In cooperation with my son’s psychiatrist, his pediatrician, myself as the parent he lives with 100% of the time, and per his request as a maturing sixteen-year-old young man, we are tapering him off his medication. It is a mood stabilizer, yet for his purposes, it was prescribed by his neurologist to control his motor tics from Tourette’s syndrome.
While it has worked well for him, and it is an affordable medication, for personal reasons, he has decided that the side effects outweigh the benefits. In the last couple of years, he has made tremendous efforts to live a healthier lifestyle. For example, he has implemented the following into his daily regimen:
- Weight training
- Running or walking at least five miles per day for cardiovascular health
- Strict diet based on weight training goals
- Juicing and smoothies
- Making homemade ice cream using protein powder – no sugar
The reason why, as his mom, I have obliged his request to go off his Tourette’s medication is that I am hoping that with his health style changes and his growing maturity, he might be able to manage his motor tics much better naturally than he was capable of beforehand.
We recently had an appointment with my son’s psychiatrist, and per his professional direction, he advised me to taper off the medication in this manner:
- Take it the night of the appointment
- Do not take it the following night
- Take it the next night
- Do not take it for two nights in a row
- Take it the next night as the final dose
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary.
How long does it take your body to detox from medications?
As a result of my son’s healthy actions, he has inspired me to get back into the gym and work out on a regular basis, too. What is really exciting (although I dare not speak it out loud to him) is that he is going to the gym with me on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The rest of the week, he works out at home or at a different gym with his best buddy.
Furthermore, I am also considering going off my medication, Gabapentin, which was prescribed to me for sciatica nerve pain in my back. I am hoping that as I build muscle and strength in my core and my back, the nerve pain will subside.
According to the National Institute of Health, “Symptoms of withdrawal should be distinguished from reappearance of disease symptoms that may reemerge in absence of the treatment. True withdrawal appears when the drug dose reduction is sudden rather than gradual, symptoms are more severe than what they were at baseline, or they appear in newborn infants whose mothers have been taking the drug.
Gabapentin
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Tachycardia
- Catatonia
- Seizure
- 24–72 hours after abrupt complete cessation
- Resolves 24–48 hours after reinstitution of drug,”.
Just as my son and I have, it is crucial to coordinate closely with healthcare providers when considering changes to medication regimens. Open communication ensures that both the benefits and potential risks are fully understood. Consulting with doctors about lifestyle modifications or alternatives can offer additional insight.
For example, therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) might offer complementary support when tapering off mood stabilizers. Monitoring both physical and mental health is essential during this period to identify any emerging issues promptly.
Engaging in regular follow-ups with healthcare professionals allows for adjustments to the tapering schedule if needed. Stress management techniques, like meditation or yoga, can also aid in maintaining emotional balance during this transitional phase. It’s important to remain patient and understanding, offering support to a loved one or yourself during the process.
Remember, every individual reacts differently, and what’s effective for one person may not work for another. Celebrate the small victories and remain flexible with goals, ensuring they align with evolving needs and circumstances.
Prevention of diseases
Not only does living a healthier lifestyle increase serotonin and oxytocin production in the brain, creating a better mental health experience overall, but it also helps my son and I ward off family diseases such as diabetes, addiction, and heart disease.
Here are some possible options to choose to create a better lifestyle and health condition from the Center for Disease Control (CDC):
- “Quit Smoking
- Eat Healthy
- Get Regular Physical Activity
- Limit Alcohol
Over time, excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure, various cancers, heart disease, stroke, and liver disease.
- Get Screened
- Cancer Screening Tests
- Prediabetes and Diabetes Testing
- Take Care of Your Teeth
- Get Enough Sleep
- Know Your Family History,”.
Emotional support from friends and family can also play a vital role. Encouraging conversations and check-ins can provide reassurance and strength during challenging days. It’s important not just to focus on physical health but mental well-being, too.
In addition to professional guidance, exploring hobbies or activities that bring joy and relaxation can help manage stress. Whether it’s painting, reading, or gardening, allocating time for self-care nurtures the soul and aids in overall well-being.
I also found that tracking progress through journaling or using health apps provides valuable insights into what strategies are working, helping me to make informed decisions about the next steps in my health journey. The apps also serve as an accountability tool as well as encouragement when I get to see my progress in real time, even if the scale doesn’t show it in the way I would like.
Joining support groups, either in person or online, offers a platform to share experiences and gain tips from those who have gone through similar journeys. Listening to others’ stories can inspire and guide you or your loved one through the process.
How to taper off a medication
In conclusion, tapering off medication is a collaborative journey requiring open communication with healthcare providers, patience, and lifestyle adjustments. Celebrate progress, stay flexible, and prioritize both physical and mental health.