Coming Off Antidepressants: How You Can Lessen Withdrawal Reactions
Coming off of antidepressant medication may precipitate unwanted reactions. You can lessen these effects by weaning yourself off gradually and by using herbals to support brain and nervous system functioning.
Coming off antidepressants is a process that should only be attempted under a doctor’s supervision. It is important to work closely with your practitioner to lessen risk of discontinuation reactions.
Antidepressant medication has proven to be a boon for those suffering from depression; however, there are certain reactions that may be experienced in relation to antidepressant withdrawal.
Stopping an antidepressant medication suddenly might precipitate a reaction. Weaning yourself, by reducing dosages in small increments, can lessen withdrawal reactions, giving your brain the necessary time to adjust to changes in chemical balance and adapt to coming off antidepressants.
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This process may take weeks or months, depending on the medication you have been taking. If discontinuation reactions prove too severe, you might have to switch to another drug; then your doctor may have to wean you gradually from this medication. Antidepressant withdrawal requires patience.
What might be experienced? You may notice sleep disturbances, experiencing unusual dreams or nightmares. Physical symptoms could include dizziness, sweating, nausea, and abdominal discomfort or pain, accompanied by diarrhea. These symptoms may make an appearance soon after stopping your antidepressant. Just knowing that these reactions may take place can ease apprehension when attempting the process of coming off antidepressants.
At times, severe reactions occur. Patients have reported agitation, anxiety, or hallucinations. Some people have been unable to work until these reactions subsided. Your doctor can evaluate symptoms and make needed adjustments if you are experiencing antidepressant withdrawal reactions.
At this stage, it may also be helpful to get an evaluation of your nutritional status. Minerals and vitamins can help to ease the transition when coming off antidepressants. Deficiencies of certain amino acids and minerals can affect vitality and feelings of well being.
Herbal preparations can be used to combat the effects of antidepressant withdrawal, and can help with a reduction of depression symptoms. People are recognizing the enormous potential of natural supplements and their potential in relation to troubling side effects, which are commonly encountered with traditional medications.
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Natural remedies contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, herbal extracts and specialty ingredients which have been formulated to calm the nervous system, restore brain functioning, and contribute to emotional energy and overall well being. Ingredients may include:
Valerian–used in treating mood disorders, including depression
Calcium and magnesium–for physical and emotional stress
Ginkgo Biloba–used to boost cognitive functioning and for treating depression
Chamomile–anxiolytic effects, which help to counter feelings of anxiety.
If you are concerned about discontinuation effects when coming off antidepressants and want additional support to reduce these, herbals may prove a valuable ally.
- Keep in mind though, that you never want to “go it alone.” It is important to consult with your doctor when considering reducing or stopping medication.
- You should also discuss use of natural supplements with a qualified practitioner or herbalist before taking any supplement.
When embarking on either course, do not attempt this on your own.
* Remember, in cases of severe depression, your doctor may decide that prescription drugs are necessary.
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KD | Jun 27, 2008 | Reply
DON’T GO AT IT ALONE? MY DOCTOR TELLS ME ITS ALL IN MY HEAD.
maureenthomas1@hotmail.co.uk | Sep 29, 2008 | Reply
I have taken for 8 years and it has never made any differance to me. I personely feel it not depression I suffer, It anxiety. And Doctor just give me these tablets hoping I get better. I have taken seven different types of antidepressants and therapy. And further I work in a low paid job and can’t afford them. I thind it should be for free.
Athlyn Green | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
Hi KD,
If you aren’t satisfied with the answers you’ve been given, you may want to consult with a nutritional practitioner. Traditional medical approaches rely on drug therapy, whereas holistic natural approaches look at natural remedies.
Also, you may want to seek out a support group where you can become part of a group of people who have experienced what you have and who understand the struggle to live with a depressive disorder.
Athlyn Green | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
Hi Maureen,
If you believe you suffer from anxiety, please see my article about anxiety and how to combat it.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can be particularly helpful for those who suffer from anxiety.
As well, try to cut out stimulants such as coffee and sugar because these can activate stress hormones that flood the system.
Also keep a record of any thoughts that cause you to feel distress and work to change those thoughts to something more positive. How we think can actually alter brain chemistry so the thoughts we entertain contribute to how we feel down the road.
Athlyn Green | Oct 1, 2008 | Reply
Here are some helpful articles:
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression: http://www.healthmad.com/Mental-Health/Physical-Symptoms-of-Anxiety-and-Depression.17709
Natural Treatments for Anxiety: http://www.healthmad.com/Alternative/Natural-Treatments-for-Anxiety.59955
Peter Loxley | Oct 28, 2008 | Reply
I have been taking Dosulepin for just under 6 years and my doctor wants to take me off them.
I have been gradully reducing my dose from every other day to at the moment every 3 days but i am getting withdrawel symptoms.
I feel tired and feel as though i am hung over when i have not taken a tablet.
My doctor is unhelpful and is suggesting to just stop. I know this is wrong and keeps on pressuring me but i am trying my best but she just doesn’t listen.
Do these withdrawel symptoms ever go away?Surely i shouldn’t be getting them if i am gradully coming off them?
Kathy Kaake | Dec 15, 2008 | Reply
I came off Wellbutrin in Jan08 and Celexa in April08. I knew to go off slow, but still did it too fast and suffered extreme withdrawal. It has been 7 months and I still have this hung over feeling, burning eyes and face and just do not feel well. I also have adverse reactions to most medications and my supplements since coming off the antidepressants. Has anyone else had this issue and what have you done to relieve the symptoms?
Amber Newcastle | Jan 4, 2009 | Reply
I have been weaning myself off of Celexa for the past 2 weeks, and have a week more to go before switching to Paxil. I have had extreme dizziness and nausea on the off days when I do not take a tablet. I have also had eerie, uncomfortable dreams which I only just realised have something to do with my withdrawals. Additionally, my mood has plummeted, and I feel worse than I ever have. Will these symptoms subside when I begin taking Paxil? And if I ever decide to wean myself off of Paxil,isthere a chance the withdrawal symptoms could be permanent/longterm?
tanya | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
great article – i have been on esipram for over 1.5 years – going down bit by bit every 3 months, finally stopped taking them 6 days ago now.
i’m finding the withdrawal symptoms to be disheartening… i am happy to be going through this, hoping that life will return to normal, but seriously, how long can i expect the withdrawals to happen?
3 days / nights of non-stop vivid dreaming has left me too tired; constant feeling of fluffy head is not the best either!
again, this article has been a great read and has lessened my anxiety over the whole withdrawals
Athlyn Green | Jan 19, 2009 | Reply
To everyone who is struggling with withdrawal symptoms. I would suggest you try consulting with a naturopathic practitioner as to natural substances that may help to combat withdrawal symptoms by supporting brain health/functioning.
As outlined in this article, there are a number of natural substances that may help. Often, natural preparations are prepared in a blend. In other words, the ingredients work, in concert, to target the brain.
Withdrawal symptoms may be experienced differently by each individual because of causative factors, so I can’t comment on length of duration of symptoms.
Also, cognitive restructuring can be of great benefit. While antidepressants target brain chemistry, thoughts can also contribute, setting up a cycle.
One psychiatrist remarked that he could correct the chemistry with medication but that the depression returned. He observed that when patients learned and mastered different thought restructuring, the depression, in some cases was completely eliminated.
Neuro Naturals and Native Remedies offer products that may prove helpful.
Joe | Feb 22, 2009 | Reply
My girlfriend is coming off Anti-depressants for OCD. She doesn’t have any of the symptoms of OCD anymore. Wont her old behaviors return?
Athlyn Green | Feb 23, 2009 | Reply
Hi Joe,
They might, depending on whether the OCD arises from a chemical imbalance, a way of dealing with stress, or was a learned behavior, programmed from compulsive parents. Different factors come into play.
As well, a person may be treated with medication to correct an imbalance but their own thoughts can contribute to future imbalances. This is why for some cases, cognitive restructuring is helpful.
Her doctor may feel that she has conquered her OCD.
In many cases, repetitive behavior is two-pronged: a chemical imbalance + an attempt to relieve stress by focusing on the behavior instead of the stressor.
Juan | Mar 27, 2009 | Reply
After a bit over two years of being on antidepressants, I have decided to come off of all of them. In the last year I was on 300 mg Wellbutrin XL, 30mg Lexapro, 300mg Seroquel and 2.5mg or Xanax a day. I know that it’s dangerous to do so but I’ve done it on my own and I haven’t told my doctor yet. It all started because I didn’t have any money to buy them. I do have insurance but lately my copays went up and I was spending about $250 a month on these.
I don’t recommend anyone do this but it has worked well for me. I can say that I haven’t felt this good in about a year. It’s also changing my mentality towards anti-depressants. Yes, they saved me at a rough time in my life but lately they were making me feel just numb, apathetic, and very lethargic. I couldn’t sleep and the dr just kept increasing them. For a week or two I would take one dosage every other day or so until gradually I haven’t taken any.
I feel great. Previous to starting anti-depressants I had lost 100 Lbs. Then depression hit and I gained all back. Now I sleep well I don’t feel depressed and I’ve gone back to exercising and feel more energetic. I’ve lost 13 pounds in 2 wks! Every now and then I get a bit antsy/anxious but it hasn’t been serious and I’ve been able to manage on my own. I’m meeting with my doctor in two weeks. I’m afraid of what she’s going to tell me but I know for sure that I don’t want to take them anymore.
I think maybe I will request Xanax and only because I think it helps to know you have it if you ever do have a panic attack. Just having it and not taking it makes you feel a bit better.
Do they work? Yes! They can be lifesaving but after a while I have decided I want to work things out on my own. Good luck to everyone!
Athlyn Green | Mar 31, 2009 | Reply
Hi Juan,
It’s great to hear you are doing so well. I think your strategy to have something on hand is a good approach. As you say, just knowing you have a back-up plan helps.
There are also natural preparations that can target anxiety and help to relieve it.
henrietta edwards | Apr 11, 2009 | Reply
i came off antidepresants 4weeks ago and now feel worse than ever i stopped quickly and the side efeects are sickey headaches pain in the pit of my stomach. i was on them for a little over a year and felt it was time to come off.Now im thinking i should go back on them as before i felt calm,no headaches no mood swings life was calm. Also i feel very tierd around midday everyday,,,, who has time for a nap then…..
Athlyn Green | Apr 13, 2009 | Reply
Hi Henrietta,
I’m sorry to hear that you are feeling unwell. I hope that things get sorted out for you.
elizabeth | Apr 22, 2009 | Reply
i have been on prozac20mg for three months the worst time, i have had most of these side effects fuzzy head all the time not sleeping i just could nt cope any longer how i was feeling they made me a lot worst, so i have come off them and feeling much better but it early days yet ?
Athlyn Green | Apr 24, 2009 | Reply
Hi Elizabeth,
Sometimes, different types of antidepressants are tried because they target different brain chemicals. One antidepressants might keep a patient awake; another might help with sleeping difficulties, for example, the hypnotics.
Since you were only on this drug for 3 months, coming off this antidepressant may not result in withdrawal reactions as severe as those I outlined in the article.
It’s always a good idea to seek medical direction.
Derek | May 7, 2009 | Reply
Ok I have ironicaly visited my doctor today.(GP) and said that I have been feeling great. I told her that I was on 30 mil of cipralex, then when down to20 for about a month, then to 10 for about a week, and now I am off it for about a week now. But as I said Ironicaly. Tonight I am experiencing akathisia…or what I think is akathisia. I really don’t want to jump back onto the drug train again. as I have been feeling deppresion free for quite sometime. I have been taking Rhodiola, Vitamin d, and fish oils to help out. and they seem to help. But Tonight I am going mildly nuts. It’s kind of like a panic, more so like as if I am filled with bees.
How can I do this with out going back on it again. I stil have pills, but don’t want them. Keep in mind I tapered off on my own.
Athlyn Green | May 8, 2009 | Reply
Hello Derek,
There are a couple of things you might want to try.
1.) program your brain for better chemistry. This really works. Watch your self-talk. Replace any thoughts that make you feel anxious or sad with calming happy messages. Even if you don’t feel it at the time, do this and you may notice a difference. It’s like programing a computer: what you put in can influence later results.
2.) Consult with a natural practitioner. They may be able to recommend natural substances that help with anxiety, unease, etc.
3.) Take time out to relax and while relaxing use visualization, to picture yourself, calm and in control.
IF none of these measures help, you may need to go back on medication.
Sarah | May 10, 2009 | Reply
I came off 45mg dose of mirtazapine nearly 7 weeks ago. I just stopped and didnt do it gradually. I was on 15mg for 2 months, upped to 30mg for 6 weeks and then upped to 45mg but was only on that dose for about a month. Initially I was fine but about 3 weeks later i started feeling sick 24/7 but it eventually subsided. For about 5 days now I have had a constant headache, dizziness, severe pain in my neck and horrible muscle pain. Im reluctant to see my doctor because last time i saw him about the sickness he was horrible and told me it was my own fault. Are these symptoms still normal after 7 weeks?
Bella | May 15, 2009 | Reply
I am also coming off antidepressants. I have been taking aropax for 9 years only having a break once in that time. The side affects are horrible but I believe the pain is worth it (well it will be in the end). I feel better than ever already and its been a gradual decrease over approx 8 weeks. I have more energy, I can think clearly and just overall I feel better in myself. I also feel like I have lost a little bit of weight and have no more stomach bloating. I am doing this under the guidance of a psychiatrist which inclused some counselling regarding unresolved past issues and would recommend to anyone out their that you should only ever come off this medication with the direction of your doctor/specialist. If you dont feel you have a good relationship with your doctor then I suggest you get a new one.
I started with panic attacks but have had anxiety most of my life. I believe now that it was learned behaviour and I am now having to try to reteach myself not to be so anxious. I also suffered a bout of depression after having major surgery 2 years ago. I have learned a lot about negative self talk and try to remain positive with my thinking. I practice yoga and meditation and visit the gym 3 times per week.
Cognitive behaviour therapy is also a good help if you are willing to try.
Brandy | Jun 10, 2009 | Reply
i used to be on paxil. now i was/am on 60 mg celexa. i have come to accept that anxiety and depression is a chemical imbalance that can go away and come back at anytime. i have decided to ween myself off celexa.. I was very nervous b/c getting off paxil was the worst experience of my life. i feel like i was going through heroin withdrawl ( i have never done heroin, but i feel like that is was it would be like) its been 2 months and i am finally down to 10 mg. i rushed it a little bit but it went ok until now. i have been on 10 mg for a week or so and now im trying to go every other day. the withdrawal symptoms are sweating, brain zaps, blurred vision and nausea. ALOT of sweating. dont give up on weening yourself if you think you can be okay with out it. its just something you will have to deal with and when its over you will feel great. i take sleeping pills to sleep at night but i still wake up in cold sweats. staying active also helps. this is NOTHING compared to how i felt when i tried to get off paxil. it took me a year and it was very painful and i was very sick. NEVER take paxil, try something else.
sporty | Jul 8, 2009 | Reply
I came off Mirtazapine 3-4 weeks ago and did it really gradually or so I thought. I had been on 30mg for approx 10 months and then 15mg for about 2 months. However, ever since I have had chronic muscle and nerve pain in my lower back and upper legs. I also had terrible crawling skin for about 10 days and had to keep having cold baths and cover myself in calamine lotion. I also had a burning scalp. My doctor says they are all signs of withdrawal! Great fun!
Athlyn Green | Jul 25, 2009 | Reply
Hi Sarah, Bella, Brandy, and Sporty,
From all of your experiences, it is evident that coming off antidepressants can wreak discontinuation reactions that are hard to deal with.
Please check out the information about natural supplements because these preparations have helped people trying to go off of antidepressants.
Chris Stonecipher | Jul 29, 2009 | Reply
Athlyn,
I have Bi-Polar disorder type II. My highs are way too high which winds up past my physcial limitations and my lows just really suck. This article is close to my heart for these reasons. I added this article to our blog at
http://christonecipher-friends.blogspot.com
Chris Stonecipher | Jul 29, 2009 | Reply
Athlyn,
I added this to reddit and shared it with my reddit friends:)
Chris
thestickman | Jul 29, 2009 | Reply
DUGG it. Well explained.
sandy | Jul 31, 2009 | Reply
This topic is one I have lived. I have been on antidepressants for 18 years they cost me dearly and very nearly my life. They are severely addictive have horrid withdrawal and long lasting effects I for one wish I had never heard of them. I am now clean 20 months and counting. For help and specific advice go to paxilprogress.org
effexoractivist at tribenet.net
good luck to you all the information in now out there for years and years there was no true info about these meds don’t listen to the doctors they don’t know how to withdraw I suggest you talk to the people who have successfully done it.
Erin | Aug 12, 2009 | Reply
Hi,
4 years ago & straight out of high school I was diagnosed with endometriosis, gal bladder disease & gastritis/reflux. I was put on hormone medication for endometriosis – provera, 15mg 3 times a day. By the time the trial 3 month period was up I was suicidal from extreme highs & lows. I’ve been on Zoladex for 6 months last year and am now permanently on depo-provera injections. I was put on Lovan 20mg which didn’t do much until the dose was doubled 4 months later. I had my gal bladder removed late 2007 and have had 3 laparoscopy’s to remove the endometriosis, including 1 removing endo from my bowel in February this year. Late last year I reduced Lovan back to 20mg (lowest dose). Just over a month ago I felt so good I came off the Lovan & my doc is very supportive, but just in the last 2-3weeks I’ve had non-stop splitting headaches, severe body aches, nightmares, excessive sweats & chills & really loud thumping ringing in my ears. Although I have a hearing impairment, I wonder if this is related to the withdrawls? Also is it normal to feel great for a few wks after coming off & then get symptoms? How long will these last? What’s the best way to deal with the headaches & feeling of restlessness? I won’t go back on the drug unless it’s vital. Does nexium (which I take for Gastritis / Reflux) have any side-effects related to depression?
tanya | Aug 13, 2009 | Reply
hi there..im just comming off esipram,that i have been on for the past 2 years.. and not sleping real well ,and having weird and bad dreams and feeling very low, and getting very snappy and feel i just dont care if i hurt peoples feelings,my hubby’s mainly.its not me at all,im also a caring and understanding person,but on the medi i was putting on weight,feeling i was never full,lazy,and tummy bloated… i havent told my doctor, i have no idea what to do…its not good for my marriage
blueeyes | Aug 15, 2009 | Reply
Hi …
I have been off an antidepressant called Lexamil (Same as Lexapro, I think) now for some 70 days. For the record, I was on Lexamil for six months as per my doctors instruction.
About 14 days ago, I noticed that the levels of anxiety was increasing. I was put onto Lexamil for anxiety and mild depression in the first place. I definitely did not want to go back onto Lexamil .. no ways …
The withdrawal was bad enough as it is. I was determined. So I decided to rather use an alternative natural remedy called St. John’s Wort. Now this stuff takes 6 six weeks to kick in, or so I am told. I am still experiencing ill feelings and bad after effects of being on Lexamil. I am experiencing what seems to be light headedness, dizzy. Has anybody on this site ever experienced this? And if so how long does it last … I will be grateful to hear from anyone with this experience.
Oh yes. . I also logged my experience on a web site .. http://www.antidepressives.co.za/blog
Bobster | Aug 17, 2009 | Reply
Hi, 1st time posting here. I have been on citalapram for about 8 yrs now and it has really helped me but I want to come off them as they have had some unwanted side effects. I was only on 10mls until Jan this year and stopped cold turkey. Ended up back on 20 mls after mood seriously plummetted. Ran out of tabs a week ago and had difficulty getting a drs appointment. Hav had serious withdrawel sypmptoms – the brain zaps, dizziness, fuzzy head and nausea/upset stomach. Felt so terrible hav gone back on 10mls this morning. My head is already feeling much better. This time I am going to taper off much more slowly and replace the tablets with other strategies and natural products. All the best to those suffering with withdrawels – it will be worth it but dont do it too quickly.
Athlyn Green | Aug 18, 2009 | Reply
My heart goes out to everyone who have had negative experiences coming off antidepressants and suffering discontinuation reactions. It’s hard enough struggling with depression and then to have to suffer additional problems makes the whole thing even more challenging.
Some have found that natural supplements have really helped to ease the transition.
Sally | Sep 2, 2009 | Reply
I am really scared right now. I’m extremely anxious. I can’t get comfortable. I never felt like this before going on my anti-depressant. I was sad, now I’m just AGITATED! My doctor told me I’d only have withdrawal symptoms for six weeks. I’m wondering where she got that number from? I’m at two months and I know there is something wrong with me. I did wean off the drugs (I was on 40 mg for a two years) but perhaps I didn’t wean off slowly enough? Have I done permanent damage? Do they even know what these drugs do to us?
I am seeing my Dr. tomorrow and I’m hoping she believes me when I tell her I’m not doing well. I can’t concentrate at work, I had to walk out a 1/3 of the way through a movie the other day and even though he’s so supportive, it’s hard on my husband/marriage. I wish all you struggling out there the best! Thanks for listening.
Athlyn Green | Sep 4, 2009 | Reply
Hi Sally,
I hope that you get on the road to feeling better. It can be frightening when you don’t feel yourself.
Relaxation techniques can help to alleviate anxiety. Stress hormones can wreak havoc with how we feel.
Dana | Sep 6, 2009 | Reply
I have been on Effexor XR 300mg, wellbutrin XL for 10 years. I have tried to decrease the dosage many times and go off of them. I felt really angry, anxious, crying, hungover feelings. I want to try again, mostly because of cost. Should I wean off of one first, and then the other?
Cass | Sep 10, 2009 | Reply
Hi Sally,
I too am feeling scared and anxious. After being on and off various anti depressants, over a 4 year period, up until the last few years on Lexapro for PTSD, i have come off them. Although my doctor says i am no longer suffering PTSD, he would like me to remain on the AD’s for a couple of years (standard recommendation for chronic/longterm episodes) after symptoms have ceased, to limit chances of relapsing. However, i wanted to reclaim other parts of my health and allow my body to be drug free and recover to the way it was before the trauma. It’s only been a couple of weeks that i have been off them and i have had some fabulous days but also some really sad and anxious ones. I too have the same questions as you:- Has permanent damage occurred; do they even know what these drugs do to us?. I don’t know. It’s really these sorts of questions that made me want to go off them and reclaim my overall health. But it’s really been today that i got scared and wondered is it was too soon to go of them, is the sadness and anxiousness i feel today a sign of relapse or is it a normal “adjustment” of withdrawal that my system has to go through? Will it be ok? and if so how long will it last? The AD’s have caused weight gain, digestion problems, constant bloating, brain freeze feeling. I got tired of having to keep buying new clothes every year as i put on weight. I’d been going to the gym with a personal trainer for 9 months, hired a dietician, and didn’t lose a kilo. That made me realize how strong these AD’s must be and question what have they done to my body and is any damage permanent. I’ve been eating well, exercising consistently and actually jumping out of bed (i was only on 5mg for the last few months prior to ceasing, 2 weeks ago) so i thought i didn’t need the AD’s. However like i said i did question that decision today. After discussion with my boyfriend we decided that “we” won’t panic at this early stage but i will have my blood tested for vitamins, mineral levels etc and have my thyroid checked and see a naturopath for a herbal remedy for depression and anxiety, make meditation a daily event for me and i will maintain my healthy eating, exercising, wkly massages and wkly acupunture, after all this and with given time, (surely you’d think less that 2mths for withdrawals would be enough) i guess will determine whether i made the right decision at the right time. I don’t know if you’ve tried any of these therapies or had blood work done, but this is what i am trying. I guess at these difficult stages in our lives we really have to take it one day at a time as we can only do the best we can with what we know at the time. But we must make the effort to seek as much information for ourselves as we can, to help us.
By now i guess you’ve seen you’re dr and i’m sure she’ll believe you when you say you are not doing well. I found from my experience that having a dr that you trust and understands you is essential. I wish you and your husband all the best through these challenging times.
Claudia | Sep 18, 2009 | Reply
I’ve been on Effexor for the last 4 years. In the last 8 months I’ve been trying to gradually come off them but I really hate the electrical shock feelings on my head and the nausea and irritability that come as withdrawal symptoms. The medication really helped me a very difficult time in my life, but now that that is solved I really wish I could just stop taking it completely, but I still can’t. I used to be smart, creative and agile on my thinking, now I feel slow and unable to focus, like my brain is made of something pasty and sticky, I really wish I could be my old-self again.
Does anyone know if it is safe to take 5-HTP while going off Effexor?
Thanks
sarah lodge | Sep 21, 2009 | Reply
My health shop told me I had a to wait a few weeks until I was antidpressant free before trying the 5-HTP.
James | Oct 3, 2009 | Reply
Dear Athlyn
I suffer from depression, mild schizophrenia and manic depression.
My medication includes cipralex 20mg, Procyclidine 5mg twice a day, risperdal 6mg, and priadel 400mg x 2. I also take some food supplements these include vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 100mg, cod liver oil 410mg, vitamin B12 1000mg, and folic acid 400mg.
The medication causes me fatigue. If I do even a small amount of training or exercise I have to rest for 10 – 12 days till my body feels like doing any thing again.
From reading the site health mad i understand you can use 5 HTP, SAMe and other food supplements instead of antidepressant medication without the side effects. I would just be really interested to know if they would be as effective as the prescribed medication that I am on.
I would also like to know if there is a facility/clinic (or doctor) in UK or Ireland that would help you/advice you on how to get of the prescribed medication and how long would it take to taper off my prescribed drugs.
I am really impressed by how much effort you put into helping others and I would be very grateful for any help or advice,
Yours faithfully
James
Athlyn Green | Oct 3, 2009 | Reply
Hi James,
It’s an unfortunate fact that antidepressant drugs are only a partial fix,while contributing to other unwanted effects. Fatigue or slowed thinking/processing speed is common.
One caution: of you are bi-polar, you will have to watch because some herbals may trigger a mania
Some people find herbals very effective, while others find conventional drugs more helpful. A lot depends on brain chemistry and each person is different.
If you are thinking of trying herbals, always check with a herbal practitioner because some herbal preparations can interact with medicines. This could prove dangerous. A natural practitioner should be able to advise you about any substance that might trigger mania.
CHARMAINE | Oct 19, 2009 | Reply
I HAVE BEEN ON LEXAMIL 20MG, FOR 5 MONTHS I HAVE BEEN OFF LEXIMIL FOR A WEEK AND A HALF, I DID FOR THE LAST MONTH WEEN MYSELF OOF LEXAMIL. I DO NOT WANT TO GO BACK ON THE MEDICATION AS I WAS BUSY LOSING MY HUSBAND AND SON BECAUSE OF THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE MEDICATION . I NEED ADVICE MAYBE FOR A SUBSITUTE (HERBEL), AS I DO SUFFER FROM ANXIETY, AND RENSION NOT DEPRESSION .
Athlyn Green | Oct 26, 2009 | Reply
Dear Charmaine,
Anxiety and depression often share a correlation. If you are looking for herbal support, it helps to talk to a herbal practitioner. They can advise you as to what’s available.
Cassie | Oct 27, 2009 | Reply
I wanted to go off my anti depressant so my doctor told me to half my dose for a while to help get off it. I\’m horribly dizzy, hot and cold sweats, and tingly. My advice is to never take anti depressants. It\’s way worse getting off them then anything in life.