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Mental Health News Articles
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| Posted: 7th August 2004 |
| Quitting Psychiatric Drugs |
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A person may have a number of reasons for wanting to stop taking psychiatric medication – freedom from the dulling effect most psychiatric drugs cause, freedom from worry about long-term effects of the drugs, e.g. tardive dyskinesia (involuntary muscle movements), freedom from dependence on such powerful medications, or maybe the numerous side effects many psychiatric drugs bring on.
Whatever the reason, people have a right to free themselves from using medication they feel uncomfortable with or if they desire a better long term solution.
Quitting any medication requires supportInitially this must be from a sympathetic physician or psychiatrist, who should be helping to oversee any alternations in medication statusThe person’s physician must be of a mind to support the requests for change and accept a person’s right to make this difficult decision.
Also of equal importance is the support from friends and familyPeople may be a little scared at first that these changes will do great physical and psychological harm, and so may need reassurance and information to put them at ease.
Finally, support may be needed from an outside counsellorCounselling support is sometimes sought to help the person find accurate unbiased information about the medication and about any possible alternative options, but is usually needed to help the person adjust to the emotional and psychological effects withdrawal from medication can often include.
Steps to Quitting Medication
1. Find a supportive doctor who will work out a withdrawal schedule with you and monitor your progress.
2. If possible, ensure a stable living situation.
3. Rally support from friends and family and local organizations and find out as much as you can about the process so that you will be prepared for the withdrawal symptoms.
4. Arrange for an outside counsellor to be on hand should you require help with emotional and psychological issues. |
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