Do you have to slowly wean yourself from anti-depressants or is it safe to go "cold turkey"?
362148
Unless it is causing you extream distress, like liver failure or major medical issues, you need to wean off them.  it can cause liver damage, kidney damage, and other system issues if you dont.  I had to be weaned off even though it was damaging my liver.  I had been on Welbutrin for 4 years.  Mind you the problem I had with welbutrin was a unfortunate side-effect for me.  Welbutrin is a wonderful anti-depressant with out the horrid side effects of murdering your libido.
846637
I did the exact same thing and the zoloft is so much better and the withdraw isn't nearly as bad as the paxil withdraw. Paxil withdraw sucks and you need to be weaned off of it. I got very bad, very frequent panic attacks when I went a week without taking it, it was horrible. The withdraws last until you get more paxil in your system, you should never just stop taking a medicine like paxil, but rather decrease your doses gradually so you are weaned off the drug and then start the zoloft.
842963
You become tolerant of the effects so you may need a review of either dose or drug.  I had clinical depression for a number of years and was on 225mgs of amitripyline daily (a massive dose!!).  I started having Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and over the next couple of months I felt well enough to bein a planned decrease in meds.  It took 6 months but I did it and it was the theapy which allowed it to happen.  I have not had any problems now for several years.  CBT becomes a way of life, and a way of dealing with the first signs of depression...ask to be referred for treatment.  I recommend it...;
485817
I am not actually on any antidepressants. but since I have realized that you really need an answer I thought you may like to see the following link:\nhttp://www.depression-guide.com/nardil.htm\n\nsorry ...:(
404844
Good for you, you must be feeling much better, :-).\n\nI hope you're going off it with your Dr.'s help though and haven't just decided on your own to stop taking it.  If you quit 'cold turkey' it can take several week's to start to feel better, but if your Dr. take's you off it, they will 'wean' you so that the withdrawal isn't so bad.\n\nThe Dr. will gradually lower your dose so that you don't feel much discomfort coming off of Celexa and that's the safest, easiest way for your body to adjust.  \nAll the best to you!
947742
NONE it is dangerous to stop meds cold turkey, taper off!
536623
if you are talking about the antidepressent, then yes. once you start one, you have to ween off to stop. your mind becomes addicted to it. you can find all the information you need about antidepressents and their risks, side effects, ect.. on webmd.com.
366002
Sometimes anti-depressants can work great for a little while, then you get used to them and they stop working. Then your doctor will try to up your dose, and maybe that will work again, but the dose will just go up and up until you're dependent on it. Change meds.
502353
first get off the welbutrin before you go crazy and commit suicide... then you can drink whatever you want.... i dont think you need welbutrin to get over depression... what you need is a challenge like a marathon...
750145
EXERCISE!!!!!!!!!!!  It will also relieve your depression and allow you to stop taking the anti-depressants.  But start the exercising first for a life-changing experience.  Peace and good luck.
655255
I'm a doctor.\nFirst of all it is NOT a stupid question.  Far from it.  As a matter of fact, its a hot & controversial topic in medicine right now.\nSecondly, ALL doctors should go over any new medication with his/her patient.\n\nAbout prozac - this and all the other meds of its class (SSRIs) have come under scrutiny in the last couple years.  Despite the large benefit that these meds can do, some claim there is a small yet signifigant risk.  According to some highly disputed research, there is a SLIGHTLY higher risk of suicide in patients, esp younger patients, in the period briefly after starting the medication.  Its poorly understood, but if its true it may related to the increased motivation and decreased impulse control BEFORE the antidepressant effects have kicked in yet.  Some psychiatrists believe that the evidence is not strong and has not been able to be reproduced because it isnt true.\n\nWait a second, isnt this supposed to be an ANTI-depressant??!!  Yes, and that's part of the problem.  These meds are being given to a population of patients that are allready at high risk for suicide to begin with.  You can see why this is so controversial...\n\nThat being said, it shouldnt be forgotten that these meds (the SSRIs) have helped MILLIONS of people not only with depression, but also with other problems like OCDC like yourself.  As a matter of fact, these meds are so good that they've totally changed the practice of psychiatry today.  \n\nHOWEVER, if you do experience problems with the medication (or ANY other new medication for that matter) tell your doctor or somebody that can help RIGHT AWAY.  In that situation, your doctor should talk to you, and likely an alternative medication can be tried.\n\n\nI know this is very confusing.  I'm SORRY!  but you are not alone.  It is a controversial and unresolved issue for doctors as well.  Don't blame your parents, because they may have easily been totally unaware too.  PLEASE dont be afraid to ask your doctor these questions - PLEASE.
937947
Honestly I was on Cymbalta about three months ago and the withdrawals are a piece of cake... there are much worse medications out there.  But, I was in the process of switching to another medication to replace the Cymbalta.  It's a good medication I think but if you're losing weight that quickly, that is not a good sign.  You should probably call your psychiatrist about that.  I never had side effects from it, so if you are...probably not the right medication for you, but I'm definitely no doctor.  I've just been on tons of different types of anti-depressants  :)  Hope that helped!
1074429
I've read that Paxil is more dangerous than Zoloft, but all anti-depressants can mess you up even more than you already are. I was thinking of getting a prescription for one until I read several articles & books on the subject and decided against it. I'm doing just fine now! :)
271817
Ask a doctor or pharmacist. \n\nAs a general rule, people on anti-depressant medications should drink little or no alcohol.  This is a dangerous combination for many reasons.
743423
It would help to understand how the medication works on your brain, which will give you some resolve in why it's not good to miss doses. \n\nLexapro is part of the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) group of antidepressants, the most selective for cases of major depression.  The drug works by keeping the neurotransmitter Serotonin, in your brain longer, instead of naturally returning to it's storage bins in your brain for later use, thus lessoning your depression.\n\nSerotonin is believed to play an important role in the regulation of body temperature, mood, sleep, emesis (vomiting), sexuality and appetite. Low levels of Serotonin have been associated with several disorders, notably depression, migraine, bipolar disorder and anxiety.\n\nRegulating your Serotonin is a complex process that occurs in your brain via SSRI's.  Naturally, you'll start to feel better over time, as the Serotonin stays in your brain longer and your brain will become acustomed to this, building a dependancy.  When stoping an antidepressant, your Dr. will create a discontinuation schedule and may counter the withdrawal effects with other drugs.\n\nSince your brain has become acustomed to the medication, stoping abruptly will cause problems.  Some of these problems are \n\nSSRI discontinutation Syndrome.\nhttp://bipolar.about.com/cs/antidep/a/0207_ssridisc1.htm\n\nBrain Shivers;\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_shiver\n\nand essentially, feeling even more depressed then you were prior to taking the medication.\n\nMost antidepressants develop some sort of dependancy.\n\nThere is currently no generic for Lexapro and there won't be one until the patent expires.\n\nMed compliance is a huge issue for patients suffering with psychiatric disorders.  You should always follow your Dr's advice and inform them of any changes in medication you have made voluntarily so that they can keep you out of harms way.\n\ngood luck
988283
I worked for me but I was usuing it 10 times per day and was constantly stoned. Basically it just temperarily masks symtoms and is not the best choice. Its effects arre too short lived and its wayyyyyyy to expensive. I now take lexapro (10mg once a day) and xanax (1 mg as needed). I was recently put on Depakote 750mg becuase once I detoxed for 3 months, my dr. and I found that I had an underlying mood disorder. I can honestly say I'm much better off not self medicating and taking only what my dr. perscribes.
404961
I was on 20mg anti deppressants for 9 months, which was called Paxil.  I was running out and I had moved 10 hours away from the doctor that prescribed it to me, so I decided to get off of them.  I cut them in half and I didn't feel any different and then I threw out the last few pills I had.  That's when I had withdrawals, which was horrible!!  I've never been through withdrawals with anything and it was so bad that while I was walking to work one day, I had to turn around and go back home because I just couldn't make it.  It lasted for a good week and finally I was off of the pills for good.  I can't say that I'm cured, but truly and honestly I don't want to go back on the pills.  I was told that I did the wrong thing and I should of consulted a doctor before getting off of them, which I think you should consult your doctor before you get off of the pills for good.