I have been on anti-depressants for over five years. I would really like to get off them, as this is the only medication I have ever taken for an extended period of time.
I've tried on my own before, but inevitably the depression that followed was worse than the one before.
I was told that it can work if it's done properly, but I'm simply afraid that with no medicine, I'd get depressed quickly again due to whatever goes on in my life.
There is a history of clinical depression in my family.
Has anyone done this successfully? Any advice?
2006-12-02 03:31:23 · 11 answers · asked by tamara_cyan 6 in Health ➔ Mental Health
If you were diabetic, you wouldn't want to get off your insulin, would you? If you need the medicine, take it. It is nothing to be ashamed of. Be glad you found something that helps you. good luck to you.
2006-12-02 03:34:12 · answer #1 · answered by Tina 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have come off antidepressants successfully with the help of something called the TrueHope program, after several unsuccessful (and dangerous) tries on my own. I needed to get off the antidepressants because the side effects for me were worse than any help they gave me. Eventually all antidepressants start doing the opposite of what you took them for, as your brain adjusts to them being there. I could be more technical, but that's not the point here.
I weaned off the antidepressants and onto a natural health supplement that has completely changed my life. For the first time in 43 years . . . yes 43 years . . . my depression is completely gone and I am a normal functioning human being! I have my life back.
Just click in the link under 'source' for more information. I wish you the best.
2006-12-02 03:57:09 · answer #2 · answered by Samslou 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would speak to your doc
anti depressants should nt be stopped without medical supervision..rebound symptoms can occur which can be very intense and severe....and also physical symptoms almost flu like.
depression may be a chronic condition for you ..it s a chemical thing..i m sure you ve been told that....if depressive symptoms recur after a period off meds you may have chronic depression and may need the medication long term
its like if you had diabetes or high blood pressure...would you try to stop your medications when you know you have a medical condition that wont get better on its own despite lifestyle adjustments you make
2006-12-02 03:36:53 · answer #3 · answered by rinaldo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do anything you want to. I was on them for 3 years and I got off. I felt like the happy me wasn't really me...it was the medicine. It's not a physical thing hardly at all. It's a long, hard mental struggle. I would recommend you getting off of the medication just because of my point of view...not that that would work for you. I've seen both sides of the tunnel. Depression also runs in my family and I don't let that be an excuse as to why I "need" them. I don't need anything that alters who I am. I had to accept my self and it took a GOOD therapist to do it, but I did! And you can to! Like I said, you can do ANYTHING you want to.
2006-12-02 03:49:35 · answer #4 · answered by atm4987 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically, you belong to the chronic depressive group. Anyone with 3 or more relapses needs medication for life.
Don't worry abt the antidepressants. Gotto weigh the pros and cons. Life's too short to worry abt side effects - better happily treated and alive, then sad and dead.
2006-12-02 03:37:21 · answer #5 · answered by MD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems that after you are on them for a long time you don't think that they are working or that you dont need them any longer, untill you go off of them.
I have taken myself off them 2 or 3 times only to realize that maybe they were working. Now I just deal with remembering to take them everyday!
2006-12-02 03:37:04 · answer #6 · answered by Kimberly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess you'd have to do this under your Doctors guidance. Five years does seem a long time to be on medication without it being reviewed........Is it possible you're actually on placebo's rather than proper antidepressants? Also have you tried stuff like St Johns wart?
2006-12-02 03:34:35 · answer #7 · answered by Agony Aunt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No!!! I'm taking anti depressants for 3 yrs now!!!
Once the doctor tried to reduce the dosage and it was horrible!!!
Ever wondered why our life is like this!!!
Cause our life sucks.
2006-12-02 03:37:19 · answer #8 · answered by Moy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A through diagnosis is needed .Consult a qualified mental health professional ( psychologist or psychiatrist ) for your problem pl.
2006-12-02 03:39:19 · answer #9 · answered by SKG R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See a Doctor!!!
2006-12-02 03:34:21 · answer #10 · answered by Do What 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋