[Willow]

How can you tell when you don't need depression meds anymore? I'm afraid to go off of them for fear that the reason I am feeling better is merely because the drugs are working. However... I don't want to stay on them the rest of my life either. I was wondering if any of you have experienced the "indicator lights" of when it was time to go med free. How did you know?

[darkeyes]

I hear that can be risky, one of my meds the doc had me cut back in order to try to get off of it while starting a new, in between the point of not yet being on full dosage of the new one I temporarily I was very much like being off of meds, I did start to become edgey and then not feeling like I did, so I went back with the old med (smaller dosage) and the new med, works great.
It would be a good idea to ask your doc if you are ready to come off of the meds, you say you are feeling okay but am not sure if it is the meds or you, have the doc. explore this with you, just to be safe.
I said the same thing a couple of years ago about not wanting to stay on meds the rest of my life, but I've accepted the fact I may have to be that way, and when I way the pros and cons, I think I do not mind at all if I'll have to, it is much better than feeling miserable.
Your doc make get you off the meds by gradually decreasing your present dose till your're off completely That's what my doc did with me when I was finally getting off of Celexa, it worked out fine, no relapse

Take care,
"darkeyes"

[Willow]

Thanks Darkeyes. You have helped me to formulate a question to ask my doctore when I see him in April. I may get to ask him if he thinks I could try to at least get off the wellbutrin.

[darkeyes]

For myself I can say I had no problem getting off of wellbutrin, in fact I di not even realize I was off of it
Over the couple of years my doc suggested I try Lamictal and it has worked so well At first I did not want to but all the SSRI's just stopped being effective, that can happen with these sort of meds, leaving you still in a major depression, being that he felt I should stay with a low dose of a mood stabilizer also so I asked for Lithium, I did not like the fast weight gain and huge appetite Depakote gave me plus I would get too tired. Lithium can cause weight gain but not like the Depakote and the nice thing with taking the Lamictal and Lithium, I never feel sedated from them and I can laugh a lot now even at this rough time of losing my best and only honest friend. . .my dad. I am almost sure if I were not on these meds right now I'd not be "functioning" this well, I'd be curled up in a corner crying all day, I still cry but I am able to see life with some promise. I know people do not like to be on meds, either did I till I saw how much they have helped me, big change from a woman who 3 years ago was holding a .357 maagnum to her head, alone in my home, but kind of chickened out after looking up at a mother's day card from my son (who is the reason I carry on) I put the gun down and saw my therapist, the rest is a huge story. Sorry I side tracked. All I can say depending on the depths of your depression and/or anxiety there shouldn't be a problem.
Also, if you need meds longer or new ones, don't get upset, it all works out and if they improve life for you honestly then it is better to use them than become miserable, life's too short
I wish you lots of love and luck.
I still like that Lava Lamp
Take care,
"darkeyes"

[Willow]

That's good to know about you and wellbutrin. I am not sure how it affects me... except I know it intensifies my problem with anxiety significantly. I see the doc again in April and can have him help me with the anxiety stuff. My depression has been pretty intense in the past, but I'm not in the same life circumstances I was back then. I'll let you know how it turns out.

[darkeyes]

It can unfortunately do what you just said, that is time to switch I am sure. Personally, I wasn't on it too long and di not find it so great for my depression problem, I have had prozac, zoloft, wellbutrin, effexor, remeron, and celexa was the last antidepressant before my wonder drug, Lamictal (actually a med for epilepsy but helps bipolars).
Don't be afraid to ask the doc "so what do you think might be a good med to try?" Or "I heard about (drug name), do you think it can be of help to me?" Such questions can open up a line of communication between you and your doc.
Just my 2 cents
"darkeyes"

[sweetngentle]

I guess I am a bit bold when I see my p doc and my meds have stopped working. I do some research on the web, come up with at least 2 meds I would be willing to try and then when I see my p doc I just come out with "Is it possible for me to try _ _ _ _??? He usually is quite honest with me and gives it a go if my current med has stopped helping for a significant period of time.

Sweet

"It's never too late to be what you might have been". George Eliot

[Willow]

well... no meds is as good as the meds I have tried, so I called my doc today and canceled my appointment on wednesday. I don't have time for ********. If I need help, I am going to a psych doc next time.

[flowermama72]

My daughter has been on 60 mg. of Prozac for 6 years and I don't feel it is as effective as it once was. Can this happen? She is afraid to try anything new for fear it will cause worse depression. She is 23. Any ideas? She sees a therapist.

[Willow]

I am no expert in the matter, but I have heard of this happening. The body adjusts to the drug and a new thing needs to be tried. It is a very uncomfortable process to find the right drug. I understand your daughter's apprehension. They have a lot better meds out there these days though. Prozac is like the grand daddy of them all. The others have less side effects and a better range of effectiveness from what I have read.