8 years on SSRI, symptoms 3 months after a 4 month tapering to cease meds

[ARV]

Hi, I'm new to this Forum and looking for suggestions. I'm sure there are others out there like me. I have been on a dose/day SSRI for approx. 8 years. This year I decided that the increasing brain fog and sleepiness was not a good indication of the health of my brain. So, I started tapering off very slowly until after 4 months I was not taking any. I've had symptoms like hot flushes, sweats & body tingling. These symptoms have largely gone now 3 months after my last dose. I feel fit & healthy, brain feels sharp and sleep is back to 'normal'. I'm exercising more, practicing mindfulness and generally in a good place. BUT, I'm finding myself increasing teary, find it difficult to shift these responses to personal interactions and life, as well as enjoying things less. Has anyone else come through this stage of withdrawal months down the track? Please share what helped? Thanks

[Bob_22]

Hi ARV,

Thanks for sharing your experience here. Yes I have also tried to wean myself off antidepressants and experienced some similar things to you. I would strongly advise you contact your GP about this. Weaning off or on medication without supervision is quite risky and I regret doing it as it led to a relapse when I tried to get back on. I would suggest you not make any further changes until consulting your GP/psychiatrist.

Further info about antidepressants: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/docs/default-source/resources/bl0125-antidepressant-medication-fact-sh... 

Hope that helps.

Bob

[ARV]

Noted, thank you Bob. 

[iamanxiety]

Hi Arv,

from what I am hearing the symtoms  and their duration  seem to vary guite a bit between individuals. 

you did not mention what mental state you where in when you decided to wean off the meds. I would assume this would have a huge influence on the withdrawal  proccess and success.

I was on different  ADs and combinations of these for approximately 12 years. I was told I would most likley be on these for life. in the past few years I pushed myself to do the background work and not rely on the medications on there own. I got myself to a great mental state and started to wonder how much they where actually doing for me now and how many negative affects where niw only medication related. 

I slowly weaned off my cocktail  and monitered closely. It went generaly well but there is some discomfort in the transition. In my case not severe but I did need to adjust.

dont forget the background work to good mental health, we cant let the meds to all the heavy lifting. 

wishing you a positive recovery.

[ARV]

Thank you for your comments. You are absolutely right on the mark with the background work and learning. After a number of suggestions to talk to my GP, I did so and was able to get a referral to a very helpful clinical psychologist.  I now prioritise the daily actions that enable  me maintain my well being. I recognise when the  'wave' is building and ramp up with my well being routine so that I can ride the wave out. I know that the waves will continue to come from time to time. I also better recognise  triggers for my anxiety and reduce them where possible.  Thankfully I'm in a much better place and without medication. I recognise that I am fortunate to be able to make changes in my lifestyle that support my move away from reliance on  meds. Not everyone is in a place to do so. The meds enabled me to function effectively when my life was very different. Thankfully I will not be on them for the rest of my life which I was told would probably be the case.

[Bob_22]

Hi ARV,

Thanks so much for the update. It is so great to hear that you're in a much better place. Remember to reach out should you ever need to.

Bob