Anti-Depressants?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Anti-Depressants?
2
Wed, 12-21-2005 - 11:13pm

Ok I have kind of a random question about SSRI Anit-depressants. Once you start taking them do you always have to have them. I was taking celexa for about 6 months and went off with my therapists approval because of sleep disturbances. My anxiety and depression and OCD got a hundred times worse and I am starting to see that it happened when I stopped the celexa. Now they want me to take Zoloft and I am scared, I have a pill phobia but I am also scared that if I start it I won't be able to stop taking it. I guess I am scared of it permantly altering my brain. I tell myself that its probably not very logical to think this way, I mean they prescribe anti-depressant everyday to people. Has anyone else here used anti-depressants during bad times and gone of when they were doing better and been ok?

Candie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 12-22-2005 - 6:14am

Taking an antidepressant isn't always necessary. Once you begin to feel better, Candie, it's possible to go off the med with your doctor's ok. I took effexor for 3 years for my panic attacks & it's been almost 3 years since I stopped the med. I do know that my panic attacks are caused by a chemical imbalance. There will be times that I have flare-ups. I know that I will more than likely need to take the meds in the future & I'm ok with that.


Taking something new is scary. But, you need to have faith in your doctor who knows *you* & your system the best. If you're having a rough time with anxiety & know that the meds helped in the past, reassure yourself that you will be fine. That your anxiety will improve & you'll feel much better. Then, down the road when you get your balance back, you can consider going off the meds again.


I do hope you get to feeling better. The holiday season seems to be taking it's toll on us. I hope you find a happy medium for you, Candie & are able to enjoy the holidays. Sending PT's your way. (((hugs))) jan


 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 05-26-2003
Thu, 12-22-2005 - 1:15pm

Candie, anti-depressants do not cause permanent problems at all and you can easily discontinue them.

Judy