Living without medication.

[CRSeaside]

Recently some members of my support group contacted me about their decisions to either take less or no medication. They've been reporting good, better & best reports. My psychologist is in favor of using talk therapy,obviously as he can not prescribe medication.  What helps you the most?

[CRSeaside]

That's great Rodger.  I'm getting very wary of these so called Drug Cocktails myself. Brain chemistry is a tricky thing. A friend of mine is experiencing the diabilitating feeling of walking around numb all of the time.
  Personally, I get weird even if I drink too much coffee!!  I'm down to one med a day, from a high of 7 meds a day.
  To begin to feel passion & lust for life again is such a reward. Thanks for the update!  Pamela

[rogelio63]

It's funny that I just saw your post and my wife had just came in and said I seemed more like my old self again,,sense of humor, ability to engage in conversation etc,,, From 300mg welbutrin and 400mg lamictal a day I am totally off now.  From 160 of geodon I am down to 20mg.  I feel good.  I don't think my doctor will ever think I am good to go totally off meds,,,maybe but I don't think so. She said she would like to get me down to lithium and zoloft only.  I am doing good on less though,, definitely.

[weaver71]

I have yet to talk to a therapist or doctor who thinks I can manage drug free. My last doc visit was the first time my doc said she thought I was a lifer for psych meds. I was told that about methadone, especially detoxing at home without psych meds. All of my medical support is shocked that I am clean. What has helped most over the years? Constant self observation of myself, having a plan of what to do if I feel myself losing control, and having support who is giving me feedback on how well. I'm channeling thoughts in a positive CBT way. Lots of alone time and meditation help also. I'm beginning to rely on meditation more and more, but I have a get away