I want to stop taking my antidepressants

[Fran86]

Hi

Does anyone have any advice for coming off anti-depressants? I thought I was ready to stop taking them, but last week I ran out for two days and felt so awful. Is that going to happen, even if I wean myself off?

Thanks

[Charmed]

Hi there,

If you want to come off your antidepressants, I would always advise to talk to your GP first. You aren't supposed to be taken off them without consulting your GP, so they can first lower your dose, then you can slowly come off them. Decreasing the intake yourself won't have the same effect as lowering the dose as it will still be the same dosage, just less often.

Why do you want to come off your antidepressants? Talking to your GP can also help you discuss other options if you still need support.

Take care.

[crazykat]

I agree with the above it is always better to consult with your treating doctor if you want to come off your meds so they can monitor you and ensure that it is done safely. Is there a particular reason why you want to come off them?

[sherlock holmes]

Hi,

why do you want to stop taking your antidepressants? Is it because you feel fine now, or you don't like the side effects or something else?

If you feel fine now then I'd say that's because the medication is doing its job! Usually it's recommended that a person continues to take antidepressants for at least 6 months AFTER their symptoms improve to ensure that things don't go wonky again after you stop your meds.

If you don't like the side effects then there are plenty of other antidepressants to try.

Please do not do anything until you've spoken to the doctor who prescribed your medication. It's really not advisable to adjust or stop your meds yourself. If you really want to stop taking your meds then you won't be forced by your doctor, but at least consult them first.

When you stop your medication you might be given a lower dose tablet by your doctor if one is available or he might tell you just to stop taking it, it depends on your current dose and the type of medication you are on.

It's possible that you will feel a bit rough as you come off your meds. The usual feelings are the same types of side effects you might have experienced when you started taking your medication- things like headaches and generally feeling a bit under the weather.

[Fran86]

Thanks everyone. I went to see one doctor but she was awful, I'm going to make an appointment with my regular doctor to discuss it. I'm going away travelling later in the year and I don't want to have to worry about taking medication with me. I hope that being away will get rid of my depression etc x

[Wonderland.]

I'm glad you are going to see a doctor about this. I hope you are able to come off the medication safely. Have an enjoyable time on your travels.