Posted by SLS on October 2, 2006, at 8:43:08
In reply to Staying off Remeron, posted by musky on October 1, 2006, at 23:26:28
Probably the best way to stay off antidepressants is to stay on them.
At least stay on them long enough so that the terrain of the brain is changed substantially that it remains changed once the drug is discontinued.
Also, taper the dosage of the drug very gradually over the course of at least 4-6 weeks. I would go longer for higher dosages or longer treatment duration. This is to prevent a rebound depressive relapse.
How long should you stay on antidepressants?
9 months as a minimum for a first depressive episode. Longer for subsequent episodes. 12-14 months for a second episode; 18 months was suggested recently.
Another way to stay off of antidepressants is to reduce the biological pressure placed on the brain by reducing psychosocial stress. This often involves psychotherapy. However, it can include things like changing jobs, navigating relationships, avoiding weddings, sending children off to college, etc.
Depression represents a spectrum of experiences and relative contributions of the biological and psychological. Don't be afraid to treat the whole person.
If you are already on antidepressants, don't be in a rush to come off of them. Evaluate your overall situation and use your intellect to make logical decisions. Use the information provided by sources you deem responsible, if not reliable. If you decide to discontinue an antidepressant, use a gradual taper. Abrupt discontinuation (cold-turkey) might actually worsen or prolong the withdrawal syndrome.
This board was started to provide a forum to offer education and support regarding the withdrawal from psychiatric medications. I don't think it was meant to be restricted to those who were determined not to return to drug treatment. It is not an "anti-drug" board.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:691011
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20060809/msgs/691124.html