Anti-depressants

[stargirl1701]

Has anyone ever started on ADs and actually come off them successfully. I think I have depression. I have a lot of the symptoms on the NHS website. It could just be serious sleep deprivation though.

I'm reluctant to go to the GP. I'm in Scotland and a parent so my medical notes will not be confidential (Named Person Law). My Mum had depression and was on ADs for decades until she died. She never seemed any better on them than off.

I would appreciate advice.

[stargirl1701]

Anyone?

[AwkwardSquad]

I found anti-depressants enormously helpful. I had severe depression plus an ongoing anxiety problem and was prescribed 20mg Citalopram. Was on that dose for about 16 months then tapered down to 10mg. I stayed on that dose for another 12 months due to life events (wasn't the right time to add anything else to deal with!). Things are fine now, so I'm tapering again with the intention of coming off entirely by the end of the summer.

I'm coming off really slowly to reduce the risk of relapse. Tapering seems to be working, but the steps down in dose take a little while to get used to - fuzzy head and so on, but not too bad and not for long.

[AwkwardSquad]

Btw, my GP doesn't prescribe antidepressants unless she thinks it's appropriate. There are other options you could try, including talking therapy. I do urge you to talk to a GP. I was worried about it being on my medical record too, but I really really needed help and I'm glad I did go to my GP.

[stargirl1701]

I have had ACT therapy for post natal anxiety after my first child. It certainly worked.

I would agree I need to talk to someone but I wonder how long the waiting list will be.

[xandra588]

I've used Valerian about two years ago. They were small green stinky pills. They were really helpful, but sometimes even medicaments cannot stop depression. However, if you are going to take ADs try not to get addicted. If you take too much the effect you felt at firstplace will vanish and you will be cravin for more.
~Xandra

[Asprilla11]

I have been on loads, on and off for 12 years. Honestly I'd say I'm not much different to when I'm not on them, they're certainly not 'happy pills'!

I am now on a combination of ADs and I find more GPs are using them in this way. For some people they are just a placebo effect where they think taking the tablet is helping them when in fact they've done it themselves.

When ADs were first prescribed they were only meant to be taken by patients for 6 - 12 months max, times have definitely changed!

[Asprilla11]

Oh and just to add, you should always ween off ADs slowly, over a few weeks. Anyone who's had the 'brain zaps' will know why this is important.

[MorrisZapp]

Yes. Anti depressants saved my life after my son was born. They don't make you happy, they take away the illness that is making you unhappy.

It's best to discuss this with your GP. They prescribe anti depressants every day, nobody gives a hoot.