Hi is there anyone who is trying to come off an antipsychotic drug?I was put on aripriprazole 6 months ago and previously had 9 years on olanzapine.I had a very bad relapse last year coming off olanzapine and dont want to go through that again.I was told initially that I had a psychotic episode when I was 18 and put on the olanzapine.When I came off it last year after being on it for all those years I didnt sleep for a week,was very angry and depressed.They said I had a bibolar episode.I havent been diagnosed as such,as an episode isn't a diagnosis.I am on 5mg of aripriprazole and my doctor has told me to take 2 months to come off it.I have just moved from England to Australia,so everything here is so new to me.But I dont want to be on drugs forever as its affecting my relationships.
If you came off olanzapine cold turkey this will cause problems. Just be thankful that your sleep returned after a week.
I have withdrawal symptoms from geodon and problems sleeping even though the med change happened in January of this year. Things are better now but still problematic I wake up at 3am and can have trouble sleeping after that.
FWIW - I think taking two months to come off 5mgs of Abilify sounds very safe.
I do have to comment that it sounds like you have had relapses when you have discontinued your meds all together before. Perhaps just reducing your dose may be the ticket for you? Just a thought. I am on meds for life. If you do discontinue them keep a supply of them handy so that you can start up again at the first sign of symptoms.
Hi thanks for your message.I think it helps to hear other peoples advise and experiences.I think it will be easier this time hopefully than the olanzapine withdrawal,as I was on it 9 years.This one I've only been on 6 months.There is a chance that I may need it and I'm keeping an honest diary of my symptoms and what I notice as I'm coming off Ariprazole.I was told when I was 18 that I needed to be on it for the rest of my life.Thats what my mum thinks too.But other people believe that I'd be better off it.I havent heard of that medication you are on.Whats it for?I think its about being honest with yourself with medication and accepting that you want a good standard of living,either on medication or off.Take care
Coming off Aripriprazole
Posted - 11/11/2009 : 22:19:41
