lastyearisblank - I don't know your situation and I'm not in the position to offer advice but I've been reading the book "Molecules of Emotion" by Candace Pert, PhD. She acknowledges that drugs are helpful and necessary sometimes but that in the long run they can be detrimental. The reason is that the natural fluctuation of our molecules - hormones, etc. are altered and then it becomes much more difficult to get back on track.

I would use medications, definitely, if needed to keep myself from going completely beserk. But I would also be very attentive to trying to find ways to wean myself from them. Too many people, including and especially psychiatrists, like to think of the 'quick fix' - which is sometimes necessary.

It's the same with physical health. We know that eating bad food will make us sick. So, we get sick and take medications to have a temporary respite from illness. But we know, in the end, that we must eat better, exercise, etc. to find true health. So, I think, it's similar to psychotropic medications. Use them as needed but strive for true health without them eventually.