I want to go off my medication. Lithium makes me so sick I can't stand it and I hate the idea of being on anti depressants. Plus I still get depressed and hypomanic so obviously they aren't working. How do I go off my meds without going crazy?
Well let me just repeat that I do believe that it is your body and your life, if you don't feel that medication is right for you, I fully respect that, it's 100% your decision.
I do feel like I should remind you, because I'm sure you already know this, that for some people it takes a very long time to find the right dosage, the right type, and/or the right combination of medications to help someone. Obviously I don't do your history, I don't know what you have tried, but Lithium isn't the only thing out there, and all medications work in slightly different ways, just because it's not working for you, doesn't mean that none will.
You said you hate the idea of being on anti depressants, and I'm right there with you. I said before that I hate taking pills every day, and knowing that I have to take them for the rest of my life. I hate putting it into my body, it bothers me a lot more than people would probably guess. But I know for me, the pay out will be worth it. And that's ultimately what you have to decide.
I'm not a medical professional, I'm just a girl who's been in these shoes, if you are going to go off of them, you have to be weaned. Please, don't try to do this on your own. Lithium is a very serious drug, you need to be under doctor supervision when going off of it. I understand it could be nerving to tell your doctor that you don't want to be on drugs any more, and they're going to tell you all your options and really listen to what they say, but when it comes down to it, this is your body, you decide what you want in it. I can't stress enough how important it is for everyone, but especially people with mental illnesses, to make sure their voice is heard when it comes to what is going on medically, it's your body, your mind, your life.
I have to add that if you go off of Lithium, or any psychiatric drug, on your own or abruptly, you're playing a game of chance. It can get very severe, I've seen cases where they just have a complete mental break. Taking those chemicals away from your brain, in the wrong manner, can cause serious, irreversible damage. I'm not saying this to scare you, or to try to sway you, I just want to know that you really understand how serious and important it is, that if you decide you no longer want to be on medication, that you get off of it the right way.
One last thing, if you're not already in it, or don't have anything against it, I also suggest therapy. It won't help you the same way medication will, but having someone to talk to and learning healthy coping skills is always a plus.
Thank you for taking the time to ask us this. I want to repeat that I am NOT a medical professional, and all my advice should be taken as advice from a friend.
I wish the best for you, whatever you decide.
