SSRIs length of time taking them?

[Leela2020]

Anyone taking SSRIs? How long do you think they should be taken for? Thanks

[CHPA]

Speaking not for myself but a close relative, she has been on then for 15 years.

[Leela2020 in reply to CHPA]

Oh! That seems like quite a long time

[hypercat54]

There is no set time and depends entirely on individual circumstances. The criteria is to have felt better for at least 6 months then, if you want to, taper off very slowly.

[Leela2020 in reply to hypercat54]

Thanks for that. I was hoping maybe to only be taking them for a few weeks, GP didn't really give any instructions for them.

[hypercat54 in reply to Leela2020]

Well there is no point taking them for a few weeks as it takes up to 6 weeks to get fully into your system. Why not ring up and ask your GP?

[Lin1944]

I have been on anti depressants all different types for 26 years. I tried so many times to come off them without success. In the end the Doctor agreed to let me stay on them permently , he knows I have tried all sorts of therapy all to no avail. I don’t have any side effects and although I am 76 I am healthy x