Administrator Altostrata Posted August 5, 2011 Administrator Share Posted August 5, 2011 In 2005, Mind UK published this booklet about why and how people quit psychiatric drugs. The study found 68% had problems in coming off SSRIs and 60% in coming off psychiatric drugs in general. It was based on 204 phone interviews and 45 follow-up interviews. Mind's conclusions: Of patients interviewed, 40 per cent saw their GPs as "not helpful" in the process, making them the least helpful source of advice and support, with 10 per cent stating that GPs "made things worse". Internet and email groups came out top - 94 per cent found them helpful. Doctors were also unable to predict who could come off successfully - those who came off against doctors' advice/didn't inform doctors were more likely to succeed: 53 per cent, compared to 44 per cent of those whose doctors agreed they should come off. only 18 per cent of respondents said that their drugs had been mainly helpful, while 21 per cent said they had been mainly harmful. The rest were spread out somewhere in between the two. Most people wanted to come off because of the unpleasant effects, or because they did not want to be on the drugs in the long term. the report delivers insight into traumatic experiences of harsh withdrawal symptoms, and the worrying lack of support in trying to come off medication, despite the benefit, need and/or desire for some people to come off. Sixty eight per cent experienced problems in coming off SSRIs, 60 per cent psychiatric drugs in general. ' Of grave concern is the lack of patient choice in taking drugs....70 per cent had felt pressured to take drugs. People who want to come off their drugs must have their decision respected, and be practically supported even by professionals who may not agree with them. ....there are clear limitations of relying on medical help, and value in a much wider range of resources. There is also an urgent responsibility for doctors to be provided with the fullest information on the drugs that they prescribe, from the MHRA and other sources. http://www.mind.org.uk/shop/sale_books/293 (would very much like a pdf of this report) This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squirrel Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 I took part in this study Started Seroxat(Paxil) for panic attacks in 1997 stopped the drug in 2005 tapered over 3 months ( doctors advice) Suffered severe and protracted withdrawl ever since. No other medication taken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted August 5, 2011 Author Administrator Share Posted August 5, 2011 What was it like? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squirrel Posted August 5, 2011 Share Posted August 5, 2011 was a phone interview I was in early withdrawl so sorry but I cannot remember the details Started Seroxat(Paxil) for panic attacks in 1997 stopped the drug in 2005 tapered over 3 months ( doctors advice) Suffered severe and protracted withdrawl ever since. No other medication taken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrator Altostrata Posted August 6, 2011 Author Administrator Share Posted August 6, 2011 Hiw did they know to talk to you, squirrel? This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squirrel Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 I rang them about the total lack of support for people in withdrawl and so they asked me questions. Started Seroxat(Paxil) for panic attacks in 1997 stopped the drug in 2005 tapered over 3 months ( doctors advice) Suffered severe and protracted withdrawl ever since. No other medication taken. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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