Going off meds

[osceola]

Hi, I am fairly new to this site. It sure is a great place to get support if only to know that others have been thru the same or similar things as I have. I have been on meds (Effexor XR, Buproprion SR) (diazapam as needed which is maybe 4x a month now) for two years. The medicine has worked very well for me. I had not planned on trying to go off the meds due to the fact that they have made my life better and that I have a family hx of depression and anxiety (mother, sister, maternal grandmother and maternal aunt). I think my dad has had undiagnosed OCD as well. Whew!!! But I sometimes think how great it would be to not put something un-natural in my body. I know that we are not necessarily slaves to our genes ( our environment and our own attitudes are important too), but I was just wondering if there was anyone out there who has been successful going off medication even though they have any family history of mental health issues? If anyone has any thoughts, advice, etc. I would appreciate it. Thank you.

[osceola]

I know it's been awhile since I posted my question and since you responded, but I just wanted thank you for responding. I haven't made any changes yet. I am beginning to get the idea that meds are going to be a permanent thing for me too (damn!). But I do try to remember that at least I  have the option of meds when my grandmother had difficulties in the day that choices re: meds were few and far between. Once again, thank you.

[Jennifer375]

I dont believe you, but I am thankful that you feel you've found a better way to function with the pain.

*bows with respect*

       Jennifer

[Goldmoon]

Hi there! I wanted to add some thoughts to this thread.

My family has a history of depression and anxiety, much like yours it would seem. I was on Effexor XR for about a year and a half, and it was the best thing I ever could have done for myself. I went from feeling anxious and depressed every single day to coping very well with daily life (something I could not do on my own). I managed to go up to a healthy body weight as well because my appetite came back while on the medication.

I have been off Effexor for almost a year now, but I find myself in many ways going down the same path as I was before...my anxiety is returning and some days I have a glimpse of the depression too. I am contemplating going back on the medication as I cope so much better with life when I am on it. I am finding that I just cannot seem to fight my genes. In spite of all of my efforts to cope, I just don't seem to be able to. I've tried exercising regularly, eating healthy, and even psychotherapy.  No combination of those things seems to help me with my generalized anxiety.... I come from a family of worry-warts and I am thinking that I will always be one by nature....I seem to need "chemical help" to help me deal with daily life.... Sigh....

[osceola]

75mg of Effexor 1x day; 150 mg Buproprion 2x day. Do you now take Effexor or have you taken it before.
Osceola

[nana902]

How much Effexor are you on?  Nana