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Depression tablets to continue or not?

Posted , 3 users are following.

a2020
a2020

Hi there, couple off months ago I was put on depression tablets same ones I had years ago whilst going through really bad relationship and can see how much of depression I was in back then, I just don't feel I am like that now Deffo not same. My doctor recons I have got depression because I've hit another difficult stage in life my son isn't well and do find it hard to cope feel helpless for him in a way but I just don't feel confident taking these tablets at all this time around and I'm unsure why, I've not taken them for few days now as actually had flu but I'm wondering if it's okay just to not take them at all and completely just come off them?

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • betsy0603
    betsy0603 a2020

    Posted

    What kind of antidepressant is this?  It is never a good idea to go cold turkey as the withdrawal will hit you like a tidal wave, and it can go on for osme time.  It is ok to come off if you choose to, but you need to do a slow taper to minimize withdrawal symptoms and allow your nervous system to adjust back to life without the pills slowly.

    Life is full of ups and downs with strong emotions in reponse to hard times.  It's normal, not something to be medicated away.  Perhaps you have reached a new level of being able to process your emotions without needing the pills.  If you have been on them for three months, then you should take that much time to taper back off.  It is the kindest way to do it for yourself with the least amount of upset.

    • a2020
      a2020 betsy0603

      Posted

      Hi thank you for reply, they are Setraline 50mg tablets and have been on them just over two months I just don't feel I need them and want to try handle things without tablets but my doctor thinks otherwise I am slightly confused he hasnt even arranged for review on tablets I just seen him once and right away gave me them along with leaflet explaining depression, I would rather have alternative to tablets. Because I have the flu just now and unable to take tablets or anything except water so im unsure if some of what I'm feeling is withdrawal but would I have this with only two month on tablets?
    • betsy0603
      betsy0603 a2020

      Posted

      Yes, you can develop dependency to the tablets after just two months.  When you are able to stomach the tablets, you could take 3/4 and see how you do with that.  After a couple of weeks go to half, and two weeks more go to 1/4, then after two weeks go off entirely.  However, you MUST listen to your body along the way.  If you at any point begin to have bad withdrawal symptoms (brain zaps, dizziness, nausea, crying spells, and a host of other potential symptoms), then either hold longer (depending on the severity) and wait for stabilization, or go back up to the previous dose and hold there for a few weeks before resuming.  

      The brain responds to the action of these drugs by pushing back with modifications to regain homeostatsis, balance.  It is these changes that, when the drug is reduced or stopped, lead to imbalance again and withdrawal symptoms.  Sometimes the taper has to be done slower to give the brain a chance to modify back with less extremes.

       

    • doris24908
      doris24908 betsy0603

      Posted

      Very good answer betsy, at the moment Im tapering from the Ativan the Dr gave me, should I follow the same advice you gave a2020. You make a lot of sense. I took the pills for 2 months, 2mg a day.

             Regards

    • betsy0603
      betsy0603 doris24908

      Posted

      Hi Doris, 

      It can take as little as two weeks to become dependent on benzos, so in this case I would go much slower with the taper, smaller cuts. Benzo withdrawal is especially nasty and I am not personally familar with them, so a bit hesistant to suggest a tapering schedule other than 10% every three to four weeks which is recommended by benzo forums and guides.  This would require taking a portion dry and making a liquid to dose the remainder with an oral syringe. Are the pills 2 mg?

    • doris24908
      doris24908 betsy0603

      Posted

      Hi, pills .05.....2mgs a day....down to .75 a day. Thank God!!!!!

      .

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