Hi Phoebesmom,

Thank you for your question! Though every patient should be treated according to their individual needs, most people do not need to be treated for life. Usually when a patient is treated for their first episode of depression, they are put on medication for a period of time - expert recommendations vary anywhere between 6 and 18 months - and then slowly taken off the medication. If the patient feels okay after that, the medication is no longer necessary. However, if the patient has another depressive episode and needs to go on medication again, the treatment can then last for life. You can read more about the recommended treatment here. I hope this answers your question. If you are interested in stopping the medication, you should discuss with your doctor whether it's an option for you at this time. Many antidepressants needs to be tapered slowly in order to prevent withdrawal, so be sure not to stop the medication on your own.

Best of luck,

Casey