Returning to Antidepressants

pevans0511 · 10-07-2006, 12:57 AM

After being on antidepressants for over a decade now, about 3 months ago I began to taper down & go off them with the support & supervision of my Psychiatrist. It was a really rough time for me & I suffered severe withdrawal symptoms. I am so happy & proud to say that with the exception of Metformin that I am "drug free" for the first time since I was 19.

However, for over the past month now, I have become extremely depressed. I am now contemplating whether or not to return to taking at least one of them or a new one all together. I would like to be on the lowest dosage & least risky antidepressant for child birth. I just don't know what to do. I am also contemplating starting vitamin supplement packets (I have had success with in the past) instead of/along with the antidepressants. I am scheduled to see my Psychiatrist this coming Monday so I will be receiving his input, as well.

Any thoughts????

kelliet · 10-07-2006, 02:08 AM

I started back on antidepressants a week ago after 8 years on and one year off. I dont want to take them but I couldnt shake myself out of the rut Ive been in for the past 9 months. I already feel better but I wish I didnt have to go back on them to feel normal. I guess for me its just a means to an end. Not sure if this is helpful, just wanted to let you know youre not alone in this tough decision.

Take care

Kel

pevans0511 · 10-07-2006, 02:32 AM

Thank You, Kel.

I guess it's not so much the frustration of having to take them to feel normal as having to take them to function for me.

Take Care.

larachj · 10-13-2006, 01:08 AM

I know it can be frustrating to always be on meds, but the last time I talked to my doctor about it she said, "would you want your husband to stop taking insulin?" (he is diabetic), and I said "of course not" and she said, "it's the same thing...a chemical imbalance, and the meds help fix it"

Just one point of view, but it helped me deal with it...I'm still trying to find the exact combo of meds that will work for me, but I know it is out there, and I am feeling some better with Paxil right now. good luck.

kelliet · 10-13-2006, 12:13 PM

great point larachj!!!!

10-13-2006, 09:00 PM

I do know people that have taken them for a long time and can't bare the thought of being off them....

Good Luck for your appointment!

pevans0511 · 10-16-2006, 03:39 PM

Thank you all for all of your input/suggestions.

I'll let you know what happens...

Take Care.

thisfreakingsucks · 10-17-2006, 01:32 PM

if i dont take my pills for like 2 nights
i cry like i used to
constantly
and i feel so alone
even tho im not

mandi78 · 10-23-2006, 05:27 AM

I wholeheartedly agree with larachj. Some of us just have a chemical imbalance and can't make it without them. It's nothing to be ashamed of. I say if you need them, go back to them.

Amber, I know what you mean about feeling so alone. It can be so overwhelming at times. I am married and have a great family who is very understanding of my anxiety and depression but sometimes I just feel all alone and like nobody understands.

pevans0511 · 10-24-2006, 01:51 AM

Well, it has been a few weeks now & just wanted to update you all on what's been going on.

I did go to a new Psychiatrist but didn't really seem to care for him all too well. After stressing that I would like to go onto the lowest dosage & least risky antidepressant prior to/during pregnancy, he prescribed Symbyax. That night my husband & I did research on the web (instead of filling the prescription right away) & the first thing I read said "do not take while pregnant or past week 20 of pregnancy." So, needless to say, I did not fill the prescription/starting taking it. I know that most antidepressants warn not to take during pregnancy but there has to be a somewhat safe one out there. I am not just going to take any antidepressant for the sake of taking one. I want to be reassured that it will not only help me with my depression now but not to jeopardize my pregnancy (when that time comes) either.

Now, I am scheduled to see another new Psychiatrist (one that my therapist recommended but that is unfortunately out-of-network) but not until mid-November. Gosh...it is really difficult to find good mental health help.

At any rate, I started on some energy vitamin supplements this past weekend to help me get out of bed & accomplishing things throughout the day. So far, so good. I am also see my therapist once a week which is helping tremendously, as well. I guess I'll just see how the next few weeks go until the appointment & then make my decision as to whether or not return to taking antidepressants.

Thanks again for all of your thoughts.

Take Care.

kelliet · 10-24-2006, 09:22 AM

Thanks for updating us. If the US is anything like Australia the mental health system is badly under funded. Its so frustrating because the stats say one in five people suffer from some form of a mental illness! It makes no sense to me why its so difficult to find help.

Im glad the vitamins and therapy are helping you. I wish you all the very best with your health and plans to become pregnant.

Take care,

Kel

pevans0511 · 10-24-2006, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelliet

Thanks for updating us...

Kel:

Thanks for your input. Another frustrating thing is that most of the people that get into mental health professions have either suffered with mental health issues or know someone who has so that makes it extremely hard, as well. At any rate, I just hope that for now the help that I am getting continues to go well. Thanks again for your well wishes & I'll definitely keep you posted as to what happens.

Take Care.

pevans0511 · 11-09-2006, 08:24 PM

Well, had an appointment this morning with a brand, new psychiatrist & it went really good. Oh....I am sooo relieved to have had such an uplifting appointment.

Well, he re-diagnosed me as suffering from both clinical depression & bipolar disorder. He was extremely knowledgeable, especially about antidepressants & pregnancy. I was prescribed Wellbutrin XL-150 mg. (yet again!) & Abilify-5 mg. So, we'll see how things go. I started the Wellbutrin this afternoon & will take the Abilify this evening. I am scheduled for a second appointment early December-about a month. So far, so good.

Now I just have to somehow muster the strength to begin the mile-hile "To Do" List that I have. I need to figure out how to start it without freaking out & getting too overwhelmed. I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks again for everyone's support.

kelliet · 11-10-2006, 06:13 AM

Im so glad you have found a good psychiatrist, it will make such a difference. As for the to do list remember one successful step at a time is worthy of celebrating!

You are in my thoughts

Kel