under your doctor's supervision. I suffered nausea, brain zaps (really weird), dizziness and just feeling strange for quite a while. I weaned very slowly over several weeks time. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I find that I need a low dose to keep the depression at bay (20mg Celexa). Also take 25mg Elavil for chronic headaches. Incorporating healthy eating and exercise into your daily mental health routine is a positive step. Good luck!

d08t

I've been there too many times to count and it sucks. Talk with your doctor about 5-htp. It's literally changed my life. Stay with the exercise and find ways to be motivated.

clhobbs09

I stopped cold turkey taking citalopram 40 mg. it's been rough but I've been determined. I feel that my body will not respond to losing weight while I am on them. It's been almost two weeks and I can tell a huge difference in my appetite. I don't crave food like I used to. When I eat I'm good and not thinking about a cupcake or fried chicken within 10 minutes. I've always been told by my doctor that although meds work you have to do some work as well. So I'm waiting to see if I can actually control what I've allowed medication to control for years.

Best of luck for everyone. My advice is to pay attention to your body/moods no one knows you better than you!!

bbontheb

battlestarlet wrote: »

bbontheb wrote: »

How long have you been on them? I have been on antidepressants (ssni) for 12 years and three pregnancies/breastfeeding.

My medications are mostly mood stabilizers rather than antidepressants. I've been on them for ... jeez... maybe only 4 years. It took a long time to find the right mix. My doctor mentioned that an SSRI may be ok for pregnancy, but unfortunately those aren't really what I need. (Congrats on three pregnancies!)

I was supposed to be put on mood stabilizers I think (lithium?) for anxiety/depression but didn't. Was also recommended for me to try anti-psychotics for off-label use for anxiety. I ask just because of the difficulties with my own trials of going off. I've seen two neurologists that say I might not get off this med due to such severe withdrawal (I don't recommend Effexor BTW if someone is trying them). I know from previous trials to get off (I couldn't do it, too many side effects) I had almost "rebound" issues that apparently is common for going off of meds (worse symptoms before better). Scary if happens during pregnancy. You know yourself best and only do what you are comfortable doing/gut feeling about

bbontheb

SherryTeach wrote: »

battlestarlet wrote: »

SherryTeach wrote: »

Are you stopping your medication under the supervision of a mental health professional, preferably a real psychiatrist? They are trained in the use of psychiatric medication and can supervise the transition and respond to issues that come up. It is dangerous to do this on your own.

Yep, I have a great psychiatrist and a good family doctor. We're doing the weaning nice and slow.

That's good to know. My BF is a psychiatrist and generally freaks out when he hears of people just on their own going off their meds.

I hear this all too often.

bbontheb

clhobbs09 wrote: »

I stopped cold turkey taking citalopram 40 mg. it's been rough but I've been determined. I feel that my body will not respond to losing weight while I am on them. It's been almost two weeks and I can tell a huge difference in my appetite. I don't crave food like I used to. When I eat I'm good and not thinking about a cupcake or fried chicken within 10 minutes. I've always been told by my doctor that although meds work you have to do some work as well. So I'm waiting to see if I can actually control what I've allowed medication to control for years.

Best of luck for everyone. My advice is to pay attention to your body/moods no one knows you better than you!!

I don't recommend this nor recommend sharing the cold turkey part. It's very bad advice as other people might think "hey, h/she did it..." You can have SEVERE reactions to cold turkey cutting off meds. Psychosis can occur in some meds...do not go off cold turkey. Ever.

btinghutch

In the past, if I was weening properly off of a med, exercise was necessary! There was a few times unfortunately when insurance or dr's made my meds lapse and I had excruciating withdrawals. During these days or weeks, I was an absolute mess and couldn't fathom working out.
But during a controlled weening process, sweating the BEST thing possible! sweat those toxins (and toxic thoughts) out!

GretchenAlvarado

I was taking a medication ( don't remember the name) that was making me gain 10 pounds a month. Told my Dr to take me off. Then I lost 16 pounds!!!!! Ask your Dr if your meds make u gain weight. I'm still on Zoloft for depression

jbelfiore18

I did this a few years ago. Stay strong, sometimes it's tough. For me the hardest part was acknowledging how I felt. I had to learn to talk about things that were bothering me. But exercising is GREAT. It releases all the same endorphins and then some to make you happy. Ever hear of a runner's high? Best feeling ever! Good luck, and stay proud! You deserve this!

clhobbs09

bbontheb wrote: »

clhobbs09 wrote: »

I stopped cold turkey taking citalopram 40 mg. it's been rough but I've been determined. I feel that my body will not respond to losing weight while I am on them. It's been almost two weeks and I can tell a huge difference in my appetite. I don't crave food like I used to. When I eat I'm good and not thinking about a cupcake or fried chicken within 10 minutes. I've always been told by my doctor that although meds work you have to do some work as well. So I'm waiting to see if I can actually control what I've allowed medication to control for years.

Best of luck for everyone. My advice is to pay attention to your body/moods no one knows you better than you!!

I don't recommend this nor recommend sharing the cold turkey part. It's very bad advice as other people might think "hey, h/she did it..." You can have SEVERE reactions to cold turkey cutting off meds. Psychosis can occur in some meds...do not go off cold turkey. Ever.

I'm being honest and feel I can choose to share whatever part of my experience that I'm open to sharing. I'm not a medical professional and it's not right for everyone. Nor is it right for you to speak on what I should and shouldn't share in my response. If you don't recommend it then that's for you and I'm not sure in my post where I recommended it to anyone but shared what I'm doing FOR ME!!! The question ws asked and I answered honestly. Whatever is best for you and your doctor is what you should so. At the end of my statement I said my advice is to pay attention to your body/moods. My advice was not to go cold turkey for anyone.

Thanks!

bbontheb

It's not just for me. It's being considerate of people that read it that might be impressionable. Any medical professional will tell you to never ever go cold turkey off meds. It's irresponsible to share it and recommend. People sometimes do not make such informed decisions and go by internet-advice.

clhobbs09

For someone who has been dealing with mental health all of their life I'm well aware of what honesty can do for people. I do not come to these forums to condemn, argue or attempt to influence. With that said I will remove myself and move on. I'm not in anyway irresponsible. But what I am is honest and secure within who I am and would never attempt to influence anyone else to do anything otherwise. You never know what a medical professional may be telling someone else, that's just based on maybe your own experiences. Not all medications are the same and some are better to just stop than others depending on the circumstances. Don't always "assume" what you think you may know about a person and their true intentions just by a few words in a forum. Again I wasn't giving "internet advice" I was speaking on my own experience. And I assume you know all medical professionals based on your comments bc all are not the same. Sorry to impose on the OP intention of getting support by being charged at by what seems a person who is hell bent on proving me wrong. Please know there is not right or wrong as things are different for everyone. Please step off your high horse and just allow people to be who they are just as I'm sure you would want the same in return.
Again, good luck OP and all others on your journey. If I offended anyone else it was not my intention. I will take my experience elsewhere where I feel I can be open without being attacked.