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I'm feeling better. Should I still start the anti-depressants?

3 replies

Inukshuk · 14/06/2012 12:08

Hallo all

I went to see a psychiatrist a couple of weeks ago, about 3 weeks into a 'depressive episode'. She prescribed me 50mg lustral a day, to rise to 100mg after the first two weeks. I had been taking st John's wort, and although the doc didn't mention it the lustral packet says not to take the lustral till 2 wks after stopping SJW. So I waited and am due to start the lustral today.

The thing is, I feel better, and have done for a few days. This is normal for me, I have a few v down weeks then back to normal (not manic, just my usual self). Now I feel better I'm not so keen on starting the lustral, specially as I know she wants me to stay on them for at least 6mths whilst I get some CBT to go along side them.

I was in a similar situ a couple of years ago - she prescribed 40mg citalopran, I couldn't get a prescription for a few weeks, and by the time I was due to start I felt better and so I had a few CBT sessions and then never took the ADs.

So my q to those of you with more experience/knowledge than me is - if I am feeling better, should I start them anyway? I'm sure there'll be more episodes coming, but is there any merit to taking them in the interim? (I am def going to do the CBT in any case). I am sure the doc will say yes, and I am seeing her again next week, but I'm v keen to hear views of non-psychiatrist MNers.

ONe extra thing is - I would love to get pregnant in the next year or so, so I would v likely need to stop the ADs after 6mths or so in any event so I can start to TTC.

Thanks in advance, sorry that's a bit long.

OP posts:
PurplePidjin · 14/06/2012 12:15

Yes, because the tablets will even out the gaps between the high and low patches so that your mood is at one constant level :)

HaveALittleFaith · 14/06/2012 21:30

I'd say yes too for the same reasons. I found I felt more 'balanced' when I took them and fet I could function regularly, rather than sporadically.

Not all ADs are bad when ttc - it would be something you discuss with your doctor when the time comes. You might be ready to stop by then anyway but I'd say give yourself the time to
get yourself right first. IME TTC can be rather stressful at times! Hth.

lizzywig · 15/06/2012 14:52

I'd say yes too. You've said yourself you have ups and downs, so by taking them you'll even things out a bit before the next down.

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