Posted by JadeKelly on January 28, 2009, at 12:22:28
In reply to Risk of prolonged use of anti-depressives, posted by indigodaniel on January 27, 2009, at 9:24:11
> Hi,
>
> I have taken SSRI-drugs for more than 10 years. During this time I have also worked with several different therapists as well as courses in personal development and meditations. (I have also tried quit using the medication twice with no success)
>
> Last fall I fell into one of my deepest depressions ever. I have been given a combination of SSRI-drug (Seroxat) and one named Mirtazapine.
>
> I don't get any better (have had severe suicidal thoughts for several months) and I have started to believe that the drugs might block my recovery.
>
> The therapist that I am currently working with (specializes in EFT - Emotional Freedom Tecnique) have put forward a hypothesis that my long use of anti-depressive might in fact block any progress and being contra-productive.
>
> My question is therefore - do you know about other cases where anti-depressives is known to have had a negative effect if taken over such a long time that I have taken them?
>
>
> //Indigodaniel
>Hello Indigodaniel,
My depression began rather abruptly based on situational episodes that my brain (emotions) simply couldn't handle. It snowballed into complete numbness and apathy. After 3 months on an antidepressant that allowed me to feel my feelings again, I'm just now starting therapy. And for the first time I feel ready.
For me, it would have been mostly a waste of my time and the therapists to have started sooner. Some would disagree but when you are so shut down that talking would not be helpful, whats the point (again, for me).
You may be very different, but I wonder if Scott has a point in that if you could get some result from your medication treatment, that may pave the way for a more productive outcome with your therapist. I don't know you so its hard to say but you may want to give that some thought.
So in answer to your question, I know plenty of people who have been on long term anti-depressants and stay on them because they work, or switch occasionally because they stop working.
I haven't noticed a negative effect in any of them, but most have gotten relief for good periods of time, making therapy a useful tool in getting well.I hope that makes sense and helps!
Good Luck to you,~Jade
PS-There may be a reason those SSri's are no longer helping you. If you were to run a thread regarding that, there are some very smart people here that may have some good ideas to run by your PDoc.
poster:JadeKelly
thread:876522
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/876779.html