How do you know when to stop taking anti-depressants?

[musicposy]

Hi there, I've been on 20mg citalopram since early last summer. GP wanted me to stay on it until after Christmas so I have to go back and see her for a review soon (it's overdue now really).

I don't know what to say if she suggests coming off.

On one hand, I'm in a much better place than I was back then. I feel pretty happy most of the time and I don't think I am depressed any more. Also, being on the tablets is a bit grotty; I've never quite got over the side effects and the damn stuff wrecks your sex life into the bargain! I can't drink (not that I really do anyway but the can't is annoying) because I get terrible shakes. Often I think I can't wait to get off of them.

On the other hand, I worry about the depression returning. I had a miscarriage last spring under horrible circumstances and am extremely unlikely to fall pregnant again. I just completely fell to pieces afterwards. If I think about it too much, I still feel very sad about it - but I don't know if that will ever go away and I don't want to be on the tablets forever.

How do you know if it is OK to come off? Has anyone got any experience?

[musicposy]

Well, it was awful going on - I had bad side effects for about 3 weeks, so suspected it might be the same the other end.

In that case maybe the Easter holidays when I'm not having to cope with work. Perhaps I should give it a bit longer and then think about it.

[brokeoven]

I felt absolutely sure 100% that it was time to try.

Depression free for about 12 months.

weaned with the knowledge that the side effects of the citalopram were awful...and they were, so you need to know that you will be able to cope with these.
I took 2 weeks off work to be able to cope with these side effects.

[Chocattack]

Me personally I reach a crunch time and just decide! I don't ever remember feeling like I was no longer depressed for 4-6 months so interesting to read that golden rule.

[musicposy]

That's interesting. Maybe I should wait until later in the spring, then.

[madmouse]

The golden rule is that you are stable and no longer feeling depressed for 4-6 months before you try to come off.