Q I feel fine right now, so can't I just decide on my own to stop the medication?
A You must never stop on your own. Feeling fine right now may actually be because the medication is working, and stopping suddenly can bring both discontinuation syndrome and a relapse of depression. Whether and how fast to taper must always be judged by your psychiatric doctor.
Detailed Answer
Even if you feel stable right now, that may be precisely because the medication is working. Stopping on your own suddenly risks both discontinuation syndrome — dizziness, electric-shock-like sensations, anxiety, insomnia — and a resurgence of depression or anxiety that had been kept in check. Whether tapering is appropriate right now, and at what pace, must always be judged by your psychiatric doctor based on your progress — stopping on your own is very dangerous.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
Dongjedang's detox and weight-management perspective isn't about "getting off quickly" but "supporting the body to readjust safely." That's why tapering always proceeds gradually under your doctor's guidance, and Korean medicine only buffers the symptoms of that process. We never recommend stopping a prescribed medication on your own because you're taking herbal medicine, under any circumstances.
Related FAQs
-
Q
If I get help from Korean medicine, is it really possible to stop the medication completely? I want an honest answer.
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
I've been taking it for over 10 years — can a medication taken this long still be tapered?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
While tapering I have insomnia, indigestion, and dizziness all at once. Can these all be managed together?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
Since tapering, it's become really hard to fall asleep. How can I recover my sleep without sleeping pills?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
Are there exercises or lifestyle habits that can help during tapering?
#Lifestyle Management