Weening off psych meds

Jedi67 · Jul 18, 2019 at 09:00 AM

My PDoc has started weening me off my buspar 2 weeks ago with my Geodon to follow right after. The reason being that my GP wants to run a test to figure out why I have a hormone present that is causing my blood pressure to spike. I've had so many other tests done, Cat scans, ultrasounds, blood and urine work and all came back normal. I am starting to feel the effects of being weened off.

Anxiety, lack of sleep, worry, depression and slight mania. And that is just being at lower doses of buspar. He did increase the lamictal and put me on ambien 5 mg with no positive results. I'm afraid what will happen if I'm taken off of the geodon eventually. I am wondering if this test is even worth it. My blood pressure is being controlled with the new meds I'm on and I have been losing weight. I may bail on this all together and focus on my mental well being and get my meds back to the way they are supposed to be.

That's about it everyone. Just wanted to update you all. Thanks for the support and I hope you are all well!

Jul 18, 2019 at 09:17 AM

Hi Jedi. I know how difficult it can be to be weaned off a medication, especially ones I've been on for a long time. I imagine it is a hard choice to make. I have no clue what the issue with the hormone might be. Have you considered getting a second opinion about your GP's plan? Maybe from a specialist? I'm not 100% sure what type of specialist would be best. You might ask. An endocrinologist?

I don't want to scare you, but Geodon withdrawal is often rough for people. I had a heck of a time finally getting off of it, especially having taken 160 mg per day for about 6 years. But I eventually did. I was weaned off very slowly...over months.

Jedi67 · Jul 18, 2019 at 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BirdDancer

Hi Jedi. I know how difficult it can be to be weaned off a medication, especially ones I've been on for a long time. I imagine it is a hard choice to make. I have no clue what the issue with the hormone might be. Have you considered getting a second opinion about your GP's plan? Maybe from a specialist? I'm not 100% sure what type of specialist would be best. You might ask. An endocrinologist?

I don't want to scare you, but Geodon withdrawal is often rough for people. I had a heck of a time finally getting off of it, especially having taken 160 mg per day for about 6 years. But I eventually did. I was weaned off very slowly...over months.

Hi BirdDancer! Thanks for the feedback. I do believe that my GP wants me to eventually see an Endo. I'm hoping that may be enough to single out any issues regarding my blood pressure. I just feel a bit overwhelmed having to be weened off the geodon eventually. I guess I'm a bit nervous and apprehensive since I'm beginning to notice changes already. Getting a second opinion sounds valid, but this is a new GP that I have and she has been aggressive and attentive to my issues. Will consider it though. Thank you for reaching out!

MickeyCheeky · Jul 18, 2019 at 10:20 AM

Weening off Meds is ALWAYS scary, Jedi67!

I completely agree with @BirdDancer about EVERYTHING she wrote. I'm sure you'll get through this. Your GP is there to help you after all. Just write down all the problems and symptoms you're experiencing and bring them to her attention. Hopefully things will work out fine. Don't be afraid to ask for help if any problems show up. Keep us updated!

I hope things will work out and that you'll have NO problems at all!

Sending many safe, warm hugs to you, Jedi67, and to ALL the people you Love and who TRULY Love you and Accept you for who you TRULY are! PLEASE NEVER GIVE UP AND KEEP FIGHTING AS MUCH AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN!

fern46 · Jul 18, 2019 at 10:53 AM

Hey Jedi, I'm happy to hear from you. Sorry the circumstances are what they are. I am sure it feels uncomfortable and risky. Did your GP coordinate with your pdoc on this at all? It seems like they would want to stay in sync while making this kind of change.

Did your doctor express what would occur if you didn't have this test? If the risks aren't too great and you found a med that helps keep your blood pressure under control I agree the better thing to do might be skipping this test. You've been stable for a while since your last mixed episode. I'd hate to see you sacrifice that.

You're in my thoughts. Blessings for peace and wellness.

Jedi67 · Jul 18, 2019 at 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickeyCheeky

Weening off Meds is ALWAYS scary, Jedi67!

I completely agree with @BirdDancer about EVERYTHING she wrote. I'm sure you'll get through this. Your GP is there to help you after all. Just write down all the problems and symptoms you're experiencing and bring them to her attention. Hopefully things will work out fine. Don't be afraid to ask for help if any problems show up. Keep us updated!

I hope things will work out and that you'll have NO problems at all!

Sending many safe, warm hugs to you, Jedi67, and to ALL the people you Love and who TRULY Love you and Accept you for who you TRULY are! PLEASE NEVER GIVE UP AND KEEP FIGHTING AS MUCH AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN!

Thank you so much, MickeyCheeky! I appreciate the support and kind words. I do plan on sending my GP a list of issues I'm facing. I am going to try my best to look on the brighter side of all of this and stay positive. I will definitely keep fighting and never give up. I will keep everyone updated. Thank you! Hugs!

Jedi67 · Jul 18, 2019 at 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fern46

Hey Jedi, I'm happy to hear from you. Sorry the circumstances are what they are. I am sure it feels uncomfortable and risky. Did your GP coordinate with your pdoc on this at all? It seems like they would want to stay in sync while making this kind of change.

Did your doctor express what would occur if you didn't have this test? If the risks aren't too great and you found a med that helps keep your blood pressure under control I agree the better thing to do might be skipping this test. You've been stable for a while since your last mixed episode. I'd hate to see you sacrifice that.

You're in my thoughts. Blessings for peace and wellness.

Hi fern46! Good to hear from you as well. Yes, my PDoc and GP were in communication regarding the med changes. My PDoc didn't seem to think the changes in the buspar would be anything serious but the geodon he was a bit apprehensive with since I did have a serious mixed episode recently as you well know. I will message my GP regarding my anxiety and lack of sleep. Asking what would happen if I didn't have this test is a great idea! I'll ask. Also the increase in lamictal doesn't seem too be having that much of an effect. I am seriously considering skipping this test and just doing the blood work and urine tests they ordered. I really don't want to relapse during the summer months. I plan on having fun and don't want to be ill during it all.

Thanks for your support and blessings. Much appreciated, fern46! I will keep everyone posted and updated as things progress

Jedi67 · Jul 19, 2019 at 06:28 PM

I've been told there are other alternatives to getting this "Nuclear Testing" done by my GP. My PDoc is on board as well for getting back on my psych meds. So no more weening off. I do still have to see an Endo and also get blood work and urine tests done that my GP ordered. I am very relieved. Thanks everyone for your feedback and support. I can breathe easier today! I've already started my regular doses and I'm back on track!

fern46 · Jul 19, 2019 at 06:41 PM

Wonderful news Jedi! I am happy you will be able to enjoy your summer like you were hoping. Thanks for the update.

*Beth* · Jul 20, 2019 at 10:00 AM

In my experience, coming off meds is always very difficult. The times I've had success is when I titrate down extremely slowly.

Your post caught my attention because I have also been having weird blood pressure spikes. I'm on two medications to lower my bp, but it's not dramatically lower. The doses are minimal, though.

The situation is very frustrating. It's great that your GP is arranging testing for you. So far, all my GP has done is change or add on medication.

Could the hormone increase your having indicate a thyroid problem?

Jedi67 · Jul 21, 2019 at 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fern46

Wonderful news Jedi! I am happy you will be able to enjoy your summer like you were hoping. Thanks for the update.

Thank you, fern46! Always appreciate the support!

Jedi67 · Jul 21, 2019 at 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by summerfields

In my experience, coming off meds is always very difficult. The times I've had success is when I titrate down extremely slowly.

Your post caught my attention because I have also been having weird blood pressure spikes. I'm on two medications to lower my bp, but it's not dramatically lower. The doses are minimal, though.

The situation is very frustrating. It's great that your GP is arranging testing for you. So far, all my GP has done is change or add on medication.

Could the hormone increase your having indicate a thyroid problem?

I'm not quite sure if I have had any testing done for my Thyroid, but I will look into it. Thanks! I'm currently on 3 BP meds and one I take twice a day. The water pill lowers my potassium, so now I have to take one of those huge potassium pills everyday. Just can't win lol. My previous GP only changed meds as well, but my new Doc is being very aggressive and proactive. I'm happy that I'm not going to have to ween myself off my psych meds. Thanks for the support and feedback!

*Beth* · Jul 23, 2019 at 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jedi67

I'm not quite sure if I have had any testing done for my Thyroid, but I will look into it. Thanks! I'm currently on 3 BP meds and one I take twice a day. The water pill lowers my potassium, so now I have to take one of those huge potassium pills everyday. Just can't win lol. My previous GP only changed meds as well, but my new Doc is being very aggressive and proactive. I'm happy that I'm not going to have to ween myself off my psych meds. Thanks for the support and feedback!

*sigh* yes...the "taking more pills to help stop side effects from pills."

I was taking a water pill, too, but was getting up 5 times/night to pee. Needless to say, the sleep interruptions are not helpful for bipolar disorder.

My GP stopped the water pill and increased my Amlodipine dose. x fingers crossed x

It is great that your current doc is being proactive!

Jedi67 · Jul 24, 2019 at 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by summerfields

*sigh* yes...the "taking more pills to help stop side effects from pills."

I was taking a water pill, too, but was getting up 5 times/night to pee. Needless to say, the sleep interruptions are not helpful for bipolar disorder.

My GP stopped the water pill and increased my Amlodipine dose. x fingers crossed x

It is great that your current doc is being proactive!

I am going to ask to be taken off my water pill as well! I'm always in the bathroom peeing. I do take norvasc currently and will definitely ask to have it increased. I also take labetalol twice a day but I have been losing weight and my BP is very controlled for now which is a good thing. hopefully, I can get weened off one of the BP meds down the line. thanks for the feedback and yes, I'm happy with my new GP. she's great! good luck with the amlodipine increase!

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fern46 Grand Magnate Member Since Mar 2019 Location: USA Posts: 3,021 5 4,300 hugs given	Jul 19, 2019 at 06:41 PM #9 Wonderful news Jedi! I am happy you will be able to enjoy your summer like you were hoping. Thanks for the update.
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