[Melinae]

Eventually I would like to completely detox from all of the anti-depressants that have passed through my brain and body, with my therapist's assistance. I feel I am only dependent on them because they have done bad things to my brain.

Has anyone done this successfully?

[Melinae]

I'll do anything - buy supplements to assist me. I have been researching and coming up with horrible and dangerous permanent side effects of meds which doctors don't want us to know about. Such as permanent sexual dysfunction, brain literally snapping and never being the same, permanent numbness. I always hated anti depressants and always will. They never felt natural to me, for a good reason. If anyone can point me in the right direction, I'll be eternally grateful. Thank you.

Edit: The longer I am in therapy, the more I am coming to learn that my depression is stored in my body, not in my brain. So why alter my brain via a potentially dangerous method?

[sunrise]

Originally Posted by Melinae

Eventually I would like to completely detox from all of the anti-depressants that have passed through my brain and body, with my therapist's assistance.

I don't think a therapist is the best person to help with the detox, although of course it is good to have their support. Can you ask the assistance of whoever prescribed your psych meds? A pdoc or PCP? They could develop a taper plan for you to follow to help avoid the worst side effects of coming off the meds. Good luck.

[serloco]

There are many natural anti-depressants, like st. johns wort and ginko biloba. Try a search and find some natural herbs. Beans are really good too.

[ThisWayOut]

I started my taper at a hospital (a trauma treatment center where they respected my wish to come off everything). Depending on the meds and your reactions to them/no longer taking them, you may want to have an MD/prescriber within easy reach (like speed-dial). The first taper they tried made me feel horrible, and some of the withdrawal effects could have been really dangerous (and gone unnoticed) had I not been around people who were constantly paying attention to what was going on. I ended up having to taper one of the newer meds they had put me on for longer than I had originally been on the med before I decided to stop it.
It's something to try if you think it will help. I know I handle things much better off meds than on (it's scary to remember how poorly I was able to cope while on meds compared to how I cope now. Though things are still very difficult at times, I find I have an easier time being rational). I'm sure it's not the same for everyone, so please be careful when you do it, and good luck!

I have no advice but good luck with it! I have come off meds a couple times but always end up in hospital and back on them. I do hope to come off them in the next few years, but I have a whole lot to work on first.

I have done this 100% successfully, I now only take natural supplements to help with depression (do NOT do this however without your doctor's advice and approval).

I used supplements and herbs to help with the detox (I was on a pretty nasty drug)...I recommend protein powder and Omega-3s (both help tremendously with brain zaps -- I can't stress these two things enough. For the former I used raw vegan powder and the latter I used cold-pressed flaxseed oil). I recommend time off of work/ school, exercise (even if you have to force yourself), lots of naps and things to distract (books, dvds, good friends). I recommend chamomile tea to help with anxiety...

Of course everyone is different and your doctor can help you by tapering slowly to reduce withdrawal. Make sure to discuss all supplements with your doctor too. It is possible, I have done it. I think everyone is different and it depends on the type of meds you take. Good luck!

[Melinae]

Thank you, everyone. I was particularly inquiring about detoxing from meds, not just tapering off of them - so thanks to you stratocaster.

To anyone that is interested, I found a group called MedFree - it is on medfree.socialgo.com (We are survivors of medical abuse, through psychiatric drugs and other medications, and are looking for healthy ways to support our minds and bodies.)

[sewerrats]

Only come off them if you don't need them is the answer, If you need them your just putting yourself through a crap time for nothing.

[onionknight]

I'm currently in the process of tapering/ recovering from Effexor. It's been a long journey from the numbness and de-motivation of the drug to where I am now, and of course, I have dealt with terrible headaches, dizziness, brain zaps (although, they're more like brain static for me) and more. I take Omega 3 and other supplements, and I'm certainly hoping to continue getting better with time.

[sewerrats]

Originally Posted by onionknight

I'm currently in the process of tapering/ recovering from Effexor. It's been a long journey from the numbness and de-motivation of the drug to where I am now, and of course, I have dealt with terrible headaches, dizziness, brain zaps (although, they're more like brain static for me) and more. I take Omega 3 and other supplements, and I'm certainly hoping to continue getting better with time.

EFFEXOR is a very complex med, it can be a very good friend or a very bad enemy , IF it works it seems to look after you like a guard dog , I have two friends been on it 10 years they act and feel normal.( ie the very good friend ) one decided to come off I don't no why his sex life was good he stayed slim he was totally destroyed in detox (ie a very bad enemy) it was if Effexor was a best friend and was now punishing him for rejecting the med. HE did return to the med and all his calm again ,but he had a rare perfect med for him, why he tried to d tox only he knows ,but he wont be doing it again in a hurry.