Columbus, OH – SUN Behavioral Health Columbus published a blog post about the dangers of abruptly stopping specific medications. People decide to stop taking their medicines for many reasons, such as not wanting the side effects, being unable to afford them, or losing insurance or income. Some people might believe that they are feeling healthier and healed. On the flip side, they might also decide the opposite and believe the medication is not working, thus wasting their time and resources.
“No matter the reasoning behind wishing to stop taking medication, it is still potentially dangerous to stop ‘cold turkey’ without talking to your doctor first. Never do this without a medical professional's assistance, observation, or advice. It comes with risky and life-threatening effects. This is especially true if the medication you are stopping comes with severe withdrawal symptoms or if you are not healed from the condition it is treating,” the blog post states.
There are many potential side effects to stopping a specific prescription medication. This is because the body might rely on medication to appear healthy. When it no longer has it, the person might become sick. Symptoms of that sickness are often flu-like and include fatigue, headaches, nausea, chills, and insomnia. It is also possible that the symptoms will get worse, known as rebound symptoms. Depending on the specific medication, it could also result in coma, death, or other dangerous consequences. A doctor can educate someone on the risks of the medication they wish to stop taking.
Medication withdrawal is when someone stops taking a prescription after being on it for some time. Not all medications have withdrawal symptoms, but some are more prone to the possibility. These symptoms happen as the brain’s reaction to it being taken away. Risk factors for experiencing them include being on a medication for a long time or taking higher dosages. Physical symptoms of medication withdrawal include dizziness, excessive sweating, seizures, increased heart rate, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and palpitations. Psychological symptoms might consist of anxiety, confusion, depression, suicidal ideation, dysphoria, restlessness, and brain fog.
Stopping a medication on one’s own should never be attempted. While some medications can be stopped immediately, others require weaning. Discussing intentions with a doctor is the best way to accomplish this task safely. They can walk someone through the exact risks and other associated variables. The doctor might also prescribe a different medication if the reason for removal is due to adverse side effects or a belief it is ineffective. Everyone is different, meaning the right combination to treat a person’s ailments is not an easy one-size-fits-all situation. Weaning off medications takes time, and it cannot be done overnight. Depending on the medication and dosage, it can take several weeks to months because the body needs to get used to the lower dosages.
“Finding a medication that works best for your needs does not have to be challenging. Attending mental health treatment allows you to work with professionals who are dedicated to helping you find the right combination of medication and therapy for your mental health needs. While medication is not always necessary in treating mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders, it is proven to be a lifesaving tool for many individuals,” the blog post continues.
SUN Behavioral Health Columbus solves unmet needs for adolescents and adults in Ohio. They are partnered with Janus Pharmacy to eliminate the concerns surrounding not knowing where to go for one’s prescription. This enables their patients to continue taking their medications and even shipped to their homes after leaving treatment. They also offer 24/7 crisis care to help those experiencing mental health crises. People do not need to call them ahead of time.
To learn more, call them at 614-706-2786 or visit their website today. SUN Behavioral Health solves unmet needs.
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For more information about SUN Behavioral Columbus, contact the company here:
SUN Behavioral Columbus
Chris Nemeth
614-953-521
info@sunbehavioral.com
900 E Dublin Granville Rd
Columbus, Ohio 43229
