how long should you be on meds?

[Ballerina123]

my cc told me that psychosis is a extreme version of anxiety. I think this is very true for me. Ive been very anxious lately and had some strange thoughts. I halved my anti psychotic for a week or so and I realised that my sleep and anxiety was worse and by the end of the week I though the TV was sending me messages.
I scared I will be on meds forever and will never be able to cope without them.

does anyone know how long I should be on meds? Im scared I cant be normal without them.

I think I will always be on an anti depressant but that's fine because I am ok with the side effects but I hate the side effects from my anti psychotic and Ive been told the only other anti psychotic they will try me on is colozapine which has a worse side effect profile than the olanzapine im on now.
Im on 20 mg of olanzapine if that helps.

[Bellatrix]

I think some people will need to be on medication for life , and that's okay.

its about learning to adapt to the side effects though i know thats hard.

you'd take medication for life for a physical condition, so why is a mental health one any different?

[tiptoes]

It varies from person to person and ideally it would be your doctor that answers this for you.

If it would help I can give my view on my own medication -
I had issues with medication compliance and when I agreed to go back on medication my GP told me ideally I needed to be on my medication for at least 2 years to gain some stability this is now 4 years ago and I am still medicated. I would love to come off my medication but I need the stability that the medication brings even if it isn't perfect. I have now reached the point in my recovery where I can envisage a time when I won't require a prophylaxis medication even so I think it this will be 2-5 years down the line.

I think it is very personal whether the pros and cons of a medication out weigh the pros and cons of no or minimal mediation and then there are the pros and cons of long term prophylaxis medication versus firefighting/episodic medication.

What does your team have to say on the matter?

[Ballerina123]

I havnt asked my psych. I don't see him for 2 weeks.
I think that's a good point J. I would use meds for life for a psychical condition so why not for a mental health one?
I guess Im just scared because my meds have already caused high cholesterol, blood sugar problems and high prolactin so im at risk of medical complications.

[Bellatrix]

i can understan that's tricky... i guess it's about weighing up the pros and cons of taking medication. can you make a chart to help you?

def talk to your psych about it when you see him - he might be able to augment things. like if you have high prolactin you can take a dose of aripiprizole to 'soak up' the xtra prolactin.

[Ballerina123]

Thanks aripiprizol is being considered for me.

[Pi.R^2]

I think this is really a conversation to be has with your psychiatrist as even a qualified psychiatrist couldn't make a judgement on that based on your posts on an internet forum!

Did you half your medication under medical supervision? If not, probably not the best idea as you have been prescribed that dose for a reason!

[Epicene]

Like Jenna said, nobody here can advise or predict how long medication would be required for. Even the best doctor cant reliably predict that. I think it ultimately comes down to what is best for you right now. But the fact you are on medication now certainly doesn't mean you will necessarily be on it forever. Try not to be too scared about that and take things moment by moment.

[Steel Maiden]

Side-effects can improve, and adjunct medications can be added to help them. Not always, but it can.

I was told I'll be on olanzapine for many years to come, but for slightly different reasons to you, as I don't take it for psychosis alone.

[88shelz]

So far I have been on meds with no success weaning off for 10years. i know of people that have been on them their whole adult life and those that have only needed the. For six months. It really does depend on the individual. Do not give up hope that you won't ever be off them though.

[Arienette]

How long should I a diabetic stay on insulin?

For as long as they need it. ( obvs example only for type 2 but you get the gist)