Depression is a serious problem in this country. According to some reports, nearly 11% of women and 5% of men in the United States are currently taking one or more anti-depressant medications. These medications can truly be life savers, helping people get through some of the most difficult times in their lives, and there is certainly no shame in seeking a little help to get through a challenging period.
However, most people are uncomfortable with the idea of taking a mood-altering, prescription medication for their entire lives. Some people are concerned about the potentially unknown, long-term side effects of anti-depressants. Others just want to experience life naturally, without any drugs. There are several factors you need to consider before you make the decision to discontinue anti-depressant therapy.
First off, ask yourself if your depression really has gotten better. How has your mood been, generally speaking? Has your appetite returned to normal, or are you eating considerably more or less than you normally would? Are you sleeping better? How is your social life? Make sure that your depression really has lifted and that you haven't just learned to live with the symptoms of depression.
If you've been "stable" for at least six months, are feeling confident, have a good support system in place, and have the desire to stop treatment, it may be time to ask your doctor about stopping your anti-depressant therapy. It is very important that you do not just stop taking your medicine. Your body has gotten used to your medication and abruptly stopping it could cause serious withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, fainting, and even a return of your depression.
Your doctor will likely "wean" you off of your medicine by gradually lowering your dose over a period of time, usually a few weeks to a few months. This can be frustrating for some people who see depression as a chapter in their life that they are eager to close. However, by following your dose reduction schedule carefully, you will minimize your chances of having any unpleasant side effects.
During this time, be sure to keep your doctor informed about how you are feeling. If you experience any of the side effects mentioned above, be sure to let your doctor know as soon as possible. It is likely that you are reducing your dose too fast and you may be able to stop any undesired side effects just by slowing down a little bit. Also, be sure to tell your doctor if your feelings of depression return, or if you start to show any symptoms of depression, such as a sudden change in your eating or sleeping patterns.
Finally, don't be discouraged if you can't successfully "get off" anti-depressants the first time you try. Many people don't realize just how much their medication has helped them until they try to stop taking it. You may need some more time to work on the root causes of your depression. Just because you couldn't stop the first time you tried doesn't mean that you won't be able to stop taking anti-depressants in the future.
Other people may find that they have very real chemical imbalances that require a lifetime of treatment. This is perfectly OK, too. As with all medical conditions, the key to good treatment lies in doing your research and staying in close communication with a doctor you trust. Together, you and your medical team can make the best decisions for your personal situation.
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