I am wondering what is the longest someone has been taking antidepressants? I have had anxiety on and off, mostly on, for 38 years. I have had depression on and off, for 35 years. I used to just go to a psych doc and a therapist during specific emergencies. But, since 1994, I've been continually seeing a psych doc and a therapist. I have been on different anti-depressants constantly since 1994. Several were just bombs, with bad side effects for me like Serzone. But, now I take zoloft 200 mgs for a few years, then switched over to Paxil, now Paxil plus Wellbutrin XL for a few years. I am now again in a severe depression feeling awful. I am also in the process of changing pdocs. I've been with this guy for 9 years, and lately he's been making mistakes, not exactly listening to me like I've tried to get him to.

I was considering quitting all meds except the 2 mg daily xanax I've been taking on and off (PRN) for 10 years. I sincerely don't think I can live without a benzo because my anxiety does at times get way out of control with panic attacks, plus my most dangerous depressions are the agitated ones like I am having now.

I've read that there have been no longterm studies on taking SSRI's for years and years.

My questions are: how long have you been taking anti-depressants (all kinds)? Have you been successful in taking care of your major depression without anti-depressants but with continuing psychotherapy?

Thanks,