Back to the original question................. How long should you take an SSRI? You take it for as long as you need to. Maybe months, maybe years. Does a diabetic stop taking insulin? No because they need it. Same to for depression. You go by what your body is telling you. No two people are the same. That's why there are so may meds around and some many dosages.

When and if thing change you deal with it at that point. Always something new on the market. SNRI's are also an option. Ask the person who is prescribing things for you and dont stay on a medication if it makes you feel unwell.

I have been on some kind of mental illness meds for 28 years. I stopped for two years and crashed and burned. The side affects they talk about are after taking them long term. Dry mouth may affect affect your teeth and eyes. So always keep your water up and have chewing gum to stimulate your saliva glands.