Feeling Guilty about being on antidepressants

[Chiefwitchfromdownsouth]

I've been on Citalopram 20mg for nearly 5 years, for me this medication is great. I feel so much better taking it. However, every now and again, I feel that I should come off the it.

I discuss this with my GP (extremely supportive) I try a reduced dose. But everytime, I feel worse, becoming irritable, disturbed sleep and more anxious. I have no side effects from the Citalopram, just feel that I should come off them, worried about addiction, siblings don't approve (DH very supportive].......

Is there anyone else out there taking antidepressants long term who doesn't feel guilty about taking them?

Me! 17 years and going strong

I have been on citalopram for 5.5years have tried to come off twice managed it once for 8 months. I have decided I am probably on it for life.

If I was a diabetic I would not feel guilty for taking insulin.
If had a thyroid condition I would not feel guilty for taking that medication.
dfather does not feel guilty for taking his heart medication.

I take medication for my asthma every day I do not feel guilty about that .

HTH

Chief - I've been on amitritylene for nearly 37 years. Its keeps me well and I don't feel the least bit guilty.

Ophelias/Elk & Moggie
Thank you so much, for the virtual hand and the words of wisdom. I'm going back onto my favourite medication, I'll find something else to feel guilty about instead -only joking,

Chiefwitch, I know how you feel. I have been on ADs for a couple of years or so. There is always this pressure to try to come off them but I have now accepted the fact that I may be on them for a long time or even for life. What's the issue with that? I have a few nasty side-effects but nothing compared to how I am without them. I have not read anything about them causing long-term damage. In comparison if you look at the long-term effects of the contraceptive pill, it is quite frightening. I feel much less guilty about being on the ADs than I do about tearing my family apart, which is what happens when I am not on them. Take them and be happy xx

Fiddlydee
I know what you mean, I truly am a chiefwitch when I'm not on my ADs, perhaps what I've feeling guilty about is being happy. I know I need my ADs for the rest of my life and my GP assures me that there are no long-term effects. Thanks for your support

From what I have read, there is more evidence about the effect of stress and anxiety on an unborn child (and presumably when they are born as well!) than there is about anti-depressants, so view it as a positive step for your child's health, rather than something to feel guilty about...