Stopping anti depressants after a month

[Sarah0816]

I was wondering if after stopping anti depressants after a month would cause bad withdrawals?? Thanks

[Daz2310]

I imagine after just a month you should be ok but I wouldn’t stop before discussing it with your doctor

[Sarah0816 in reply to Daz2310]

Thanks, I'm just not having any luck they are causing my anxiety to be worse and depression out of no where

[The_Color_Blue in reply to Sarah0816]

I had that happen as well. When I first went on my antidepressant, I was prescribed the full dose right away. It made my anxiety skyrocket and gave me suicidal thoughts constantly. It was unreal. I was so miserable. I ended up going off of it and speaking with a different doctor who told me I could try taking it, but I needed to work up to the dose. So I went off the med for a few weeks and then when I started it again, I started at 1/4th the dose. I did that for a week, then I went to a half dose for a week, then 3/4ths of a dose… etc.

[Sarah0816 in reply to The_Color_Blue]

I'm on the lowest dose. I was in Lexapro 3 weeks and made me too sick the whole time. Now day 3 of cymbalta

[The_Color_Blue]

That depends on the type of antidepressant you’re on, and how you choose to stop taking it. For some meds, docs typically recommend weening yourself off of them. In fact, please consider talking to your doc about wanting to stop the med just so you can be sure you’re doing it in a safe and healthy way.

[Blueruth in reply to The_Color_Blue]

2nd this. If you can’t get in or email taper slowly and don’t be afraid to back up. Withdrawal can make you worse.

[Sarah0816 in reply to Blueruth]

I emailed my Dr just waiting to see what he says. It's just been 4 weeks. Meds are making me feel way worse than before

[Blueruth in reply to Sarah0816]

you can taper it responsibly until you talk to your doc. If it had been 4 weeks since you talked to your doc that is irresponsible.

[Sarah0816 in reply to Blueruth]

It's been 4 weeks for taking the meds. I emailed my Dr earlier today

[Blueruth in reply to Sarah0816]

Okay, I wasn’t completely clear on that. You can taper as little as you can chop the pill up. Just work with your doctor. Or get another.

[Sarah0816 in reply to Blueruth]

Hopefully I hear from him soon , I'm sure he will prob say cut in half

[blackcat64013]

Hi Sarah,

The medication chosen by your doctor may not be right one for your body. Your doctor can usually change you over to a different drug from the same group of drugs without having to stop taking medication. As always, keep you doctor in the know with how you are going.

[fauxartist]

Yes...and you should never stop cold turkey. Gradual reduction in dosage monitored by a doctor should be the only way to stop taking an antidepressant.

[Blueruth]

That is really inspiring. I’m glad you are doing well. I often wonder what would happen if doctors fist proscribed breathing and exercise!

[MFM008]

just stopping any drug without dr supervision is bad idea.