Just wondering what would happen if I refused to take my medication? I went to see a new psychiatrist yesterday, and she wants to up my dosage of anti-depressant to try and help me sleep. I don't see the point. I can't see how it's going to help, and I really don't want to up my dose. I'd planned to start coming off it soon, not vice versa... its so upsetting they want to up it.
Saw my therapist straight after, and they said that if I didn't do what the psych had suggested he'd have no choice but to go back to the doctors and force me to take something else.
I don't see the point. Nothing has ever helped me sleep before and I'm not willing to keep being messed around. Every time it messes around with my mood.
Just wondered if they could force me to take medication and what the result is if I do keep refusing to take it?
To be honest flat out refusing to take it isn't going to do yourself any favours. Without knowing anything else about you we can't raelly say what would happen if you stop taking it, but if stopping it makes you really unwell you could be sectioned for up to 28 days (but they're not allowed to force meds on you then) and then onto a section 3 which could last for up to 6 months. But bear in mind these are worst case scenarios and unlikely to happen.
Another situation that could happen is that they could decide that if you aren't going to comply with treatment they may discharge you so you wouldn't see your therapist or your psych.
And then again nothing may happen at all.
However, I know how it feels to be on tablet after tablet, I spent a long time on the drug merry-go-round.(near enough 10 types of tablets on a few different doses each time) so I do understand why you are reluctant to take it. However, what if this is the one that works? Because for me once I got the right combo of meds I improved a lot and was able to use therapy more effectively to deal with things. I'd say it's worth a shot.
However if you really don't want to take it I'd advise for a different approach to just refusing it. I would share your concerns about taking it, try and make them understand why you don't feel like taking any more tablets. Hopefully they'll listen to you and try to find a solution that both they and you think will be in your best interests.
when i stopped taking my medication they were just about to section 3 me and have it forced on me via injection in hospital they had even called the people for the mental health act assesment but my psychratrist was kind enough to allow me to go on another medication and agreed that i didnt have to be sectioned if i kept o taking it and i had to have people from the crisis team come round for about a month to watch me taking it! i even now, about 7 months later, get asked everyday if ive taken my meds! so it really alot of hassel and upset, could you not try explaining to your doctor that you dont want to be taken off them instead you never know she might be undertsanding.
I think you should be allowed to refuse medication. Whether you are, and without repercussions, I'm not sure. It would depend on your mental state and your care team/psychiatrist. You DO have the right to refuse medication, but that could, like people have said, lead to you becoming more unwell and possibly ending up on a section where you could be treated against your will. Also, some care teams may discharge you altogether with the idea that if you're not willing to take medication, you're not willing to engage in treatment and therefore they see no point trying to treat you.
I don't think medication is the be-all and end-all and it may be that you can be treated using psychological therapies rather than meds, but this is something you need to discuss with your professionals. xxx
Thanks for the help guys. That's really useful. Feel like I've been pushed into a corner with it a bit. It's either raise the anti-depressant I'm on, or stay on that and be forced to take something else, so it feels a bit like a lose lose situation.
I'm sick of my meds being messed with, and I just want a good night sleep now, I don't want to have to wait for ages for the meds to kick in again.
Psych wants me to up it so I'm getting the full benefit from my therapy. I'm angry at my therapist though, I just feel like he's not supporting what I want.
*hugs* i think the above advice is correct. you can refuse them, but it could lead to some unwanted effects. Can you talk to them, ask if you could just stay on the dose you're on now?
No. I've tried that. They basically want to up it as psych thinks it will help with my sleep. I'm not sleeping at all at the momentm and am so low because of it, that they don't see how therapy can help much more until I'm actually well enough to deal with it - because of the lack of sleep, I'm just not.
I understand their point, but I was supposed to be coming off them soon. I've never seen the point of being on them, they don't make a spot of difference, just cause problems every time I mess with dosage, etc. I'm just sick of being told what to do by people
What is it that's difficult about adjusting or changing meds? You said it messes with your moods, but if you're so low now, maybe it's worth just giving it a shot?
What is it that's difficult about adjusting or changing meds? You said it messes with your moods, but if you're so low now, maybe it's worth just giving it a shot?
I guess... I'm desperate to try and believe I'm getting better, not that things are getting worse. The fact I'd planned to come off meds in next couple of months are so, it's hard to accept they want to up my meds.
I can understand that. I made myself a target that I'd stay out of hospital for 6 months. I managed 3 1/2. A nurse told me that making targets is sometimes like setting yourself up for a fail and sometimes it's better to just manage the "moment" - going a day at a time. The truth is, if you don't try something different it's harder to get better. So trying the meds might improve things for you more quickly so that you CAN come off meds. Being on meds is nothing to feel ashamed of, imagine you were diabetic and had to take insulin - you probably wouldn't beat yourself up then.
I also really empathise with the fear of getting better, do you know why you fear it?
A nurse told me that making targets is sometimes like setting yourself up for a fail and sometimes it's better to just manage the "moment" - going a day at a time
This.
Quote:
I also really empathise with the fear of getting better,
I think thats very important for you to know dear,you are not alone in this,I feel the same to *snuggles*
A little angel fell into my arms at the 7th of december 2010
its important that you think this through and speak to your doc about your feelings on changing the dosage.
if you are over 18 i think you can refuse meds.. but if thye feel that without them you wont be safe then you will be hospitalised and forced to take them.
I think thats very important for you to know dear,you are not alone in this,I feel the same to *snuggles*
Thanks for all your help guys. Really do appreciate it. I have moments of thinking I should try sorting my meds, mostly because its hurting the people I love... It helps to know I'm not alone, though wouldn't wish that feeling on anyone. I guess it feels safe, secure, and whilst I have so many good things in my life, I'm terrified of allowing myself to be vulnerable because of what has happened in the past. If I let myself be happy, I'm scared I lose control. There's nothing to say I won't hit a down again, and when I'm happy, the lows are more painful to hit
