Join Today & Get 4% Cash Back Then 6, 7...Up to 10% Off Reorders!

June 17, 2008, 6:55 am
Flag as Inappropriate Chris  

Lately I've realized how dependent I am on prescription drugs to get through every day life. I would really like to find ways to not have to rely on them so much or even be able to stop taking them all together. Some of the things I can take care of through diet and exercise,(heartburn, high blood pressure) but others like my depression meds I'm a bit afraid to come off because I remember what it was like without them. I just hate taking so many pills each and every day.

Any ideas?

Chris

Well you need to start off by weaning yourself from the ones that are not dealing with an actual real medical condition. It is a process that really needs to be done with a good support system and preferably under a doctors watchful eye.

You really should discuss what is safe to no longer take with your doctor. Some medications are needed and just to stop taking them won't really help you to be healthier.

Tell him/her about your dislike of taking so many pills. Your doctor might be pleased that you feel this way. But just remember that the pills you take aren't there to hurt you, they are there to help you and there's no shame in taking them.

I had an aunt who felt that she was taking too many pills every day and decided on her own to clean her system out and stopped taking all her pills. Her blood pressure went so high she nearly had a stroke and was hospitalized because her illnesses went uncontrolled.

As long as you are sure to take what is needed and discuss it with your doctor, it might be safe. Looking to improve your health with diet and exercise is a good thing, just don't jeopardize your health while doing it.

I would talk to your doctor and tell him or her how you feel about taking so many pills. They could have an option for you.

I agree with Ken, the best idea would be to approach your doctor and make it clear to him that you want to cut back on the meds, and see what he advises.

In your shoes, I wouldn't stop taking your prescriptions. Dependency isn't nearly as bad as having your life ruined by untreated conditions.

My sister just contacted me today telling me she was okay but in a bad wreck last week. I am thinking that disaster must strike her as she is trying to wean herself from a 2 year ago injury (shoulder) and now this. Are there any decent support groups online that you know of?

I took myself off of my epilepsy medication about 10 years ago. I have since been controlling it with diet, exercise, and getting enough sleep. I think that with the blood pressure medication I would talk to your doctor first to let them know you want a more holistic way to control your blood pressure.

I think you should seek help in your doctor. I take herbal tablets for depression, stress and anxiety, they have no side effects and are non addictive. I know you want to come off tablets all together, but you need to start somewhere.

You should consult your doctor. Maybe he can lower the doses. Let you adjust and then possibley lower it more after that.

Reading the answers to this post has reminded me of something I should be very grateful for.

My doctor always asks how I feel about a medication or course of action before prescribing or referring me to a specialist. I assume your doctor would respect your wishes if you wanted to make changes in your medication regimen and explore,with you, the best ways to change it.

I agree with everyone that you should talk to your doctor. My doctor tried to wean me off anti depressants. My body went into such bad withdrawl he said that I could never be off them. My body is used to having it. I don`t like taking so many drugs either. I worry about the long term affects. But like you said I don`t want to go back to the way I felt before I was taking them. I take 3 different meds.