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Withdrawal from antidepressants
I have been researching the work of Dr. Mark Horowitz, an antidepressant patient/doctor, who is focused on helping patients withdraw from antidepressant medication and educating their physicians about the same. This is worth sharing, from The International Institute for Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal: "Antidepressant Withdrawal Syndrome and its Management," available on YouTube:
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I’m glad you posted this. I’ve been debating on when to start an SSRI that my neurologist prescribed me. While I acknowledge my anxiety disorder, I have no symptoms of depression and wonder why an antidepressant is necessary. Especially, considering the withdrawal potential, Should I talk with my Primary about this or a psychiatrist? I want to get this right.
I’m glad you posted this also I’m in the process of weaning myself off of them I’ve been taking one every other night but didn’t know how to completely stop when that day comes now I know . Thanks !
I would suggest speaking with your primary care physician, at least. Doctors in the UK now warn patients that these drugs are very difficult to stop; I don't believe the same is true in the US. Did your neurologist discuss withdrawal concerns with you? You can search this site for the specific drug prescribed to learn about others' experiences if you think that would be helpful. Check out the possible side effects, too. I usually read over the list and then forget about them--so it was years before I realized that my occasional dizziness, weight gain, sleeping problems, constipation, etc., were all a result of Effexor XR.
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1 ReactionNo. He didn’t mention anything. He didn’t even ask me any questions. I’ve taken the quiz that ask you about, sleep, loss of interest, feeling sad, etc. And, I had only 3 points, which was normal range. I just don’t get it.
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1 ReactionWow. I don't understand that at all. If a person can manage their level of anxiety without drugs, that's ideal. Kudos to you for wanting to learn more before blindly swallowing a pill (like I did when I was prescribed Effexor for hot flashes so many years ago).
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1 ReactionPlus, I voluntarily started therapy with a very talented therapist. We’ve had 3 sessions so far and I think it’s helping. And, I work out 5-6 days a week and am on a tight healthy diet, taking supplements that have been recommended. I don’t have fatigue and have a lot of energy. Sleep well too. So…….i don’t understand. I can only believe he thpught I needed it. He also prescribed Lyrica.
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1 ReactionI would speak to both and understand the primary may help you how to look at the psychiatrist’s recommendations differently than you might, originally. Also might assist in the questions you can ask the shrink. The psychiatrist knows more re meds actions in the brain, body, and experience in people’s responses-those differences, help in your treatment process.
That’s been my experience for 30 years.
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1 ReactionI appreciate your input. I asked my therapist specifically about the medication option and he explained a lot. He explained how anxiety and depression go hand in hand. So, I see why I was prescribed Lexapro.
Now, I have to get passed my concern over 2 things. Withdrawal symptoms, which apparently can be troublesome for some patients AND
Sexual side effects. I’ve read that the med can cause loss of ability to have orgasms, which could be permanent! How is this possible? I can’t take that risk. That is too important to me. Are there other options?
So many people end up with these sexual disfunction problems. Try to avoid ADs if you can.
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2 ReactionsReally? Omg….who would take it knowing that?