Should I stop taking antidepressants?

[Krypton]

I'm taking Fluoxetine (SSRI) due to insomnia, hypochondria, and lack of serotonin. So far, I can say that there are some improvements. I've been taking it for three months now. Is it enough to replace the lack of serotonin? Should I stop taking it? I'm scared that if I stop, the anxiety will come back. But what do you think?

Thanks!

[Lighthouse Nut]

NO,NO and double no. Do you want to land yourself in the grave,or better yet..........in a nut ward?I take doxepin due to the same side affects.Talk to your Dr about a drug that sedates and helps with anxiety instead.Zanax is good,but addictive.Prozac did me the same way which is what you take.Some times us nuts need a change in meds.Anti Physicotics what a wonderfull way to live.Take your pills like a good little nut.........untill you get in to your Dr.No insult intended.

[kimmyloohoo]

Many times, we think we can start going off the meds b/c we are feeling better and many times we are feeling better because of the meds. But you don't have to be on them forever. While SSRIs help treat the symptoms, this gives you an opportunity to work on the real issues, if you are not already, get some counseling, they can help you learn how to handle stress , and stressful situations also equip you with life skills that will be worth more than gold. Once you get the hang of things,... maybe think about going off. But do not stop cold turkey!, you will face some terrible withdrawals, go off slowly by lowing the dosage gradually, and with the approval of you doctor. But since you have only been on them 3 months I would wait. It takes up to a month for your body to completely adjust, give it another three, allow your body to rest up.

[lynda m]

Do not stop with out talking to your Doctor. You may need to stay on it for a long time,sometimes if you stop you can get sick. If your Doctor wants you to stop he or she will lower your dose so you do ot have side effects. But why mess with it if it work? Good luck!

[Lady Luck]

yes surely stop taking them. i have experienced n trust me medicins stop working after a while. plus its not ur age dear

[Bryan H]

If you can tolerate them without serious side effects and they are helping (and it sounds like they are) I would persevere for up to a year. However they are not a long term answer and you should use this time to build up other method of coping with your anxiety such as rational emotive therapy's.

[Jerry HatTrick]

speak to the doc about it. its good you have managed three months on them but they take about a month to work then your doctor and you will have to decide if you can come off them.

i came off them after two months as i felt great and ended up seriously depressed and in denial of it for over a year.

speak to the doctor before you make your mind up.