Posted by 49er on September 10, 2008, at 17:04:16
In reply to Re: Time to get off meds?, posted by Racer on September 8, 2008, at 17:05:37
Hi Racer,
> These days, some people are told flat out that if they ever go off meds, they're virtually certain to experience a recurrence of depression, and the recommendation is to stay on meds indefinitely as prophylaxis. >>That is totally incorrect as withdrawal symptoms are confused as a return of the illness. Joseph Glenmullen, who is not antimeds, discusses this in his book about withdrawing from ADs.
In 2001, I stupidly cold turkeyed Prozac and out of the blue, became depressed for no reason at all. I now realize I was dealing with withdrawal symptoms.
The key is a slow taper. In my opinion, most doctors psychiatrists advocate a way too fast tapering schedule even though they have good intentions.
It is best to taper antidepressants at 5 to 10% of current dose. I have mostly followed this recommendation and have not had a recurrence of depression in spite of tapering off of my meds.
49er
poster:49er
thread:851028
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080903/msgs/851385.html