I've been on antidepressants since February as I was suffering from anxiety, panic attacks and possibly even depression resulting from my symptoms.
My doctor has said that it is common to stay on antidepressants for 6 - 9 months even if you are feeling better, which apart from the ocasional mild anxiety I feel I am. I don't want a relapse which is what they warned me of but I don't like relying on a pill to feel normal.
Can anyone give me some info of their experiences, if a relapse can occur if you come off them too early or if staying on them for 6 - 9 months does prevent relapses.
I'm on 20mg Fluoxetine a day. I have also done everything else I can to improve my life which includes getting involved in new sports, looking for new work, stopping drinking, joining gym etc.
Many thanks!
2007-05-23 21:45:13 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
hullo
you should adhere to your doctors advice,depression must be treated properly ,to prevent pre mature relapse,6 to 9 months is a good duration for treatment,you are on low dosage of Prozac.
sudden withdrawal of therapy may worsen your condition,you know it is not a stigma to be on anti depressants.
dr solo
2007-05-23 21:57:27 · answer #1 · answered by baghdadcatcash 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most specialists advise staying on these medications for a minimum of six months, then to decrease them slowly.
I have read one book by a psychiatrist, Dr David Burns, who mentions that sometimes three months is sufficient. BUT if you're feeling much better on the Prozac, what's your rush?
(The book is 'Feeling Good' by Dr David Burns, revised and updated version)
Of course, none of us like the idea of relying on a pill forever, but try and take it one day at a time. Tell your doctor you feel much better - why not ask him if you can, for instance, start taking the Prozac every other day, or maybe lower the dose to 10mg?
Don't make these changes without asking your doctor first, though.
Also, I don't think of it so much as 'relying' on a pill to feel normal - I think you're incredibly fortunate to have found an anti depressant that has worked well for you!!
2007-05-24 05:32:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want off of them you must have the doctor wean you off them or you can suffer great withdrawl symptoms, relapses and some people even die. It will mess with your whole body, your bowels, heart, evrything, this is nothing to mess with. Get withdrawn properly. You should never just stop, you could even pass out behind the wheel of a vechile and never wake up. It is widely known. They stress this on the news after many have been found dead. Please take care of yourself. Good for you, you are taking up what is making you happy, but ask yourself, would you be doing this if you were not taking them? So withdraw properly, even if you don't feel addicted, your body is.
2007-05-24 04:55:57 · answer #3 · answered by Dolly 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would give Energy therapy a try. EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a drug free therapy that is easy to learn and you can do it yourself without a therapist whenever you need to. You can also see a therapist for help but the main thing is if you feel an attack coming on or feel depressed you can use it yourself without having to make an appointment for the therapist etc.
You can find out more from these sites below.
2007-05-24 04:59:08 · answer #4 · answered by Stuff Buster 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
relapses could occur no matter how long/short one has been on them --- sounds like you are doing everything you need to be doing..... i would taper off, and then wait and see....
be aware that one may have some side effects when going off them - some people have a kind of 'electric jolt' feelings --- talk to your doctor and then go for it!
2007-05-24 06:19:10 · answer #5 · answered by Daniel F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honey, let me tell you, as I work in the medical field, probably 95% of our population are on anti-depressants. granted, you do not have to live on them to be normal. what i would suggest is that you speak with your physician about gradually taking you off of them and see how you feel without them. if that works you made it, if not you can always get your dose increased again.
good luck
2007-05-24 05:30:36 · answer #6 · answered by Tree Medic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i stopped taking zoloft without talking to my doctor and ended up more depressed than i was to begin with. if the doc says stay on them, listen to him.
2007-05-24 05:17:15 · answer #7 · answered by gilyan33 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you can take off of pills on your own or in cooperation with your doctor...and gradually decrease pills,...if problem appears you always can take pills
2007-05-24 05:43:19 · answer #8 · answered by Srbo Sutaric 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋