Michelle Hopkins
Going to therapy can open a whole new world to you. You can work with your psychiatrist to help manage issues so that they do not control your life. Treating any condition is a complex process, and you and your psychiatrist may decide to use a psychiatric medication to help treat the problem. When you on antidepressants, it's important to take them exactly as prescribed. Here are just a few of the reasons why it is necessary to take them regularly.
Reason #1: Not Taking Psychiatric Medications Regularly Can Endanger Your Life
Because you are likely to have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts when you are not properly and regularly medicated as prescribed, you may also be more likely to act on those thoughts when you don't take them regularly. Things can suddenly feel dire, and self-destructive thought patterns may return.
If you want to reduce the medication that you are taking, it is much better to work with your psychiatrist to figure out a way to safely and slowly reduce the dose that you are taking. You can make a plan to taper off how much you take the drug under the supervision of your psychiatrist. This is extremely serious stuff, so contact your psychiatrist, and go to a hospital immediately if you feel that you are in imminent danger after switching the way you take medication.
Reason #2: Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome May Occur If You Stop Abruptly
Sometimes the side effects of some antidepressants can leave people feeling like it is not worth the hassle. They then just stop taking them without first consulting a psychiatrist on the best way to approach it. That can lead to antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, which is also commonly referred to as antidepressant withdrawal.
With antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, you can have a lot of unpleasant experiences, such as flu-like symptoms and severe changes in thinking and mood. Although this syndrome is often not severe, you should talk to your psychiatrist as soon as possible if you have discontinued the use of your medication.
Finally, keep in mind that you put your own health and well-being at risk when you do not take medications as prescribed. Talk to your psychiatrist if you are thinking about altering your medications. They can work with you to find a healthy way to change medication that is in your best interests. Never try to change your dosage or stop taking them all by yourself. Contact a counseling center like Commonweath Affiliates PC for more information.