Weaning off meds after a decade

[Lana87]

Hello There,

I was just after some real life experience and advice!

I have dropped the dosage in the last week, in a bid to get off my decade long use of antidepressants.

I started when I was 21 and now feel I am in a good, stable place and would like to wean off slowly.

After consulting with my GP I am decreasing in increments over the next few months. 

Hopefully off after that!

I have yet to find anyone who has successfully gotten on this particular medication after such a long period of time. I am currently experiencing dizziness, loss of appetite, flu/like symptoms, fatigue, night sweats - alot of sweating, just feeling vague and out of body feelings.

What have you experienced?

[PamelaR]

Hi Lana

Welcome to our forums. You've asked a very good question. The symptoms you describe do sound like withdrawal from antidepressants. However, it would be good if you can check with your gp, just in case it's nothing else.

Research has shown that - withdrawal symptoms (as you described) typically persist for up to three weeks. The symptoms gradually fade during this time. Most people who quit taking their antidepressantsstop having symptoms after three weeks. There are many factors that affect how long withdrawal symptoms last. Maybe talk with your gp about this.

Hope this helps.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Alexlisa]

Hello Lana,

Sorry you’re having such a tough time. Yes, coming off medication can be quite a trying experience. The symptoms you’ve mentioned do sound like they’re from the withdrawal, but like PamelaR said, it’s best to check in with your doctor.

Some medications are harder to come off of than others. But generally it’s about doing it as slowly as you need. If there’s no reason to rush you may be able to reduce the medication at the tiniest increment spread over a longer time than maybe you’d initially planned.

If you’re finding the withdrawal symptoms just too overwhelming please talk to your doctor so you can come up with a new plan together. Also, I believe there are options for the doctor to give you another psychiatric medicine to ease the transition. I know it sounds counterintuitive to start a new med, but my understanding is that they choose a second medication that’s easier to come off of. It takes over from the first one, and then you can come off the second. I hope that makes sense. It’s definitely worth discussing with your doctor anyway if you feel yourself really struggling. Hopefully you’ll be able to find some relief.

Take care of yourself
Alexlisa