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has anyone else come of antidepressants and felt like this?

ristina
Community Member
Hi im new to this forum and I'll have to cut a long story short.ive had panic attacks for over 20 years and agrophobia for about 18 years.i was on daily medication for 16 years.i also have another medication when I need it.the daily medication seemed ok,it helped my everyday life, but did nothing for the agrophobia. A couple of months ago the daily medicaiton stopped working and was causing my body to have hyptic jerks constantly, mainly at night,so I wasn't getting much sleep.i was so tired and was starting to feel real down..after 16 years it was time to come of.i did this closely with my doctor and now it's been 3 weeks without it.boy am i going through hell, the nausea is so bad,I can't sleep,I'm anxious most of the time,my heart skips,there's a black cloud above me,I'm so emotional, I'm angry,sad,I'm sick of feeling this bad..has anyone else come of antidepressants and felt like this? I feel like I can't keep going like this..I really don't want to go back on antidepressants. I'd rather find a different way...please help??
3 Replies 3

JessF
Valued Contributor
Valued Contributor

Hello Ristina, it sounds like what is known as "discontinuation syndrome". Unfortunately with some medications, there is a nasty hangover effect when you come off them. Sometimes this can even happen if you taper carefully off. I was just saying this in another thread on this forum... when I tapered off a medication like this a while ago, my GP knew about this effect and tapered me down on the "bad" medication and onto a very low dose of another one that was less prone to the discontinuation syndrome. This ended up working well for me, but it would be worth you talking to your GP again about these symptoms to see what he or she can do.

I am curious, though, as to why you decided to come off medication completely rather than trying to move onto something different? It sounds like you have been living with the agoraphobia and panic attacks for many years, so this is a long term illness rather than something temporary. There are so many options out there, it could be that your GP is not as well versed in what is available and you might need to consider getting a referral to a psychiatrist.

You also don't mention whether you have been seeing a therapist at all? Panic attacks and agoraphobia are often treated very well through different types of therapy, like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Living with this for 20 years I'm sure you've probably heard of all this alreadty but I thought it was worth checking in and asking.

Nicoc
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi Ristina

I've suffered from 'discontinuation syndrome' too, and just as JessF said even with slow withdrawal the effects can be horrendous. I found it especially difficult when I'd been on a medication long term and thought the headaches and nausea were never going to end.

My suggestion is to head back to your GP to discuss your options. If you're still not happy then it's worth considering finding a new doctor. Sometimes, especially if we see the same doctor for years on end, they can become complacent with your condition. I found this recently and eventually made the decision to find a new GP. By having to restate all my symptoms, concerns, current meds, history etc. I was able to have someone look at the situation from a new perspective. Also, medications are changing so rapidly that it might be worth considering something else at a lose dose to start with. Like JessF said too, getting a referral to a psychiatrist is also a good idea because at the end of the day they are specialists in the field of mental disorders and are most informed about medications and alternative options.

Hope this helps.

Nic

thehiss
Community Member

Hi Ristina

I've recently stopped taking my medication after being on it for over 8 years and yes it really is hell. From the moment I wake up I'm depressed and super anxious and become very emotional over the smallest things, its only been a week and I want out. The doctors want to try me on something else but I really don't want to be on another medication. Unfortunately I have no suggestions as I am stuck myself, but just wanted to let you know that you're are not alone.