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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by llurpsieNoodle on October 23, 2007, at 8:55:15
hi all,
I'm feeling lots better since I started current med regime.Since July, 2007 I've been taking the following
Abilify 5mg
Zoloft 50mg
Lamictal 300mg
Xanax or Klonopin prn (about 1dose every 2 days)Now I'm ready to scale back my med regime. I'm pretty much okay with having to take an AD for long term, as I've had 3 relapses in the past 18 mos of severe depression each time.
I don't have any major side effects at this point, I just don't want to be on so many meds.
The only symptoms I continue to have (despite meds) are racing thoughts and trouble sleeping. The benzos help both of those symptoms.
thanks for your input, have a happy day
-Ll
Posted by Racer on October 23, 2007, at 9:33:00
In reply to Which meds to keep and which to discontinue, posted by llurpsieNoodle on October 23, 2007, at 8:55:15
If you're looking to "scale back" just because you don't like being on so many medications, I'd advise rethinking that. You've had three relapses in 18 months, and a few episodes that are at least hypomanic, if not fully fledged mania, and you've been on this regimen for about three months. (In fact, I'd check very carefully to see if this wanting to scale back is part of a bit of hypomania starting up.)
Three months is usually the point at which you've become stabilized. It's not considered a time when the drugs have "fixed" anything. Therapy is good, too, but for a lot of the symptoms you've been having, I wouldn't expect therapy to be enough on its own. I'd strongly encourage you to continue on the drugs you're currently taking.
The most conservative estimates regarding antidepressants is to stay on at least six months, for a fairly mild first episode of depression; with two years of maintenance being recommended for subsequent episodes. That's old advice, but it's probably still worth considering. It's also well worth exploring with your T why you currently want to reduce your meds.
Good luck.
Posted by Phillipa on October 23, 2007, at 10:53:55
In reply to Re: Which meds to keep and which to discontinue, posted by Racer on October 23, 2007, at 9:33:00
I do agree with Racer as I've noticed the same thing. And you're on very low doses. Is it your idea or your pdocs? Phillipa
Posted by llurpsieNoodle on October 23, 2007, at 11:04:59
In reply to Re: Which meds to keep and which to discontinue, posted by Racer on October 23, 2007, at 9:33:00
Hi Racer :)
> If you're looking to "scale back" just because you don't like being on so many medications, I'd advise rethinking that. You've had three relapses in 18 months, and a few episodes that are at least hypomanic, if not fully fledged mania, and you've been on this regimen for about three months. (In fact, I'd check very carefully to see if this wanting to scale back is part of a bit of hypomania starting up.)
Interesting idea. I have had enough energy and mental wherewithall to work a 75 hour week last week, but this week is much more tame. In fact, for the next 2 months I will only be working 3 days a week. I don't like the idea of being underoccupied either.
>
> Three months is usually the point at which you've become stabilized. It's not considered a time when the drugs have "fixed" anything. Therapy is good, too, but for a lot of the symptoms you've been having, I wouldn't expect therapy to be enough on its own. I'd strongly encourage you to continue on the drugs you're currently taking.I think that my life circumstances have changed a lot in the last 3 months. I'm no longer under so much acute or chronic stress.
> The most conservative estimates regarding antidepressants is to stay on at least six months, for a fairly mild first episode of depression; with two years of maintenance being recommended for subsequent episodes. That's old advice, but it's probably still worth considering. It's also well worth exploring with your T why you currently want to reduce your meds.
I'm okay with taking zoloft for a while. it's not causing me any more side effects (once my stomach became acclimated!). Interestingly, it was actually my T who suggested talking with pdoc about reducing my meds. T has been saying for about 2 mos now that I'm not having severe symptoms anymore. Suggests that many of my issues I could manage behaviorally (see my post http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20071022/msgs/790784.html ) Folks at work seem to think I'm perfectly normal. H says I'm back to my old self. I feel stronger... I just don't want to destabilize myself unecessarily. I was hoping some of my meds might be redundant and that I could start to wean/taper off of one or both of the mood stabilizers.
>
> Good luck.
Thanks!
-ll
Posted by llurpsieNoodle on October 23, 2007, at 11:07:53
In reply to Re: Which meds to keep and which to discontinue, posted by Phillipa on October 23, 2007, at 10:53:55
> I do agree with Racer as I've noticed the same thing. And you're on very low doses. Is it your idea or your pdocs? Phillipa
Actually my T has heard my whining for a few sessions now. It was his idea that maybe I can start tapering back on some of my Rx, substituting with behavioral changes.
The fact that I'm responding to low doses is another argument for starting to taper back. Once upon a time I was taking really high doses of everything and STILL impaired by symptoms.
-Ll
Posted by Phillipa on October 23, 2007, at 12:43:35
In reply to Re: Which meds to keep and which to discontinue » Phillipa, posted by llurpsieNoodle on October 23, 2007, at 11:07:53
Li I remember and was very concerned about you. True with the thesis you were on a roll not under your control. Things better all around know what I mean? If so let them discuss and see. The only problem I forsee is that for a lot once you stop a med they sometimes don't work again and I have no idea why. Hey maybe that could be your assignment for the day? Researching this to help all of us. Seriously you've come so far and I am very happy to know a Dr. Lurpsie. Congrats again. Phillipa
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