Coming off my medication

AndrewJ · 12-08-2007, 23:40

Hi all.

Since 1994 I was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, since then I've done alot to overcome of the awkward social aspects of my ailment to limited success.

I was on Dothepin until 2002 when I suffered a series of fits due to the medication and was moved to some others sadly i forget the names right now and since GF is asleep upstairs i don't fancy waking her up to get them.

Basically I've noticed a few side effects and these are bothering me.

1) White discoloration of skin

2) Loss of "drive"

3) Lack of energy

4) Increased anxiety

Their is more but you get the jist, all of these are on the leaflet which comes with the medication.

I am going to talk it over with my father on Tuesday and just want your advice here, I really want to totally come off the anti-depressants which basically is what I am on, and try to cope without them since they're supposed to help me stay calm and in control but they seem to do with opposite.

Anyone here in a similar boat or know someone who is?

Pia · 13-08-2007, 00:11

Please don't come off them without speaking to your doctor first, he may well want to try some 'alternative' therapies if you've tried all the types of medication suitable for your needs... I'm sure you expected someone to say this but you know it's true

AndrewJ · 13-08-2007, 00:15

Yeah I was stubborn once and didn't take them and after three days man I was ill ended up having to take them just so I could function but that is what worries me, the side effects plus how dependant I am on these damn things.

etccarmageddon · 13-08-2007, 00:28

this is what aspergers is if anyone wonders:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspergers

AndrewJ · 13-08-2007, 00:29

Thank You Etc.

**Stuart C** · 13-08-2007, 00:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pia

Please don't come off them without speaking to your doctor first, he may well want to try some 'alternative' therapies if you've tried all the types of medication suitable for your needs... I'm sure you expected someone to say this but you know it's true

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewJ

Yeah I was stubborn once and didn't take them and after three days man I was ill ended up having to take them just so I could function but that is what worries me, the side effects plus how dependant I am on these damn things.

Just to back Pia up, While I don't have any experience of Aspergers (or any kind of depressants), I know that changing medication (particularly medication to do with mental health) without having someone who is experienced in managing medication (such a a GP) advise you can cause massive problems.

AndrewJ · 13-08-2007, 00:41

I plan on speaking to my father who of course is probably best option and then seeing my GP about it, I guess as I am getting older I am more worried about my health, I've recently taken up Swimming again and I would like to begin going out for drinks at night and currently I am not permitted to even drink on my medication

Alien · 13-08-2007, 01:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewJ

I plan on speaking to my father who of course is probably best option and then seeing my GP about it,

No offence to your dad, but unless he's medically qualified then I think you have that the wrong way round; the first person you speak to should be your GP.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewJ

I guess as I am getting older I am more worried about my health,

That happens to a lot of people, myself included.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewJ

I've recently taken up Swimming again

I used to enjoy swimming, but if I went now someone from Greenpeace would probably try to push me back in every time I tried to get out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewJ

and I would like to begin going out for drinks at night and currently I am not permitted to even drink on my medication

Depends on the meds [as well as your medical situation; I'm not your doctor, nor medically qualified]. It could be that alcohol & whatever you're on make a dangerous combination, or it could be that the meds just amplify the effects of the alcohol. If the former, then obviously the only safe way you'll be able to drink is if your GP switches you to something else. If the latter [& you get that confirmed by GP or pharmacist], then you'd need to find out how much it affects your alcohol tolerance. It would probably be better to test that out at home, having a quiet drink with someone with you who's staying sober to keep an eye on you. That way, if you seem to be getting too drunk they can stop you from having any more & make you some black coffee.

AndrewJ · 13-08-2007, 03:58

I understand my father is not the one who should advise me on medication but since he was the one when I was younger and much more out of control who recommended I was put on medication I feel its wise to bring it up with him, and get the view of someone else who knows me on a day to day basic before I bring this up with my GP.