I've decided to stop taking my antipsychotic

Well after much thought and consideration I've decided to stop taking my Saphris. I understand that there was a reason that I put on it but I'm tired of this whole situation and I'm going to stop taking it. If I develop problems I will reconsider but as of now I think it's the best decision for me. I think not taking it will make more more normal and I'll have less issues. I'll continue to take Lithium as I have no side effects from it and it doesn't make me slow and sluggish. My intention is that I will not be telling my psychiatrist anytime in the near future as she will not agree with this decision.

Peace

Hi Hon,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Now, I’m not an expert, but this sounds risky. Aren’t you supposed to taper off gradually instead of stopping cold turkey? If you don’t think your psych would agree would it be safer to get a second opinion instead of taking things into your own hands? Maybe you can try a different med instead, if side effects are a problem with this one?

It is ultimately your choice and your responsibility but please tread carefully. If you are just dead set to do this, please let someone you trust in real life know about it, so they can at least keep an eye out for you if things start to spin out of control and you lose insight to know if you are developing problems.

Please take care.
Jan

Hey Peace and Harmony,

I have to agree with Jan here. Suddenly stopping your medication can cause you to experience really awful withdrawal/discontinuation symptoms so it really is better to ask a professional how you should taper off your medication.

However, if you've already stopped, please be careful. If you don't feel well please ask for help. Especially if you're feeling really manic.

Take care and best wishes.

I don't know what your doctor is like, but mine asks me what medication I think works for me, and how much I would feel comfortable taking. Then if she confirms that my decision makes sense from a medical perspective she goes ahead with it. I understand I have a very sympathetic doctor when it comes to this, and yours might not be so sympathetic, but if you can structure a valid argument for your wanting to come off that medication them i'm sure they will hear you out, they can structure you a gradual withdrawal also, which will be a lot better.

I'm basically just agreeing with the guys above me, just talk to your doctor, because it's always a thousand times better to do things the right way than sneak about with this stuff - and a lot healthier too.

I have to say that I agree with the others. I feel a little hypocritical doing so as in the past I stopped amisulpride off my own bat as it was so horrible but overall I think it is so much better to discuss it with your Dr. I am not saying stay on it if it is making you miserable but I do think that coming off it in a controlled way is a better idea and whether your Dr agrees or not, unless you are under section then they cant force you - but they can advise you how to come off it and to look at alternatives. I hope things work out OK for you - let us know how you go.

Hugs

Cracked

Thank you all for your input and your rational thoughts. The truth is I had a bad week and I wasn't thinking clearly. The infamous med compliance issue. I am back on my meds as it really is what's best for me. I haven't been feeling well, physically, but I don't think it's the meds I think there is something else going on so a trip to my family doctor is in order. I just wanted to thank all of you because you really helped me come around. I think sometimes we just need that voice of reason to help us get back on track.

Peace

I’m glad you came to that conclusion.
Thanks for updating us and I hope you feel better soon.

I'm glad we could help you, and I'm sorry that you had a bad week, glad you seem to be improving from it now though, take care of yourself.