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#1
Feb 01, 2016, 08:38 PM
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I've been on my medication for 6 years now and I'm wondering how long is too long to be on anti-depressants. All input welcomed.
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#2
Feb 02, 2016, 06:23 AM
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I've been on one of my anit-D's since 1999 so no I'd say 6 years isn't too long. Some psychiatrists differ in their approach, depending on the patient. Some say once you've been symptom free for a year you can taper off, some prefer to keep you on them long term.
I've had so many depressive episodes despite being on heavy duty meds, that I've just kind of made up my mind to accept that I'll probably be on them for life. splitimage
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 "I danced in the morning when the world was begun. I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun". From my favourite hymn. "If you see the wonder in a fairy tale, you can take the future even if you fail." Abba 
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 IrisBloom
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 whiteroses40
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#3
Feb 02, 2016, 07:10 AM
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Each time I get my prescription the thoughts 'what if this is the last time I can get them' crosses my mind, even if its just a fleeting thought ... I am far more concerned about not getting them than having to stay on them. I am grateful for each day I have with a medication that works ... severe depression is horrendous.
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| whiteroses40
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#4
Feb 02, 2016, 10:42 AM
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I have been on meds for at least 20 years. Before that I was on them off and on for at least 20 years. I am 58 now and do ECT every 2 weeks and take my meds. I've been wondering too how long is too long, but I am stable and not likely to change my routine.
Have you been stable for 6 years? Have a good day. |
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#5
Feb 02, 2016, 12:54 PM
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I have been on meds for almost 30 years. I have changed antidepressants twice. You are the best judge of how well your current med is working. You can try to go off (with your doc's help) and try and see how you do, and go back on if needed. Or if you don't think it's working, you can ask doc for a change.
Add: I was on Zoloft for 20 years.
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Last edited by IrisBloom; Feb 02, 2016 at 12:55 PM. Reason: Add |
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#6
Feb 02, 2016, 02:01 PM
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About 25 years, here.
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#7
Feb 02, 2016, 02:28 PM
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Been on anti-depressants since Prozac was invented- 40 drugs later, nothing, absolutely nothing works. I'd give anything to find some relief...
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DX: MDD- Treatment refractory depression Total Anhedonia C-PTSD Hashimoto's Thyroiditis RX:FINALLY- found a doc to prescribe an MAOI!!  Nardil (MAOI) Lithium Remeron 15mg K-pin 0.5 mg/night Levothyroxine |
| whiteroses40
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#8
Feb 03, 2016, 07:58 PM
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Hi. My pdoc told me I wouldn't need to be on it forever, so I don't know how long I'll be... I have only been on it a year now, and use it for anxiety, and I have noticed a significant decrease in social anxiety. Not sure about my other issues though. I don't really want to be on it for life, but if it helps, why not I guess? I only take one thing (at the moment), and it's not super expensive for me so...
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Join my social group about mental health awareness! Link: http://forums.psychcentral.com/group...awareness.html DX: GAD; ASD; recurrent, treatment-resistant MDD; PTSD RX: Prozac 20 mg; BuSpar 10 mg 2x a day; Ativan 0.5 mg PRN; Omega 3 Fish Oil; Trazodone, 50 mg (sleep); Melatonin 3-9 mg Previous RX: Zoloft, 25-75mg; Lexapro 5-15mg; Luvox 25-50mg; Effexor XR 37.5-225mg I have ASD so please be kind if I say something socially unacceptable. Thank you.
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| whiteroses40
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#9
Feb 06, 2016, 09:19 AM
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I have been on the one anti-depressant, when we finally found the right one for 35 years. There are periodic checks for spells a few months at a time that I go off to see if perhaps I do not need them. But each time it has been a disaster; my brain scans confirm this. I will be on them as long as they are needed.
I have serious concerns as there are no long term studies going this long as to what the affects may be. However it is worth the risk in that I would not be alive today were not for them.
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 I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it. -M.Angelou Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. -Anaïs Nin. It is very rare or almost impossible that an event can be negative from all points of view. -Dalai Lama XIV |
| whiteroses40
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#10
Feb 08, 2016, 08:24 AM
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9 years on, 6 YEARS OFF!!!!! 10ish years on. Oh those glorious 6 years, best of my life!
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| whiteroses40
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#11
Feb 09, 2016, 01:35 AM
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interesting question. I'm inclined to say that's a very personal decision. If you feel you've been on medication for too long, and you're well enough to stop taking it, then work with your doctor to taper off and see how it goes.
Everyone's journey with medication is so different. For me personally, I've been on medication for about a decade, and I'm content to take it for as long as I need to, but I do look forward to a time when I might be on a very minimal amount of medication or maybe even none at all. Of course, my first priority is ensuring that my depression and anxiety doesn't interfere with the quality of my life. |
| whiteroses40
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#12
Feb 09, 2016, 06:30 PM
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Quote:
Yes I've been stable for the past six years. I'm currently on two AD's and am thinking that it's time to wean off one of them and continue with just one. It gives me great comfort to know that everyone is doing well on them and that I have all of your feedback to help me make the right choice for me. Thank you all!!! 
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This is an old thread. You probably should not post your reply to it, as the original poster is unlikely to see it.|
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