Not a good idea to stop meds

[hcj90]

Last month my ADAP coverage slipped through the cracks and wasn't reinstated.  I received my HIV meds, but not my Welbutrin and Zoloft.  I was off them for 3 weeks before everything was straightened out.  I began having suicidal thoughts, and I kept telling myself that it was because of stopping the meds.  I had several mini rages, and was almost ready to be admitted to inpatient treatment.  I had an appointment today with my psychiatrist, and she was upset that I hadn't contacted her so that she could have helped me.  I am feeling better after starting back on my meds. 

I do feel good about my psychiatrist.  I had only seen her once before this happened.  A big part of my problem is waiting on disability, as I am having to rely on family members for support and I do not like having to do so. 

Please believe the side effects of these meds that warn about suicidal thoughts.

This forum has really helped me out and I thank you all who offer encouragement every day.

HCJ

[absopozilutely]

I just started Zoloft, how do you like it?

[Miss Philicia]

One should never go off antidepressants cold turkey, you need to titrate them downwards slowly. If this ever happens again immediately contact your prescribing doctor. They usually have freebie/promotional supplies of these medications at their office to tide you over until you get you normal coverage reinstated.

This also applies to many other medications like benzodiazapems and anti-convulsants used for neuropathy. In fact, when first prescribing a medication like this every psychiatrist I have had has been very, VERY clear on this issue.

[zach]

One should never go off antidepressants cold turkey, you need to titrate them downwards slowly. If this ever happens again immediately contact your prescribing doctor. They usually have freebie/promotional supplies of these medications at their office to tide you over until you get you normal coverage reinstated.

This also applies to many other medications like benzodiazapems and anti-convulsants used for neuropathy. In fact, when first prescribing a medication like this every psychiatrist I have had has been very, VERY clear on this issue.

this needs to be said loud and often. i've seen it coming up a few times lately. worries me that people don't seem to grasp the concept of tapering down properly. y'all don't seem to understand how important that is.

[hcj90]

@Abso...Because my last doctor had me on Zoloft, Lithium, and Oxcarmazepine, I'm not really sure how the Zoloft has affected me.  My new doctor took me off the other two...I had never been diagnosed as manic or bipolar.  Welbutrin worked well for me years ago, and now being back on it and the Zoloft (Not sure if the Zoloft is doing anything)  I am able to focus and not worry as much.  I do have very vivid dreams almost every night now.

@Miss P...You are so right.  My old doctor (not blaming her) but she didn't say anything about tapering off meds.  I also hated it because it was me sitting in front of a tv talking to her.  The county mental health=Pill Mill!