going off meds

Hi, I've been on meds for last 2 years, I tried Olanzapine, Sizodone LS, and now I am on abilify ... even though I am not getting psychotic episodes, I always feel anxious, restless and depressed.... I tried taking SSRI but it made me even more anxious. Right now, I think my main problems are caused by meds and their side effects... so I decided to go off meds and see what happens...is it a good idea...I am sick and tired of taking meds and dealing with all the side effects, especially restlessness and anxiety. So, how should go off the meds and is it a good idea.

You should talk to your provider if you plan to make med changes. The best way to discontinue meds is a very slow stepping down, gradually decreasing the dose over a period of weeks or months.

Angelique is right, psychiatrists taper meds when you are quitting this can take 6 months or longer depending on the dose that you are on. As far as going off I can't say I know anyone who has remained stable off the meds----I lasted 9 months without symptoms and had to go back on. Ask yourself if you would rather be psychotic or whether you would rather have the anxiety and restlessness that you have now.

That's a great question.... I don't know which one do I want....sometimes, the agitation and restlessness and feeling of worthlessness becomes too much that I don't even know which one do I want....

The others are right about tapering, but coping techniques are also vital. Do you think that you have good coping skills? Do you have a therapist? I've been med-free for over a year, not always by choice, and I'm not stable...then again, I wasn't stable on meds either. If I didn't have good techniques to get me through, I'd be completely screwed!

The med vs med-free debate is a tough one.

*Willow*

I'd like to think that I have good coping skill, I've lived through last 2 years without killing myself...Anyway, I am not seeing any therapist... I don't think therapy can help.. because I find it hard to articulate my problems..I know I am thinking irrationally, but I can't help it

I think if you've been stable for two years, it's worth trying to go off the medication if you want to. It would be best under the supervision of a pdoc, though.