Why do we say we're "over medicated"?

[hedgehog]

I'll allow that some kids are misdiagnosed with ADHD, but for some families the drugs are a life saver. I'm wondering if today's psychotropic drugs are being classed in the same category as the tranquilizers of the 50's and 60's. Clearly Valium did a lot of harm, but today's anti-depressants and anti psychotics are what keep many of us sane and functional.

[Droopy]

1. It's possible to become over medicated very easily

Especially if you have my psychiatrist. He seems like a nice guy, but for the least little complaint he'll prescribe something new or up your dosage. I can't help but think that there are many doctors out there that are like that. I currently take four meds and I need them all, but two of them are additions that my doctor made after I was released from the hospital. And I didn't have to work to get them, either. He was very quick with the prescription pad. All I'd have to do is tell him I am feeling anxious sometimes and he would throw some Xanax my way.

Over medication was the reason I stopped using meds and ended up in the hospital for the third time. I couldn't hold my head up there was so much meds running through my veins. First of all I was taking an anti-psychotic that wouldn't work unless I was taking it at the maximum recommended dosage. I should have told the doctor that I wanted to try a different anti-psychotic. On top of that I had two other drugs I was taking at a high dose.

All of that aside I agree with you that meds can be a life saver. They are for me. You just have to watch yourself when you step into the psychiatrist's office or you could be walking out of there with 8 prescriptions and thinking that you need them all when 2 or 3 might do the job just fine. Take it slow.

[shrike]

5. You really have to be your own advocate

ask questions, insist on a change when you know there's a problem. You know your own mind and body better than anybody else.

I've been overmedicated and undermedicated, as well as unmedicated, and all three states are bad for me. I'm comfortable with what I have now, but truly, sometimes you have to push. And educate yourself.

[Droopy]

6. I agree

I learned from my experience from being over medicated that you have to tell the doctor everything and that you cannot be afraid to ask for different meds than you are using if they are not agreeing with you. If I just would have told the doctor that I wanted to try a different anti-psychotic I might have saved myself a lot of heart-ache, time and money.

The anti-psychotic that I currently take is also being prescribed in a high dosage because it doesn't work well for me at a lower dose, but I don't have any side affects from it other than muscle spasms. I told the doctor about the spasms and he said it was a common side affect of the anti-psychotic I'm taking and prescribed cogentin. Everything is cool now.

[shrike]

7. Good for you

Can't imagine taking an anti-psychotic drug. I have enough trouble dealing with ADD and depression. I truly admire you folks.

Unfortunately, sometimes people with mental health problems are in no shape to be their own advocate. That's why a support system and loved ones who truly care are so important.

Like I said, you know your own mind and body better than anybody else.

[DemExpat]

2. This perception comes from experiences like Droopy's, and mine

in the 1980s....but unlike Droopy I have been able to live a rather comfortable life without meds for the past 24 years. (With intermittent help from counselors/friends and family, and Homeopathy and herbal remedies)

Also from looking around at one's family/friends/acquaintances - the number of people I know on medication (psychopharma) is exploding....

Finally, from the sheer numbers of prescriptions of these meds being used in the US (and some other countries) at present - it is mind-boggling, in my view.

This does not mean that there are not many people greatly helped by these meds, but the evidence to me looks like over-medicating - and the trend looks like it is only growing as well.

:hi:

DemEx

[tibbir]

3. My psychiatrist seems to be very good about medication.

I rapid-cycle and when I'm up or down she has me tweak the drug combination I'm on. It took many years to find the drug combination that keeps me the most level. It consists of 5 separate things <2 mood stabilizers, an antidepressant, an anti-anxiety and an anti-psychotic>. I'm comforted by the fact that she never prescribes addictive stuff because of my family history of addiction. Also, her goal is to have me take the least amount of my anti-psychotic to keep from going into mania.

I hate taking all of this fucking medicine but the alternative is always having a major mood shift when I try to eliminate any of it.

[DemExpat]

4. Sounds like you have found great support here with her....

:hug:

DemEx