As I mentioned in my last post, most medications have side effects. You will not know how you will be affected until you take the medication. Similar to side effects are withdrawal symptoms.

Medication withdrawal cannot be avoided but there are a few small things you can do to bring yourself comfort whilst you go through it. I will share a few things that have helped me when I have been through medication withdrawal.

Medication time

Take your medication at the same time. The routine will help your body regulate the reduction in your dosage and deal with the symptoms better. It will also give you piece of mind knowing how long you have left until you are medication free.

Eat and drink well

Your body will need to be supported physically as you withdraw from the medication. Eat well and drink regularly to keep your strength up. A weak body will have you feeling worse.

Exercise

Get your body moving. Not only will this help prevent distress as cortisol runs through your body but it will give you something to focus on other than your thoughts.

Keep yourself occupied

Sitting around waiting for withdrawal to wear off is only going to make your feel worse. Try to get on with your daily schedule. If you have nothing planned, plan something!

Remind yourself

Remember why you are feeling the way you are feeling. Try not to let your thoughts get you worked up onto thinking something is wrong or there is something to fear. Remind yourself the decreasing your medication is having an affect on you and it won’t last forever.

Keep a diary

Log your moods and physical symptoms as you come off the medication. This will help you out things in perspective and give you a better aspect of the withdrawal to focus on.

Remember, the effects don’t last forever. They will soon pass.