You guys are great about the brain zaps- yes you know when you forget after about a day or 2- for me that is good because compliance is a difficult thing for me sometimes. I think with all due respect to anyone who it isn't helping or experiencing side effects- coming off meds should always be a joint effort between you and your doctor. I have bipolar 2 so apart from the reality that meds is probably for the rest of my life- I do discuss with my doctor that a drug holiday is a goal I have.
@Buttons, the most important thing is to have open and honest communication with your doctors about your symptoms. Take your concerns to them and basically let them know if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above. At the end of the day you are going to have to weigh up quality of life.
Exercise is necessary as well as a healthy diet. I do think that when medication is attributed to weight gain, one must also appreciate the lifestyles of people with mental illnesses. Research is showing that doctors need to pay more attention to this and offer assistance to maintain general health.
Right now it has been between 5-8 years on slightly varied dosages of venlafaxine. But I know that I have lived more of my life present in my head for being on the medication.
|