Panorama Documentary on Anti Depressants

[James637]

Hi All,

Just watched this documentary as I’ve been on anti depressants for 12 years now and have tried multiple times to come off to no avail. I’m trying again at the moment and have stopped working and doing everything I possibly can diet wise and exercise etc to try and get off these meds smoothly.

Watching this documentary has scared the life out of me regarding the permanent damage caused to some people. I have definitely felt reduced emotions on these meds and the idea that they will never come back in frightening.

Has anyone found that there emotions never came back??

I see being on ADs as this I'm in a much better place now that I was 2 years ago when I first started in them (having been off them since 2007 after a year) I know I still have along way to go but I know if I don't take them there is a real possibility that I'd be right back where I was.
I know this because on a handful of occasions my reactions to work stress has been exactly as it was - extreme.
I don't want to take ADs and the anxiety meds but I have to

I know people who feel ok and then stop their meds without Dr's approval and before they know it they're feeling bloody awful about everything again.

Did you see the documentary though? It’s frightening what we don’t seem to know about them but they are being dished out!!

I agree it is terrifying but not really surprising.

I have got a pill cutter and I have started to slowly taper down my Citalopram from 30mg. I’m feeling really dizzy already but not sure if that is connected to the reduction or just a coincidence,

There is another thread about the Panarama programme
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/feeling_depressed/4831379-to-want-to-get-off-my-antidepressants-asap-after-this-evenings-panorama?reply=127265320&utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=share

I've been given sertraline for depression, I'm worried about taking them. Any advice/reassurance at all please?

start your own thread, anyone who sees this old thread will be replying to the first messages and not see yours

For me they've been a gamechanger and levelled out some really dangerous moods. All drugs have side effects and your GP can help you to come off of them.

I take a mood changing agent for my epilepsy. Obviously I’d rather not but there is absolutely no choice or other option for me. I have taken AD in the past and understand the need for them. They are essential in many cases. But if there was a single chance that I could get along with not having to take them - I would. So I’d see AD as a last resort, I understand others may not and I’m not suggesting some people do not have an essential need. But if you can do with without, it’s better in the long term. I don’t think the whole country needs these drugs so dependently.

OP I'm sorry to ask but as my brain doesn't work after coming off ADs (took them 20+ years), would you tell us what worried you please? I can't face scrolling through another thread.

if anyone can summarise, I would be so grateful.

I do have to consider returning to them. I wouldn't have had a career without them. I am doing better than the doctor expected but am nowhere near "well".

This is made harder to figure out due to extreme loneliness though (which I have tried to address but no luck).

Off to force out some exercise but will be back later.