Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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Mental Health
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long term medication use

cuphalfempty
cuphalfempty
Hi everyone,
I am new here, recently diagnosed for major depressive episode and first time trying prozac, day 4....

I would like to ask all of you that are taking medications long term, why that is? I am by no means trying to be offensive or judgmental, I am just wondering if you tried to get off and didn't succeed, or if there is a different reason for long term medication use?
My doctor told me I will be on ADs for 6 months (I am also going to therapy), but seeing so many people with years and years on ADs, I am not sure that I believe him now.
I am just wondering if once we start on them, we just end up being on them for the rest of our lives?

Thanks to all and many blessings your way...
blackhawkdown
blackhawkdown
I think it depends on the reason for the depression. Sometimes its like taking blood pressure or cholesterol medications it just keeps ones body as close to what's considered normal values.
ZAZAS
ZAZAS
Some of us don't respond to therapy or short time medication. It is a chemical imbalance of the brain. It is just not going to go away. Medication keeps us stable. I hope you therapy works for you.
typically
typically
There is no way of knowing for sure if it will be short term or long term.
I take an anti acid tablet every day,which will probably be for life,there is no shame in this or any other medication.
I know there is stigma,but it is improving.
I hope you get the answers you need.
Razor91
Razor91
I've been taking medications since I was 12, I'm 23 now, so 11 years. When I was younger I couldn't be diagnosed with the condition I have now, because my personality hadn't fully formed yet, I've BPD along with other disorders and trying to cope with all of them without meds, even therapy, I'd need a few types. I've only been on 5 tablets so far.
I do't think I'm confident enough to come off either tablet that I'm on now.
gramybear
gramybear
Please don't get yourself all worked up about this. Every single person is on AD's for different reasons, different types of depression, and for some just therapy doesn't work, for others, they just need a short amount of time to be on them. We are all so different. Try not to go by why others are on them, how long they have been on them. As i said we are all different. I took Prozac for many years but it stopped working for me so I have been put on a different type of AD which is called Wellbutrin, which seems to be working fairly well so far. I haven't had a severe episode of depression since so I'm taking that as a good sign. If you are having doubts I hope you will talk to your Pharmacist. They are more knowledgeable then even your doctors. Hugs GB
heretic
heretic
I am Bipolar and have been depressed all my life.
I have been on meds for five years and would literally
be dead now without them. I take them faithfully
because they keep me alive.
OLDBIKER
OLDBIKER
As some have said, it depends on the severity and also the individual. I was diagnosed with depression in 1995 and went on medication. I was on it till 2004 and got off of it. I was doing well till my son was killed in a car wreck in 2005 and had to go back on meds. again. I got off again in 2012 and was again doing well. Due to terrible stresses, I relapsed and had to go back on meds again in 2013 and are still on them at present.

It takes a while for these to start working and your Dr. may need to change these to find what works best for you and your specific need.
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