Cutting back on anti depressant from 10mg each day to 10mg every other day. Is that too fast ?
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.
931767
I have taken antidepressants off and on for 22 years.  I have taken tricyclics, SSRIs and what they refer to as atypicals (like Effexor).  I know hundreds of people who take them through my work and they are fine.  The antidepressants allow them to function more comfortably while hopefully they work on other ways of dealing with life and the causes of the depression or other disorder.\n\nBut...as to what we know long term...I asked my doctor the same thing and he said, and I agree, we do not know.  The trycyclics have been around a while, but they are not given much anymore.  The SSRI's have not been around a "life span" so in essense we are still finding out about them.  \n\nWe do know that for some people, they reach a point where they stop working and they much either up the dose, change to a different medicine or add a medicine to what they are taking now.\n\nSome people are NOT able to take them, that we do know. And, we do know that the reaction to them is very individualized...one person may do great, the next person may not get any relief at all. Going off them should be done with your doctor and any of them should be tapered off very, very slowly to prevent relapse.\n\nIn time I think there will be better medicines for us and we will also know more about those we take now.  Medicine is advancing almost as fast as technology.  But, really, I am glad you are doing okay now.
763877
STOP SELF HARM IMMEDIATELY!!!  It is an addictive habit that is very difficult to break.  You use this as a coping mechinism and eventually become dependant on it to relieve stress and unpleasent feelings that you can't mentally deal with.  The more you do it the deeper the cuts get and the more offten you cut.  I cannot stress enough--STOP WHILE YOU STILL CAN!!!\nAs for the depressin feelings, see a Dr asap, it won't go away by itself, it will only get worse.  You can be depressed for no apparent reason.  depression is a disease caused by not enough happy-feel good chemicals (usually seratonin) in your brain.  The dr can give you meds that will help balance you and you can live a normal life again.  You may also consider counseling to help you learn to combat the depressing feelings.  Don't let your symptoms go too long without being treated.  especially since you are harming yourself.\n\npeace&hope
939861
Is there a different anti-depressant that you can take to see if it helps? \n\nGive yourself a break on those days if you can. Even acknowledging that you know you may not get as much done takes pressure off and makes it easier.
912317
Try cutting down just a little bit at a time like only have 10 for a week then 8 then 6 then 4 then 3 then 2 then 1 or something like that.  If you do that then it might help a bit.
917499
Wellll, my first question is why have you decided to do thsi?? After 7 years what has changed that makes you think that this is a move toward something that is in your best interest?\n\nOk that aside try this: take a pill every other day for 10 days or so, then half a pill every day for 10 days or so then half a pill every other day etc...then half a pill every three days...repeat by lowering amount til you're off...gradual on and off is the key...but if the depression comes back during this process please just go back on the pills... there is a difference between being controlled and being cured.
23638
You should never abrubtly stop taking paxil.  You should be weaned off slowly.
962415
Ive taken zoloft for years.  Missing one dose has caused a lot of problems with me and my emotional state.  It isnt good to do that because you throuw your whole system off for weeks, and that is why they say that prescriptions usually take 4-6 weeks to kick in or whatever time frame:  so that your body can get used to it, and the inhibitors within the drug can take it's sweet time to effect your brain and fill in the chemical imbalances.  I also take thyroid pills and I get knocked off course if I miss one dose, and it lasts a couple weeks for me (even if I continue taking it again) to even get back to normal, and I feel down and depresed the entire time.  it isnt worth it, try your hardest to remember to take them, especially zoloft, you dont want to continue feeling miserable until your body gets back on course, do you?  That is why you are taking them in the first place.  Ty and think of ways you can remember to take them, I have so many pills it's gotten easier for me to remember, but missing a dose can really mess up your mind and cause your body to slow down with whatever is going on that you need it.  Good luck, Ive been in the same boat for 12 years
393340
Yes! I had to call my Doctor and ask to be put on something else! I could not sleep and was crying about everything! Once I was off that stuff I was just fine! It's good that you are listening to your body because this medicine might be doing\nyou more harm then good even if it's just a few days.
645988
Well, you can slowly cut back over time.  I'll assume you're referring to coffee.  If you have, say, 3 cups a day, cut back to 2 a day for a week.  Then one a day for another week.  Then one every other day.\nFinally, if you want to cut it out completely, switch to decaf or just don't drink it at all.\nDoctors say it's ok to have regular coffee.  Just don't overdo it.\nGood luck!
423819
I heard it can make you feel a bit emotionally numb, Most of the anti depressants I have taken have have had a similar effect on me, but only as I have begun taking them. If it is still the same after a month or two I normally demand a change of medication.
1022124
I was on Effexor for about 3 years!  I went off of it about 4 months ago and I went though some major withdrawal!  You have to wean yourself off of it slowly!  Whatever mg you're on cut the dose by 37.5 mg each week until you're off it!  I went on Cymbalta afterward and it's worked really well for me!  Best of luck!
387274
I know the sensation you're talking about. I was on Paxil for a while and when I was comming off it I got rushes through my head (felt like electricity), plus I'd get dizziness along with it that felt a little bit like vertigo. I cut my dose down gradually over about a month or so. Have you tried 75mg for a week then 50mg for a week, then 25mg for a week, then one every other day for a week?
947742
NONE it is dangerous to stop meds cold turkey, taper off!
556758
This is the reason you aren't supposed to take it for more than few months at a time. It is a temporary fix. I used to take it and I can tell you it sucked coming off of it. I was on the lowest dose before i quit it too. It helped me alot between starting a new anti anxiety drug (effexor) and waiting for it to kick in which takes up to a month. Xanax changes you. it makes you numb to the good and bad of life. I use it to get past days I know i couldn't do on my own. However I try my best not to take it except in emergencies. You should talk to your doctor about how to best come off of it and possibly substitute it with an SSRI or similar drug that isn't addictive.
216524
I think, It depends on how many you have a day.\nHow bad it is.\nAnd u really need the meds. to go with if.\nI think you should get a hold of him tommorw.
972397
No, antidepressants aren't something to tango with.\n\nWhile you feel that you can just stop taking them, talk to your doctor. You need to let your psychologist prescribe lesser amounts. \n\nLike with any medication given to you, especially long-term medicines, you need to talk to your doctor before quitting. The withdrawal from an antidepressant could be worse than you imagined. \n \nMake an appointment for next week.