ive been on 50mgs for the past 6 months and feel fine since my panic attacks , depression etc, how can you tell when its gud to drop the medication? scared that if i come off them slowly but eventually il slip back into depression etc, any ideas?
2007-08-04 19:07:56 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
cheers sito
2007-08-04 19:12:26 · update #1
Please don't stop your medicine on your own! That's a conversation you should be having with your doctor. This may be a medication that you will be taking for a long time. You probably didn't just wake up one morning with depression and panic attacks. You are feeling better because the citalopram is working. Be patient!
2007-08-04 19:20:09 · answer #1 · answered by quietspoken01 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I'd start practising the following steps, so that you have something to fall back on when off the meds. They will help eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks etc:
1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, depression and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com
3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads online, e.g. http://www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/counselling/audio_resources/index.html
With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!
2007-08-07 18:45:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was advised to be feeling ok for four months before contemplating reducing them. 50mg is quite a high dose so you'll need to reduce it down and see at each level if you can cope. Be honest with yourself, the end goal is very appealing but there's nothing worse than coming off too quickly and finding yourself back at square one.. i learned that the hard way. Make sure people around you know whats happening when you reduce tablets, they can be a helpful insight. I didn't always realise i was anxious but other people could spot the signs, if they start creeping back other people might spot it first and you can stick at the level you're at till you feel comfortable to continue reducing them. Good Luck
2007-08-05 07:00:55 · answer #3 · answered by fish&chips 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's good to combine the use of anti depressants with therapy. The therapy helps you learn the skills to tackle your depression and panic attacks in the future by changing your though patterns etc. My husband was on the same anti depressant and found them great, but when he came off them the first time he did slip back after a few months. Then he had some cognitive behavioural therapy and this has really helped him manage without tablets. This form of therapy is really effective. it doesnt look so much at your past but more how you think and manage stresses etc, and helps you learn more prouctive ways to manage them. With my husband he needed more self confidence and courage to stand up for him self and express himself. He's a changed person!.... Took some getting use to for me though!
Good luck :)
2007-08-05 02:54:40 · answer #4 · answered by CD123 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The medication is usually stopped if you've been symptom free for 6 months. Then it is reduced slowly as stopping it completely can bring nasty effects. If you do relapse after stopping the medication see your gp as soon as possible and he'll probably put you back on them, if they've worked once they'll work again. It's something you'll have to discuss with your gp as it's different for each and every person.
2007-08-05 08:12:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I started taking anti-depressants my Dr. said to plan on taking them for at least a year. At the year mark we can talk about weaning off them and what to do if I start to relapse. So, my advice is to not think about stopping yet. Give your body and mind a break for awhile.
2007-08-05 02:11:17 · answer #6 · answered by tsoto_soto 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If I were you i'd stay on them for another 6 months or so afterall they are not addictive and you will hopefully avoid a relapse of depression.speak to your doc about it he will probably make you continue on them until he feels you've make a full recovery.
2007-08-05 02:20:58 · answer #7 · answered by voodooelectric 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have your doctor to decrease your dosage,useually if say you take 3 pills a day,reduce it to 2 pills for 2 weeks then to 1 pill for a week then 1 every other day for a week, then none,your withdrawal simptons would be that bad if you ease off and make sure you and your doctor are in contact during this time so he can monitor your health
2007-08-05 02:37:36 · answer #8 · answered by heidab1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been taking citalopram for about 8 months now, my doctor said that I'd be taking it for about a year (with counselling) and that he will control how and when I come off it. Don't take yourself off it, I tried it and it made me feel worse!
2007-08-05 09:45:11 · answer #9 · answered by slmjacs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i guess the best person to ask will be your doc. i've always been told look at taking them for about 12 months, then off gradually, but everyone is different. glad they are helping you
2007-08-06 16:05:28 · answer #10 · answered by very_slightly_drunk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋