Posted by Jost on September 28, 2006, at 22:43:19
In reply to Re: Long Term Antidepressant Withdrawal Success, posted by Philip N. on September 28, 2006, at 19:16:59
Hi, Philip.
You seem to believe that the recurrence of depression is due to a delayed discontinuation reaction. Based on my withdrawal from high levels of an AD, which wasn't quite cold turkey but which was, in retrospect, too precipitous, and what I've read, I'd have to question that respectfully, and of course, with qualifications (that I don't know your history, and am not a pdoc, or anything of that sort).
After discontinuation there can be a period when the drug is still in one's system, possibly five or a few more days, but generally in the immediate aftermath of stopping the drug, one tends to experience whatever symptoms one will. This depends a lot on the gradualness of the taper, and one's own biology, etc.
Of course, others with different experiences and information may disagree with me. I'll be interested to hear if others find to the contrary on that.
But I'd be surprised if you had no discontinuation problems, and then at a time fairly remote from the last dose (eg months or years), had a withdrawal reaction. It's far more likely that your depression has returned. This often can happen.
One thing-- you talk as if not being able to function at a high level without ADs, is somehow a sign of weakness or being less than you should be. As if the goal is to get off them, and become normal or not dependent on them.
Getting off ADs isn't a the goal, again IMO. If you don't need them, great-- Medications of any kind, if not necessary, should not be taken, ADs being no exception. But there's nothing wrong with using ADs. What matters is having the best life you can. If ADs help you accomplish that-- then I say great--honest, that's terrific and you're lucky.
No need to " try" to get off-- or "try" to stay off, if it warrants it.
Nor are most people here trying to get off per se-- in my estimation-- but rather to manage their ADs, including side effects, optimal dose, etc--by becoming more educated, and more able to be effective advocates for themselves given that they can know their reactions and tolerances better than anyone else can.
There are some who want to get off because of SEs, or the possibility that some other med may help more. Many times, trials of ADs are unsuccessful-- and many other times, they help tremendously, or a good bit, or enough to justify the downside.
Some are absolutely disillusioned with ADs, often understandably. Most of us have had a bad experience, because many of us don't respond adequately to available drugs-- So far, no medications that work for us have been devised. It's unfortunate, but not, IMO, a reason to turn against meds completely.
This site is great for information, anecdotal and general, and companionship and support in working through the complexities of the medical (and other) landscapes.
Maybe you don't need to resist ADs, in principal., but rather to learn to use them as best you can, in consultation with your Pdoc.
Jost
poster:Jost
thread:689687
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060927/msgs/690083.html