Going back on meds

[emb1248]

Part of me thinks I already know the answer to this question but considering I haven't gone a week without seeing at least one Dr in the last six weeks I feel I need to pose it anyway.

I decided at the beginning of December that I was doing well enough to go off my anti-depressants (which were prescribed for me last January for situational depression). However, this last month has been horrible and now it seems like I'm on an emotional roller coaster. In terms of physical health, I've had surgery, a very sprained finger and a severe infection (of course none of these happened at the same time but each lasting at least a week). In terms of emotional trauma, I've lost two of my main supports who always got me through the rough times. Also this is my last semester of University and there are so many uncertainties as well as closures which are making the absence of supports even harder.

However, when I was on the meds I found I was still having anxiety attacks (especially in the last month I was on them). And I really don't want to be on them long term, because I hate the stigma attached to being on any type of med. I am thinking that I probably should go back on the meds (I was on Cipralex) but not sure if I should be doing this minus Dr. support and/or supervision. The Dr. had a non-chalant attitude towards whether I was on them or not and basically said it was my decision, he had also been letting me control the dosage. My problem is that in this situation I don't know whether I should start back at the minimum dose and moving up or whether I should just start at my previous dosage. I should also mention this is a GP who is overseeing these meds, as the psychiatrist and I mutually agreed that our sessions were unproductive and unnecessary but even to get a referral back to her I'd need to go back to the GP.

I really don't want to go to another Dr appointment, even if it's just my GP, and would love to handle this on my own (I still have one more refil on my meds so getting access to them isn't a problem). Anyone have any thoughts?

[catmagnet]

Yep, same situation here. I can't count the times I thought I was better, went off the meds, felt like wonder woman for awhile, then fell right back into depression. Maybe you could see a different psych doctor if you don't get along with the other one. And I certainly wouldn't worry about stigma. There's nothing shameful about having a disorder that needs treatment. If anyone would think otherwise, then THEY'RE the one with the problem...=/...cat

[dai3symae]

I understand what you're saying....I've been on AD meds for a long time and I get to the point where I want to be med free.  It hasn't worked for me so far....I'm fine for awhile and then all the symptoms come back.

I agree with LCC...If you are still having anxiety attacks then you need to contact your pdoc.   The doc can tweak your current meds or switch you to something else that may work better for you.  The first 2 I took weren't quite right for me....#3 is working pretty well.

Also....finishing your degree (congratulations in advance) is hard work and stressful....use all the tools available to help you keep your focus.

Good luck and wishing you a successful semester

[LeftCoastChick]

I think you do need to see your psychiatrist, this med is obviously not the right one, and you need to discuss this with a specialist. A GP is not equipped to treat more refractory or multi-symptom psychiatric issues. This drug works for some and makes others anxious like it did me. Even if it's for consult to switch meds, I would certainly see your pdoc. I took me a second return term of sessions with my pdoc to go anywhere, probably partly because I didn't want to deal with certain things, like abandonment issues. Re-occuring depression, though you've had some serious stress, should not happen unless you have a chemical imbalance. Learning coping mechanisms alongside meds is key, meds alone won't work in the long run. The only reason why I feel strongly about this,  I've had the same things, break up a relationship, serious car accident and spinal injury and University.

I do hope you figure out the best route for you, keep in touch,
LCC