Anti-Depressants?
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| 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

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