Coming off medication

Former Member

Just a quick content warning that I’m going to be talking about medication and coming off it, don’t worry I have spoken to my GP, and I’m coming off it with their help.

Hey,

So at the moment I’m currently in the process of coming off my antidepressants, I’ve been taking them for just over 3 years and I felt like I’m finally at the point where I’ve got a stable job and relationship and my anxiety was pretty low so I figured nows a better time than any. However since starting to reduce I’ve felt myself getting more anxious not anywhere near as bad as before I started taking them but still enough for it to affect me. I know it is possibly just a symptom of coming off them, but was wondering if anyone else had been through this and had any advice to share.

Thanks 😊

Azziman

Hey @jess63 - it's really positive to hear that you're in a good position, and that the GP is helping you to wean off medication. I can understand that it can feel concerning when you feel anxious upon reducing medication, and that's a very natural response. It depends on the medication, but sometimes you may feel some withdrawal symptoms as your body gets used to the change, and it's possible that anxiety is one of the symptoms you may feel during the process.

It's worth checking in with the GP to let them know, and they will be able to provide more specific information for your particular medication. Mind also has a great article that explains this, if you'd like to know more: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/antidepressants/withdrawal-effects-of-antidepressants/

Former Member

@jess63

Thank you for sharing

It's really great to hear you are at a point you've got a stable job and relationship and your anxiety has decreased, and you are getting support from your GP.

I don't have experience of anxiety as such but when I came off my anti depressants I was in such a good place and then covid hit and I had to go back on them and I felt like I'd gone backwards. I realised, it's just part of the process because it's all a process. Coming off medication is a scary thing, especially when it has acted as a crutch for us, and especially when you have been taking it for 3 years because it's a long time.

My mum always used to say to me that my medication was a plaster on my wound, something that stopped the bleeding and allowed me the time to heal. I don't know if this resonates with you as I speak only personally, but maybe this medication has done it's job and you're ready for that plaster to come off but you're anxious of what is underneath and how your wound will cope without the plaster. Again, please correct me if this doesn't resonate with you at all. Maybe ask yourself what it is you are anxious about (if you can), and try to remember why you decided to come off them in the first place.

It can be a really daunting thing and having anxieties around it is a pretty natural response when it comes to any sort of change.

You got this @jess63

Former Member

Thanks @Azziman and @RenP thanks a lot, that really helps and yeah I think I just need to keep reminding myself why I’m ready to come off

Former Member

Also to add, I had an apt with my GP and she was not useful at all and actually gave me bad advice in coming off them, so I’m just going to do it myself much much slower and gradual than she was suggesting 😂

Former Member

@jess63 good to hear you have some progress!

It's not uncommon to experience increased anxiety or other withdrawal symptoms when coming off antidepressants. In addition to talking to your healthcare provider, there are some things you can do to help manage your anxiety during this time. Some people find that exercise, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can be helpful for managing anxiety symptoms.

Everyone's experience coming off antidepressants is different. Be patient with yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you need it. We're here to listen to you!

Former Member

Hi @jess63

Thank you for sharing this with us, it seems like you're doing a great job so far of advocating for your well-being. This is so important, despite its challenges. I can imagine this transition comes along with a mix of emotions. It's understandable that you might find this time a bit daunting. May I ask how things have been going the past few days? We are here for you.

Take care,

Former Member

Hey @support_squad23, thanks so much for your reply. It’s actually been going pretty good the past few day, I managed to speak to another GP and have now got a proper plan in place which is definitely helping. Been feeling pretty good despite having a stressful week so I’m pretty proud of that

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