I've been on various antidepressants, more or less permanently, for at least the last 6 years, probably more.

I'm currently feeling really negative about my meds. One (a new, anti-anxiety med) I think I will have to drop cos the side effects are just too much for me to deal with. I think my GP will be OK with this but he may want me to try something else ...

But in thinking about this I have taken stock of all the meds I am on (for asthma and back problems as wella s the depression). I have looked at all the side effects and feel I really want to stop my antidepressants. I have a long list of side effects and am finding them increasingly difficult to cope with. For example, I have weight gain, leading to all sorts of other problems (and I have been unable to shift ANY weight despite a real effort with calorie intake and a BIG exercise programme). I have the lack of libido associated with my SSRI, which is difficult for me and particularly my hubby to come with. I have the more minor sypmtoms such as dry mouth and tiredness (from the dothiepin), I really really want to try to cut them down. I know my GP will be reluctant for me to do this, and I don't really want to go against his guidance as I trust him and he has treated my depression (and me!) well. But at the same time I really want to try this. Any ideas / suggestions / comments? The meds are not appearing to tackle my depression effectivelya t the moment - I am stuck in a slump and have been for some time. I have tried a lot of combinations of meds, including many of the ssris, but have been troubled by adverse reactions to several of them. I'm currently on dothiepin and escitalopram.

thanks
Caroline