“I Feel Better, Can I Stop My Psychiatric Medications?”

If you have ever wondered if you should stop taking your psych meds because you feel better, this article is for you! This is a very common and complicated question. It is natural to wonder if it’s time to stop taking your medications, or even take a break, when you are feeling better. While the answer to this question will be different for everyone, there are some things to consider. Let’s explore.

Thinking of Stopping Your Meds?

If you are considering stopping your psychotropic medications because you feel better, you aren’t alone. One study conducted showed that 34% of participants stopped their medications due to feeling better. While this may be a common practice, it isn’t necessarily advisable.

Medications do need to be adjusted from time to time, however, stopping them all together is often not safe. It is always best to discuss any plans to change or discontinue your medications with your prescriber first. There can be dangerous side effects associated with changes or going “cold turkey”. Discussing this with your provider is important.

Things to Consider

Feeling better is amazing, however, there are some things to consider before you choose to change up your medication regime.

  1. When did you start to feel better? This is an important question to ask yourself. Many start to see improvements in their symptoms and functioning when they begin medication management or when they find the right combination for them. These improvements may be due to her medications which would mean stopping or changing them could lead to a relapse in symptoms.
  2. How long have you felt better? This is a lot like the first question. If you have only been feeling better since you started medications or only for a short time you may want to seriously consider whether a medication change may leave you feeling like you’re backsliding.
  3. Do your medications impact the way you live your life? Take a look at how your medications honestly affect you. Are you experiencing side effects? Do they keep you from doing the things you want to do? If this is the case it is wise to discuss your concerns with your provider first to see if changes can be made so that you are seeing more benefits. If your medications are impacting your life in a positive way it may not be wise to go off them.
  4. What are your views on psychiatric medications? This is a loaded question which leads into the next question. If you have negative views about psychiatric medications you could be making yourself feel unnecessarily bad about taking them. Few people tell someone with diabetes that they shouldn’t need to take insulin, though we often do that to ourselves when it comes to mental health medications. There is also something called the nocebo effect , which is the opposite of the placebo effect. Essentially, if you think your medications won’t work, they may not! Mindset is important.
  5. Have you tried therapy? Therapy can be a powerful addition to your mental health treatment plan. If question #4 struck home, it may be time to find a licensed therapist. Our mindset plays a HUGE role in how we feel, the right counselor can help you get back on track.

You Have a Choice

You have a choice in your psychiatric care. You deserve to make your own decisions and make choices that are best for you. When deciding whether or not to stop you medications, be sure you are asking yourself the right questions. The questions above are certainly not the only ones you should ask, but they can get the conversation started.

Discuss your thoughts and needs with your provider and if you feel that you can’t talk to your psychiatrist or prescriber maybe it’s time to find a provider you feel truly listens and cares.

Carolina Counseling Services in Durham, North Carolina contracts with caring licensed psychiatric professionals . Our contracted providers are in network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield and MANY more. If you are looking for psychiatric care in Durham, NC call CCS today! We even have online psychiatric appointments available!

Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.