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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DaveC271 11/13/2007

Have just decided to stop taking the meds after finding the first 3 months a real hell. Has anyone succesfully taken themselves off medication or have any advice.

I find on the medication i don't want to train at all and have put on 14lbs over the last 3 months after working for 6 months to get rid of a load of weight so started to sink further, not I've stopped I'm training better but that can only lift me for 3-4 hours a day. I don't always feel down but the last few days have been a little tough.

I really don't want to go back down the meds route as i started the year so positively and wish to get through to the end of the year with something to show for it as I've lost my job and moved back in with mum due to the attempts on my life.

Please any suggestions will be taken on board and I'll try anything once if its a positive suggestion.

deleted_user 11/13/2007

I tryed them about 3 years ago, I also gained weight and got lazy. I no longer take them. I still have depression and I still struggle with day to day life, but I did that on meds. I guess they are good for some and bad for others. I chose to face my depression head on, I may never over come it. I take it day by day for now I want to live, I can't say about tomarrow, but for now I want
to live.

deleted_user 11/13/2007

I would say talk to the doc about changing meds. Coming off them is hard and needs to be monitored and controlled.

DaveC271 11/13/2007

gulliano thanks .. I was only on them for 3 months so hopefully they didn't take a hold tooo much, but will seeks their advice/

deleted_user 11/13/2007

you will probably have to be weened of them.

deleted_user 11/13/2007

Different meds affect everyone differently. I was lethargic and put on weight when I was on prozac, but I can function on citalopram.

deleted_user 11/13/2007

I have taken myself off of meds because I found that they did seem to make things worse. However I did keep up with therapy.
I encourage you to be honest with youself and to get educated on your sickness and on treatments. If is comes down to going back on meds, don't be hard on yourself!
Also, let you doctor know. They might have other options that you haven't talked about yet.

deleted_user 11/13/2007

absolutely wean yourself if you insist on doing this!! i cannot stress that enough. and please do it with the doctors monitoring. you dont need anything ruining your health.

my best advice is to try a different medication. there are a million things out there and i am sure that there is one or more that would be perfect for you. i lost 70 with depression and meds!! not the way to do it, but it was a plus for me.

(HUGS)

DaveC271 11/13/2007

Thanks all for your advice

deleted_user 11/13/2007

If the 1st 3 months are hell, odds are that med and/or dose is wrong for you... the right med in the right dose SHOULD relieve depression symptoms without making you feel weird or drugged in any way... like just taking a special vitamin for your brain. I suggest talking to your doc about it.

deleted_user 11/13/2007

ok, so the nurse in me is talking here.
It takes about 6 to 8 weeks to get adjusted to meds. They say you should take them for at least 8 weeks but if the side effects are too bad then try another one. Some times it takes a few months to balance out.
NEVER stop them cold Turkey as it can cause tons of health issues and throw you over the edge.
I have been on meds for about 5 years but tried a ton of them before I found one that worked for me.
Hugs and support.

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