Should You Stop Psychiatric Medications If You Feel Better?

Many people question whether they should keep taking their psychiatric medications when they start to feel better. This question is common and it is also complicated. Of course you would wonder whether it was time to stop your medications if you feel better, many people begin to think they don’t need them if they feel better. For some this may be the case and for others they may be feeling better because of their psych meds. While the answer to this question will be different for everyone, there are some things to consider. Before you decide to stop or change your medications, make sure you have all the facts you need. 

How Often Does This Happen? 

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. 

Asking the Right Questions

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

1. When did things start to improve? 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 your symptoms been improving for? 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 cause any problems for you? 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 thoughts 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. Are You in 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. 

Taking Control of Your Psychiatric Care

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 your 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 Southern Pines, 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.