Been a while - antidepressants

[Karen-x]

Hi Everyone. I haven't posted in a very long time mostly because I'm doing so wonderfully. I am having one issue, not MS related and since everyone is so knowledgeable and insightful, I thought I'd throw this out. I came off antidepressants about 6-8 months ago after being on them for 16 yrs. I just didn't like the side effects of the one I was on when I missed a dose. And since I've been so great I thought why not stop?

Well, panic attacks have set in like the little weasel they are. First one was flying (mind even on antidepressants I was still nervous). I almost refused to fly home on that trip. Then it happened driving to Florida. Then when my son drove me last week. I just can't believe that after not having one hint of panic for 16 yrs that as soon as the meds were out of my system fully they are back. I was sure I had fully defeated them during that 16 yr period, what with cognitive behavioral therapy and learning to stop all the negative fearful talk in my head. Im almost insulted!! Did I just delude myself that whole time thinking I was better? It makes me feel defeated (yup, there is that negative talk).

Comments?

[jimeka]

Hi Karen, long time no talk to! Normally you have to wean yourself off of antidepressants. If you have been on them for 16 years, you cannot expect to go cold turkey. Your body is so used to having them, you need to take your time. Try cutting them in half, and just let your body get used to being without them. Big hug Jimeka 🤗 🌈

[Karen-x in reply to jimeka]

Oh, let me clarify. I went off w my Dr consultation and slowly over a couple month period.

[Karen-x]

Thanks! I don't want it to get out of control, my mom is now agoraphobic. But it also makes me feel like a failure (more negative talk). Ugh.

[erash in reply to Karen-x]

Karen-x if you had diabetes and had to go back on insulin would u feel like a failure? Mental health and physical health are both controlled by the mind and body. Don't berate yourself! Be kind to yourself🌈Seek assistance if/when needed. Best wishes

[Midgey_Midge06]

I have been getting panic attacks loooooong before MS. Klonopin helps me and my sister both w r panic attacks. Its not an antidepressant and i take it on a as needed basis. When i feel that anxiety start - i take a half mg and if it still rises another half usually shuts it down good.

Just a suggestion u may wanna talk to ur doc abt

[MS_Indestructible]

your antidepressants maybe were keeping your anxiety in check. However, depression and anxiety are quite common with MS. I've been on many different antidepressants over the years and just realize that it is just part of dealing with the MS. It is possible to combat the anxiety via hypnotherapy with a very good hypnotherapist. I am a certified hypnotherapist and our job is to talk to the subconscious and put in place suggestions for your mind to respond to those type of triggers. If your anxiety is due to chemical imbalances in your brain, only drugs will work. I hope I worded this right, my cognitive is tired today ~terry

[4fishylady]

Karen-x I don't know which antidepressant you were on, but I can tell you from personal experience, that it takes a very long time to be fully weaned from Cymbalta. The drug mfg. co. meant for it to be used the rest of your life! I came off of it last year, but had to go on another one, Lexapro. I am now doing fine on 1/2 of the 5 mg. pill. I have appreciation of all my own emotions, laughter, tears in sad or touching circumstances, and in sex. I am by nature an emotional person, therefore have a tendency toward anxiety. This low dose keeps me at a good normal without disrupting my life. I have had panic attacks in the past, but none in several years. Please don't refuse to take a little pill that will give your freedom from something that can be so emotionally draining. Live life to the fullest, as long as you can! God bless you!

[Karen-x in reply to 4fishylady]

Thank you for the encouragement. It IS emotionally draining to fight the panic. I have decided to go back on the meds. My Dr said it obvious it's a chemical inbalance.

[positiveness]

I just want to mention that when you're on the medication and feeling as good as you were, it is common to think that you don't need the medication anymore. Being off the medication is when you realize how good the medication helped you.

[Juliew19673]

That's SO unfair for you! MS alone is a nightmare, but sprinkle in panic attacks - unfair! One of my close friends has these and it's so scarey for her. She takes Xanax when her "Tic" starts, and it helps stave it off.

[PWilli]

I have also been on antidepressants for a long time. 2 years ago my PCP had gone as far as he could and referred me to a psychiatric nurse practitioner. It took a while to find the right med and dose and I'm doing well. I think that if my depression and panic attacks are controlled, why mess with a good thing. This is just my opinion. Jimeka is correct that you NEED to taper off slowly (which you may have done.) This allows your body chemicals to readjust. Can you take something for the panic attacks as needed? I sympathize with you. Please keep us informed about how you are!

[PWilli]

This popped up as the next post and I failed to note that it was a year ago! 🙄Hope things are well controlled by now.