Long term use of antidepressants

[Middicat]

I have been on antidepressants almost consistently since I was 21 now 54 gulp! following an anxiety state caused by extreme stress. I took Dothiepin for many many years and for the last 11 years have been on Escitalopram which has basically been brilliant (despite weight gain) for controlling my anxiety.

I have been reading lately about the unknowns of long term therapy and that many people try to come off of them only to return because the withdrawal is so bad (me included).

I am in a good place in my life at the moment and wonder about coming off them (very slowly).

Does long term treatment worry you?
Should I try to come off of them?

My dr has told me ill need to be on escitalopram for the rest of my life. Been on them.for the most part of 15 years , every time ive tried to come off im.fine. for about 6 months then my anxiety spiralled to unmanageable levels.

LEMtheoriginal - Were you offered support during the times you came off of Escitalopram ie CBT or counselling?

Can I ask what dose you were when you started to reduced the dose (I am on 20mg) how did you do it and how long did it take?
I have found Escitalopram to be fantastic at keeping me well and to be honest I have a life I never had when on Dothiepin which didn't control panic attacks/anxiety but reading about the potential long term problems as one ages does worry me. However, living with an anxiety disorder at the level of anxiety that you and I know if not good for you either!

I started taking antidepressants since i was 16.
Weaned off them twice last one being when i was 23. Then two years of up and down anxiety and at age 25, decided to go on them again.
And since then have been stable. For married, became pregnant and moved countries and am genuinely happy to be stable