Coming off Anti Depressants

DD has been on Citalopfram for 11years Various counsellors have told her she will probably have to take it for life If it is a chemical inbalance then this makes sense I try and view it in the same light as the medication I take for my thyroid But the potential side effects do worry me

Hi - were you on mirtazapine? I have been taking this for 2 years and still have dreadful dreams (it is one of the side effects mentioned on the leaflet) I keep thinking of coming off slowly - then think - if it aint broke - don't fix it....

I meant my comment to relate to Mariana's mention of nightmares.

Nightmares are a side effect of some antidepressants for a small number of people you can have very vivid dreams as well which are not actually nightmares. You need to come off them slowly because they go into your blood stream in a gradual way, the first time you take them it takes on average 4 weeks for you to feel they are having a beneficial effect. Most GP's will start with a low dose as that can be enough for some, others need a higher dose and will be offered a gradual increase until you notice sustained positive response. It is no good taking a low dose if it's not lifting your mood sufficiently you might as well take an aspirin! Sometimes your doctor will change you to a different brand if the first is not helping . When they do that they usually reduce the dose of the first one and gradually change you over to the second. They do this so you DONT go cold turkey which is not good for you. You come of it gradually in the same way you went on it. Most GP's will review you after four weeks to monitor your reaction and should review you regularly after that. You should always report major side effects, common ones are drowsiness ( helped by taking at night) dry mouth so you may need to drink more and the dreams for a small number of people. Antidepressants are also prescribed for anxiety ( with or without depression) and sometimes OCD

Id like to send warm wishes to anyone suffering from any form of depression, axiety etc. I know from experience how debilitating these illnesses can be and can only say that when I was going through a bad patch of anxiety I used to pray and ask for an Angel to just help me get through that day. Nothing more, just help for that day. May I suggest that it is tried and tested. Good Luck to all going through a bad time.

I would like to know how many people have, like me, had their normal medication, in my case Prozac, Nitrazipan and arthritis drugs, snatched away and locked in a cupboard while they are in hospital for an operation.

We are told that it is dangerous to come off a prescribed drug suddenly and should take medical advice and wean oneself off very gradually - then some dragon woman comes into the ward and confiscates them and marches away without an explanation.

I am Florentine (Prozac), have had several operations and never had then taken away.

Hi I think you should consult your GP as you have been on antidepressant for so long.
TRY Meditation and yoga, it will definitely help you.
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