Absolutely!

I have been on many different drugs and many different dosage, and combinations as well. All have had varying degrees of good and bad side-effects.

After so many years taking meds, I became a little more pro-active in what I would and would not take, how much and for what symptoms.

Docs don't take the meds, you do. You are the only one who can determine if what you are taking and how much is helping or hindering you. Sometimes, it may take going off a drug to see its full potential as well (like vitamins, in a sense. You don't always automatically notice how much of a benefit it was for you until you stop). That was the case with my use of Prozac (fluoxetine).

Although I believe, for myself, it is more of a placebo effect than anything else, I continue to take a mininal dose of this particular med because I believe it helps in keeping my depression from spinning out of control, although it does not completely take care of my depression altogether. I refuse to take antipsychotics because of the dreadful side effects (it makes me gain weight like crazy!) although it does have better success overall. (I'm sooo vain, I know, but I just don't want to add another problem while trying to take care of the initial one).

With all the different meds out there, I just make my docs try a little harder in helping me find the right combo.

They have always been very good at allowing me to adjust up and down (within a certain range and time period) as I see fit, but I also take my medication everday. It is a rare occasion that I will miss more than a day at a time. This point is crucial as well. Consistancy is very important. I see so many people go off and on their meds and then wonder why they get so messed up. Most psych drugs are only useful when taken consistently - not necessarily forever - but consistent use is definitely required.

I am also fortunate in that I get a quick response to drug therapy; good or bad - usually within the first week or so. With some people, it takes alot longer.

Hope this helps.

AS