Posted by 49er on February 3, 2009, at 17:18:37
In reply to Risk of prolonged use of anti-depressives, posted by indigodaniel on January 27, 2009, at 9:24:11
Hi,
As one who is slowly tapering off of meds due to horrific side effects, I have a different viewpoint that may not be popular on these boards. But that hasn't stopped me previously:)
I personally feel that long term use of psych meds can cause serious side effects. I am suffering from a hearing loss, tinnitus, and some cognitive issues.
Joseph Glenmullen, a psychiatrist who is not antimeds, has also raised this possibility.
I won't comment on your therapist's theory but let me say this. Withdrawing too fast from meds or cold turkeying can also cause suicidal ideation. I was cold turkeyed off of Prozac many years ago and the suicidal ideation lasted for months.
Also, many psych meds have suicidal ideation as a side effect. I know, everyone says the risk is miniscule. But keep in mind that side effects are greatly underreported. It is estimate that only 1 to 10% of adverse affects are reported to the FDA in the US.
If you do decide to taper, I would do it very slowly. Ten percent of the current dose every 3 to 6 weeks. This is not very popular with psychiatrists and when I have mentioned this on boards, a certain psychiatrist tells me it won't work. Well, many people are proving otherwise and tapering slowly is alot safer.
By the way, I have suffered insomnia as a withdrawal symptom from Remeron. But if I had tapered at the rate my psychiatrist wanted me taper at, I would have been in alot worse shape.
I have been able to taper in spite of dealing with a family death and job instability. It hasn't been easy but feeling like a human being again is all the motivation I need.
Also, while my hearing hasn't returned to normal, it certainly has improved.
If you're interesting in tapering slowly send me a private message. This goes for anybody. I have nothing to sell.
Good luck with your decision.
49er
> Hi,
>
> I have taken SSRI-drugs for more than 10 years. During this time I have also worked with several different therapists as well as courses in personal development and meditations. (I have also tried quit using the medication twice with no success)
>
> Last fall I fell into one of my deepest depressions ever. I have been given a combination of SSRI-drug (Seroxat) and one named Mirtazapine.
>
> I don't get any better (have had severe suicidal thoughts for several months) and I have started to believe that the drugs might block my recovery.
>
> The therapist that I am currently working with (specializes in EFT - Emotional Freedom Tecnique) have put forward a hypothesis that my long use of anti-depressive might in fact block any progress and being contra-productive.
>
> My question is therefore - do you know about other cases where anti-depressives is known to have had a negative effect if taken over such a long time that I have taken them?
>
>
> //Indigodaniel
>
poster:49er
thread:876522
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090203/msgs/877852.html