Long story but I've been on different medications for like 5 years for depression and anxiety, but this year I got diagnosed with autism and it's pretty clear to me that I was dealing with autistic burnout and not clinical depression. Fortunately my doctor is receptive to the idea so we stepped down my lamictal from 200mg to 150mg and a week in I feel really fucking bad.

Anyone have advice or anything they're comfortable sharing about tapering off of meds? Mainly lamictal and Wellbutrin (haven't started reducing it yet) but anything could be helpful.

  • Kappapillar [comrade/them,undecided]
    ·
    edit-2
    2 years ago

    I've been on Lamictal for ~4 years; I've never completely stopped, but I've had some experience with tapering off while adjusting my dosage since I was over medicated for a while.
    With dosage changes, first week is the worst for me. Usually, since I've ridden this ride a couple times and know there will be an end, I just try to take care of myself the best I can, be kind and patient with myself, and try to mitigate any reprecussions I might face from shutting down for a couple days lol. I suppose I think of it as preparing to get knocked out from covid boosters? Your body is (and your psyche is) managing changes and it needs to rest.

    Consistency with food, water, sleep, and personal hygiene are your top priorities!

    Runcible had it right that you should load as much of your day as you can to habit forming. Habits help you achieve things without having to actively think about it. Plans help too. If you plan that you'll go to sleep at 10 exactly every night, wake up at 8 sharp, eat breakfast, then shower next, then half of the hours of the day are already taken care of. Past you can look out for future you. \o/
    Decision-making is hard when your brain is focusing on managing brain chemicals. Habits help you take care of yourself on autopilot. Maybe set aside 30 min tomorrow to write down what a human body needs to live?

    I know it feels like it'll go on forever, but eventually your brain chemicals will start adjusting and adapting to the changes. Be kind to yourself, try to do right by yourself, and love yourself. You got this (:

    • justjoshint [he/him]
      hexagon
      ·
      2 years ago

      thanks for sharing, this was really helpful.

      yeah i have always had a really hard time managing schedules, but probably worth trying some now.

  • Runcible [none/use name]
    ·
    2 years ago

    I was on a constantly rotating mix of different meds from 2nd grade on until I moved out. I spent a year tapering off one medication at a time (I don't recall what they were at this point). It wasn't bad, though things were generally pretty smooth for me at the time. I wouldn't drop all medications at once, and for me the biggest trouble was sleeping. Most of this can be dealt with by habit forming (i.e. bedtime is 9, not flexible. Don't watch tv or screw with the phone waiting to get sleepy, etc.) Things feel different for quite a while, in a way that is nebulous and pretty hard to describe. Lacking a more useful way to express it, I would say I feel more connected to my life/experiences.

    I don't look down on medication, and definitely think that if you need it you should use it but I would personally have a very difficult time going back.

    • justjoshint [he/him]
      hexagon
      ·
      2 years ago

      yeah I am definitely not interested in stopping anything suddenly I'm just worried I guess because it's started out pretty hard. but I'll give it more time because I think it's important and might just take a while.

      thanks for sharing your experience and suggestions

  • Spongebobsquarejuche [none/use name]
    ·
    edit-2
    2 years ago

    I lost my insurance for years and lost my antidepressants. I was a massive wreck and my world was on fire. But I was working out and that kept me pretty level mentally. Just a lot of alcohol and shallow hookups otherwise. How about, Sleepovers with strangers.

  • dom [he/him]
    ·
    2 years ago

    Can you talk with your provider again? If you aren't tolerating whatever taper you are doing, I'd recommend asking your provider if you can go slower. I also wouldn't recommend tapering off both at the same time (although unclear how long you've been on bupropion, specifically). Your provider or their staff likely can call to check in to see how you are tolerating tapering and make recommendations.

    Best of luck comrade

    • justjoshint [he/him]
      hexagon
      ·
      2 years ago

      i didn't make it clear, sorry, but i'm definitely not going to start tapering bupropion until i'm completely done with lamictal

      honestly i feel bad but its more like a level of being pretty sick, i don't feel like i'm in danger or anything. so we'll just continue carefully i think

      thanks for your advice comrade

  • sappho [she/her]
    ·
    2 years ago

    This website was helpful for a friend of mine coming off SSRIs after years, maybe it would be for you as well: https://withdrawal.theinnercompass.org/ At least for SSRIs they generally recommend a slower taper than most psychiatrists will default to.