Coming off Anti-Depressants and It's Side Effects

sledz14 · ‎12-06-2018

Hi,

I'm just wondering if anyone is currently weaning off or has stopped taking anti-depressants and experiencing the awful side effects/withdrawals? A bit of background about me. I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder back in 2012 after a series of fainting spells due to low blood pressure. Unfortunately, the fear of fainting and subsequent vomiting (in public!) caused constant panic attacks which then caused agoraphobia and depression. When I first saw a GP, they immediately put me on medication and referred me to a psych. Looking back I wished they never prescribed me anything since the psychologist was a godsend and I learnt how to successfully manage my anxiety and panic.

I've been on anti-depressants now for 6 years and ready to come off. I have spoken with my GP (not the same as before) and we've discussed a plan to slowly come off, but no matter how slowly the withdrawal symptoms are horrific. Before I decided to stop, I knew the side effects would be crap, but now as I'm experiencing them, it's so easy to feel alone in this. I have an amazing support network, but they'll never know how it really feels. Is anyone else also coming off the meds? Side effects include nausea, lightheadedness, confusion, agitation, brain zaps, nightmares, dizziness and anxiety (yuck!) If you are, how are you coping? Any tips or suggestion to help get me through this?

Thanks.

Lici · ‎12-06-2018

Hi sledz,

I'd just like to say welcome to the forums before replying, you're not alone here, and everyone is really lovely and supportive here.

I've come off of many different antidepressants in the past, some had very little side effects while others I had all of the side effects you've described, the brain zaps lasted up to six months for me (to varying degrees though) but most of the others went away within a few months.

I honestly don't know what to say with tips as to how to get through it. I was unemployed at the time I came off the last ones and I ended up staying in bed or on the couch because I just felt too sick. I just tried to watch tv or do anything I could manage to take my mind off of the side effects.

I'm sorry I couldn't help you out more. I just wanted you to know that you're definitely not alone with what you're experiencing and that it does get better and go away, it just takes some time. Everyone is different though so the time it takes will vary.

Kind regards,

Lici

Yorkee · ‎15-06-2018

Hi, I’ve been on antidepressants for many years, and long to get off them. I’ve had lots and lots of counseling and really have no reason to feel depressed but I do. My medication really doesn’t do much for me and I would love to come off it. My doctor just says to keep taking it as I obviously need it and it’s not causing any damage. However, a few years back, and under a different doctor, I did decide to stop, which I did very sensibly and slowly. For first few weeks I felt good, actually quite on a high, but then I just fell in a horrible heap and couldn’t cope. But on top of that I had the physical side effects which were horrendous. So I know that these medications do cause severe physical reactions when you stop them and this angers me as no doctor will tell you this! I’m really worried about whether I will ever get off them, and would be really scared to try and stop again. I feel I’d have to put my life on hold for approx a year, to be able to just stay home and hide out while going through the hell of coming of them. I’m sorry this is not a positive response, but I totally understand how you feel, and hope that someone soon can come up with an alternative treatment and stop anymore people starting the slippery side of antidepressant!!!!

daisyloo · ‎15-06-2018

Hey sledz14,

I actually just joined this community today as I am currently in the process of tapering off and I'm struggling. Thought it might be nice to have some support.

I was only on medication for a year, after trying two different classes without the desired effects and experiencing constant side effects my doctor agreed that it was time to come off.

I don't have any tips for you sorry. I am actually scared about what the next stage of my tapering off is going to entail, the last 2 days have been horrible for me. My partner is supportive too, but I feel as though he thinks I'm exaggerating.

Hope you're doing ok

Guest_42 · ‎21-06-2018

Ive also just come to this forum as i am also coming off medication and struggling.. i feel its a shame we can't mention medication as ive come off other meds and not had trouble this bad, but this time its awful, and would love to know if its these meds, or anyones experience with these meds..

the last time i came off different meds i also had the side effects.. weird spatial sensations etc, but it went away eventually.

this time, on a different medication the effects are waay stronger, i am almost having full blackouts, and i feel scared this med, or coming off this med is causing neurological damage. I try and stay calm and practice mindfulness, being aware it is a sensation, it will pass, but am feeling crook as. I have been taking a quarter tablet every second day for 5 months, and have taken nothing for 6 days, and am still getting these terrible sensations. I am coming off this drug as ive also had terrible side effects on it.

My doctor is away till July, and i saw one of her colleages who mistook me for a drug seeker (i also take painkillers sometimes for back injury), and that was all she was worried about.

I did see a councellor but she kept confusing me for someone else and it was a bummer.

i live remote and have poor access to healthcare and zero supports. Single with mortgage, in middle of renos and start a new job in a week. struggling to even shower, sweep floors, or leave the house at the moment.

i don't know what to say.. it sucks! solidarity in the suckiness. :)x