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Saturday, June 27, 2009 Stacey1308 asks

Q: Stopping Anti-depressants suddenly?

I've been on anti-depressants for over three years (different types) I'm currently using Cipralex. All types have made my depression worse. So I stopped taking them last week and now I feel on top of the world, like nothing can stop me from being this happy. Is this normal and has anyone got any advice? Thanks, Stacey

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Answers (4)
6/27/09 10:22pm

Hi Stacey

 

What other medications were you taking?

 

It isn't ever suggested that you go cold turkey on your meds as there is a risk to having withdrawal symptoms.  So your mood is surprising...not sure if that is the norm or not.  How many days has it been?

 

I would strongly suggest telling your doctor you have done this and see what he or she has to say. 

 

I hope you continue to feel well.  Thank you for your question.

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6/27/09 4:46pm

Stacy, I am so glad that you are feeling great, but for the sake of your health I would consult my doctor just to be on the safe side.  Because you are doing so much better without the drugs your docotr may want to slowly take you off some of the meds, but just to be safe, I would let the doctor tell me how to come off the meds slowly.  But congrats on doing so good!  You are living proof that there is hope for all of us out there! Please keep us posted on your progress!  sherry/smomdukesKiss

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10/15/11 11:51am

Congratulations on freeing your body from unnatural substances churned out by  the dollar-driven pharma/federal complex. Let nature heal you -- commit to this -- and the earth's bounty bring you peace. Even if you would go through a rocky period from unnatural "withdrawals" from unnatural substances, you will assuredly get through this as you engage in living naturally. You are in charge of your body and soul, and no one else is; and particularly no one else is who only uses you as part of a profit motive.  

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10/15/11 4:54pm

Don't ever stop antidepressants cold-turkey.  Common symptoms are, your depression skyrockets for a week or three, dunno never done it.   

 

You have to  ramp them down slowly, I  would say over  a month or two.  Better: do it under your Drs direction.

 

Times when I've gotten too lazy to keep up my pills, I get actually Manic, not a good kind but kindof breathless, hyperactive, sweaty and sortof "WTF is happening to me?!?" out of control.  I've heard this has happened to others, too.  Could be what happened to you.  Counter-intuitive, this is why you talk  to your Dr instead of  amateurs like us. 

 

Pay no attention to the anti-antidepressant wacko above;  I'd be dead  without ADs.

 

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10/16/11 1:14pm
I've not been back on them since my original post back in 2009 and have not looked back! However after two weeks I did experience some awful withdrawal symptoms that were so bad I was tempted to go back on them. I still have days where I just cry and cry for no reason and I know that I will have depression for the rest of my life but the anti depressants just made me feel like a zombie and gave me no chance to think clearly so will never go back on them. ADs are not for everyone - it's all about finding what works for you. Thanks for all the comments, Stacey Reply
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