Need help with SSRI medication
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My mother has been on a plethora of anti-psycotic and anti anxiety medication for, probably 20 years. She wants to get off of them, because after so long it has obviously not done her good. I was wondering if anybody had personal experience they could share with me?
I do. A warning. An elderly (82) relative of mine was on a bunch of drugs like that and went to the hospital for a broken hip from a fall. In a rehab facility they accidentally overdosed her and she almost died of cardiac arrest or whatever it is that you get from a fentanyl overdose: incredibly weak she had rehab (at a much, much better place) and was on zero opioids and zero antipsychotics. Silver lining is that off all the drugs and with positive reinforcement from staff and many relatives, she was recovering much better and faster than expected, regaining strength daily, until another daughter stopped by and asked what happened to all her meds. She began pestering the staff to ask about her level of pain and to give her pain relievers from her stock of prescribed drugs, and encouraged her mother to focus on her pain instead of her recovery and to take the drugs liberally to help her cope. TLDR- 100% family support is needed to help a person overcome entrenched habits, even unhealthy ones. Anyway, be wary of family members who aren't onboard.
The fact that your mom desires the change is a huge first step, and the best way to start. Be prepared to remind her and reinforce this decision, as she may question it as difficulties arise. God bless!