Is it a good idea...

randidiane

randidiane

Cathlete
to stop taking anti depressents? I'm 29 been taking them since i was 18 on and off. I am on 30 mg of Lexepro and it has helped me when i first started taking it but now it seems like i'm really not completly better. I have so many negative thoughts. I'm fine when i'm at work i leave all that stuff at home I don't want to take it out on anyone.
My doctor just upped it to 30 mg a month ago and i'm doin a little better. My mom says i'm not the same and she want's her "randi" back:)
She says, "Dad and I have spent so much money on dr.s bills and it just doesnt seem any good."
Anyone try to get off them and try maybe another way? Any ideas would be apprciative
Thank you
Randi
 
This is a touchy subject, if you don't mind me asking, "is there anything that triggered your depression, such as a death in the family or your self-esteem? The reason I ask is because I went through serious depression when my father passed 7 years ago, however I don't like taking medication so I stopped taking them.
 
randidiane said:
to stop taking anti depressents? I'm 29 been taking them since i was 18 on and off. I am on 30 mg of Lexepro and it has helped me when i first started taking it but now it seems like i'm really not completly better. I have so many negative thoughts. I'm fine when i'm at work i leave all that stuff at home I don't want to take it out on anyone.
My doctor just upped it to 30 mg a month ago and i'm doin a little better. My mom says i'm not the same and she want's her "randi" back:)
She says, "Dad and I have spent so much money on dr.s bills and it just doesnt seem any good."
Anyone try to get off them and try maybe another way? Any ideas would be apprciative
Thank you
Randi
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I could be mistaken here but i think anti depressants are a drug that you should Not just stop taking at a momemts notice. You may need to taper off. Consult with you DR before you quit taking them. And yes people can stop taking them successfully but again do it under your Dr's supervision.
 
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No, I don't think it's a good idea to go off the medicine without consulting a doctor. I've been on antidepressants for 17 years, also on and off, because I still got depressed while on them, so I figured they weren't working. I've been on 4 different antidepressants over the years, increasing the dosage until I hit the max and was prescribed a new drug. Prozac was the absolute worst for me. It increased my depression and anger immensely. There are so many different drugs out there, it's going to take some time to find what works best. I've been on Effexor XR for about 9 years now and I'm at the maximum dosage, so I don't know what's next, but I definitely can feel the difference if I miss a dose. I know I'll be on something for the rest of my life, that's just how I am. I believe it's hereditary in my case, as my grandmother and aunt have depression.
Talk to your doctor about how the drug is making you feel, or see a different doctor maybe. I don't think you should just stop on your own. I feel for you.
 
Randi, I was on lexapro for a bit and my Dr. advised me to taper off as opposed to stopping completely. I did that and it was so tough. I was depressed and irratable for several weeks after coming off completely. That is normal. I think the goal should be to get off the medication and start looking and treating the underlying reasons for the depression. There are a lot of natural things you can do to help you work through things - therapy, prayer, yoga, hot baths, meditation. Once I got to a place where I felt ready to tackle my real issues, it felt good to make the decision to go off. I am still working through things but getting better every day. I am sending big hugs your way that you will find some hope and solace from whatever is troubling you. (((hugs!!)))
 
Talk to your Dr. If your Dr. increased your dosage just like when you first started taking them it can take your body up to 6 months before it levels off and works the way it should. Also since you've been taking it for so long I seriously doubt your Dr. would let you just cut it out cold turkey. Usually you have to ween yourself and slowly lessen the amount you take. Is there are reason why you want to go off? If it has worked in the past then it can probably work for you again. It is probably just going to have to take some time to find the right dosage and kind. Yes, I speak from my own experience. I've been there. Hang in there. Things will get better.
 
Something I feel the need to point out: There are different types of depression, and they are not all alike. And for many, depression is not "all in their mind", where they can find some deeper issue that is troubling them and fix it, eliminating the need to take medication. In certain types of depression, the cause is medical, there is a chemical imbalance in the brain and no amount of positive vibes or good thoughts will change that. The person needs to be on, and stay on medication, period.

Not many people like to take pills, I know I hate to even take a vitamin, but any suggestion that you can "will yourself" out of a medical depression is like saying that a diabetic can do without insulin if they just try hard enough.

I know all the suggestions are meant in good will, as is mine, I just wanted to point this out :)
 
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PLEASE don't stop taking your meds without working with your doctor. I realize everyone if different so I am just going to relate my experience with this. My Mom's doctor cut her anti depression meds cold turkey ( another story) and she had such withdrawls that she took her own life. I am not trying to scare you - I just have a need to share how sometimes sudden withdrawl from a medication can be dangerous. I wish you luck in your decision.
 
This is a question you need to ask your doctor about before making any changes. Good luck with everything.
 
Govtgirl said:
Not many people like to take pills, I know I hate to even take a vitamin, but any suggestion that you can "will yourself" out of a medical depression is like saying that a diabetic can do without insulin if they just try hard enough.
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This is so smart and well said!
 
I know it is standard in these days of the internet to ask for advice on a forum such as this one, but I strongly recommend not asking for advice about prescription drugs on a forum. You have no idea who is giving the advice and what their background is or what knowledge they have. And they do not know you or your situation, past history, medication background, etc. Making medical decisions based on such advice is hazardous.

I truly do not want to offend either the original poster or anyone who has responded; however, this ever-more-common practice is dangerous and I feel it important to say so.
 
I would not just stop taking it cold turkey ! And I would talk to my doc about it. But I'm scared to because my grandfather was very depressed/ acoholic. I get low self esteem if i'm not on them very depressed. So in my opinion i dont think i should ever get off them. My mom is just at her wits end with me right now:/ Honestly I really dont want to it's only been a month since i've been on this dosage and I am feeling a little better. And definitly don't want to feel like how I was when I wasn't takiing anything.
 
I'm in agreement with taking medications shouldn't be a quick fix - BUT if a diabetic was told to pray it out or think good thoughts to control it, they would be a fool.....Depression is disease causing, ruins relationships, destroys families, incites alcoholism - oh lots of bad stuff.....and if medication restores that serotonin balance and makes you function and want to live, then that is your insulin!

I'm an organic natural girl,but happily took zoloft from the time I was 36 (working mother of 2)until last year - onset of perimenopause when I suddenly got soooo sleepy - hormonal shift, more serotonin? Whatever, I weaned off over 6 months - THAT long...and been ok...but will not hesitate to go back on if I feel explosive or in a dreaded panic all the time!!

I found exercise helped -but ALOT - like 2.5 hours of yoga and the effects lasted a few hours...that's unrealistic....

So, parents don't like their kids on stuff, but YOU can call the shots, its not their business at this point...

You are SOOO not alone, thanks for sharing this with all of us..
 
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