My dad is having me do this so I save $40 a month when I enter college to save money. I was just wondering.
2007-05-15 11:47:05 · 19 answers · asked by truthofcontroversy 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
That depends on the reason and the origin of the reason you are taking anti-depressants. What ever you do, don't just quit, but if you want to try to get off, taper off over time. It would be a good idea to discuss the situation with whoever prescribed them.
Depression can have many causes, from mental to physical. If you have a chemical imbalance, anti-depressants can allow you to have a normal life. If the problem is psychological, you may be able to address the root cause, OR become so involved in something that you enjoy, that you don't need anti-depressants.
Saving $40 a month is chicken feed!!!! Your health is far more important than that, and $480 a year will make how much difference in college tuition? Let's get real. There are a lot of good reasons to want to be off of anti-depressants, but $40 a month is not one of them.
Proceed carefully!
2007-05-15 11:54:58 · answer #1 · answered by blackfangz 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a serious question, one that you need to talk with your physician about. He(she) can explain to you the right way to get off them. It is usually a gradual reduction over a period of time. And yes you can get off them. I think the real question here is whether you are ready to stop taking them and I don't believe that to save the money is the right answer. If money is an issue many drug companies have programs to help and maybe even the college you will be attending can help with the money aspect. Again, talk with your doctor so that you know how to do it the right way and what to expect. If you feel that you don't need them anymore - terrific, but don't stop just because of the money. Your mental health is more important. You will need to be at your optimal mental peak to manage the new issues of college. Think it through carefully. Good luck and have a happy life.
2007-05-15 11:56:27 · answer #2 · answered by zeldaba 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As others have said, talk to your doctor first. I certainly did get off anti-depressants myself, but I weaned off. Taking half doses, then taking half doses every other day was the method my doctor recommended. I also monitor how I am feeling very closely. If I start diving into depression again I will ask my doctor for a new prescription for a while.
$40 a month isn't that much if it is keeping you healthy, but it would be good to see if you can come off the drugs. Just do it carefully, I wouldn't be looking to replace the drugs with anything but reasonably clean living and exercise.
2007-05-15 12:30:01 · answer #3 · answered by Mark M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if someone has been on anti-depressants for more than a month then they shouldnt stop taking them abruptly and without instruction from their doctor. You should advise your friend to make an appointment with her doctor and to explain the situation. If she wants to come off the drug she will need to gradually reduce the dose she takes. By following what her doctor advises she will minimise chances of experiencing side effects like she is now and she'll need support to make sure she doesnt fall back into depression.
2016-05-19 03:49:03 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes absolutely. replcae it with Sam-E, which is a high quality and safe herbal way to do it, available everywhere. If dad still has a probem, try to ask your MD to insist you have to have it.
Also, start to read: Feeling Good", which is slef- cognitive therapy out of depression. The fact is most of these prescription antidepressants have been proven unhealthy and in fact, damaging to organs.. Just read what Gary Null, Ph D. scientist has to say. Read his books available everywhere, and he has a radio show too.
Another aid is HYperecin..St. John's wort
(Hyperecin) gives this plant antidepressive properties in cases of depression. This acts like a synthesis drug.
....and also, eating a lot of fresh green veggies and tons of fresh fruit regulalry.
2007-05-15 12:00:40 · answer #5 · answered by Legandivori 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The time to stop taking anti depressants is when you've been taking them a MINIMUM of six months, and you are feeling much better. That's the only reason to stop taking them.
You should get a doctor's advice before stopping them; it must be done slowly so as to avoid withdrawal problems.
2007-05-15 11:50:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is really risky!
i am on mine and i know if i take mine weeks straight and then i dont for a while then i get serious headaches and i dont feel good and im in a bad mood... why dont you try to cut down on something else besides them?
anti-depressants may seem like a little hing but it still can make a big difference
2007-05-15 11:51:12 · answer #7 · answered by AP! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's possible, but be very careful of the reactions. I was on Paxil for a long time, and it did a number on me when I tried to get off of it. It's a good idea to check with a doctor to lower your dosage slowly over a long period of time. Otherwise, you could end up very sick with suicidal thoughts.
2007-05-15 11:52:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the antidepressant...
Normally they have to be tapered off by a responsible clinician (doctor) that will supervise the gradual reduction of doses....
Remember, a rebound in depression is one of the risks...and no laughing matter,
The worst thing you can do, is to taper them by yourself, just to save some few bucks....
2007-05-15 11:50:44 · answer #9 · answered by Sehr_Klug 50 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your more likely on anti depressants for a reason and if you stop talking them while going through such a big change it might not be such a good idea. yes you can stop talking them with the consent of your dr. generally they lower your doses slowly so its not a shock to your body ... but talk to your dr to make sure your ready
2007-05-15 11:50:41 · answer #10 · answered by curiousme 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋