Question 1

is it possible to get off ssri medication after decades of being on them?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: If you've been stable with depressive symptoms for a year or so, discuss this with your psychiatrist.  Some people need to be on antidepressants indefinitely because they've had multiple episodes or only partial recovery.  For these, it can be preventative of further illness.  If your doctor feels it's appropriate with your history and current status, s/he can help you create a tapering schedule.

Question 2

why do ssri's make you feel worse before you get better ?

Accepted Answer

SSRI's: can be somewhat activating, leading to ^ anxiety/ irritability while the brain is trying to get used to taking them. Most people adjust to this and then with time will find depressive &amp; anxious sx's diminish - but that isn't universal. Take care.

Question 3

i have been taking get ssri for 3years so what will its long usage side effects?

Accepted Answer

Should be safe.: The SSRIs are considered safe to take in the long term, certainly safer than other medications which can be quite habit-forming and addictive.  But, it is known that within 6 months to 2 years generally, they can stop working, so if you feel it's not working anymore then there's no sense in taking this particular SSRI anymore - seek an alternative if this is the case.

Question 4

a woman on ssri is allowed to get pregnant ?

Accepted Answer

Counseling: Consider a preconception counseling visit. The use of antidepressants in pregnancy must be made on a case by case basis. One must factor in the  theoretical risks of medication exposure vs the known risks of untreated depression. If the doctor feels that depression treatment is needed then it is unlikely they would recommend stopping medication

Question 5

my brother is losing hope after his fiance left him. should he get on prophylactic ssri's?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: It depends on his history and he can seek professional advice from psychologists or psychiatrists.

Question 6

i started an ssri medication a week ago (celexa), and now every time i eat cheese i get severe flushing, is the medication causing this? if so, why?

Accepted Answer

Tyramine rxtn?: Usually, drugs in the ssri and ssnri classes do not cause such outcomes, but you do have a beta blocker drug also (propranalol), and this mix may interact with your special susceptibilities.  Not a simple straightforward problem, but i would err on the side of caution, and switch to a different anti-depressant drug.

Question 7

is pristiq 50mg equal to only 10mg of lexapro? im trying to switch over to pristiq 50mg from lexapro 20mg and cant get off the final 10mg w/o feeling ssri withdrawl.

Accepted Answer

Call Prescriber: Your prescriber should give you specific instructions about that kind of medication issue.  IF not then you need to call and request the info.  I am not big on making more than one change at a time , so I generally add a medication like that and have us see where things are before making another change like stopping the other med. -Medication equivalency does not really work quite that way.Best

Question 8

severely depressed and low-functioning... is there any hope to get my energy, appetite, and self back? already on ssris, how do i never give up

Accepted Answer

Is it depression?: Are you &amp; your doctor sure that your problem is nothing but depression? There are 3 possible reasons for this: 1. Really bad depression; 2. Antidepressants often don't work as well as advertised; 3. You have an undiagnosed organic condition that is causing or exacerbating your depression. If you haven't already ruled out #3, see an internist.

Question 9

my shrink quit. should i go off my psych meds (gradually, of course)? i take 2 mg of a benzo and a low dose of an ssri.  i have not found a suitable replacement shrink, and wondering if i shouldn't just go off the meds, gradually - i won't be able to get

Accepted Answer

If : If you really need to be on your psych medications and have found a reasonable combination that works for you, i would suggest you stay on them.  If you cannot get into a psychiatrist practice, i suggest you find another personal physician or family physician.  Ssri and low dose benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed by general internists, gynecologists and family physicians for anxiety and depression.  They should be comfortable continuing your treatment.  Best wishes.

Question 10

i got diagnosed with bpd. i'm sensitive to ssris. i get uncontrollable movements. my depression is unbearable. i know i need meds.

Accepted Answer

More options: SSRIs are not the only antidepressant meds.  A psychiatric consult can help you to understand the medication possibilities.  Medications alone  are only part of a treatment program to address how you feel.  Therapy is equally important given your diagnosis.  DBT therapy is a good option which helps you to develop skills to manage unbearable feelings.  It can be group or individual.  Don't give up

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Doctor answers about:

Get off ssri

A member asked:

Is it possible to get off ssri medication after decades of being on them?

A member asked:

Why do ssri's make you feel worse before you get better ?

A member asked:

I have been taking get ssri for 3years so what will its long usage side effects?

A member asked:

A woman on ssri is allowed to get pregnant ?

A member asked:

My brother is losing hope after his fiance left him. should he get on prophylactic ssri's?

A member asked:

I started an ssri medication a week ago (celexa), and now every time i eat cheese i get severe flushing, is the medication causing this? if so, why?

A member asked:

Is pristiq 50mg equal to only 10mg of lexapro? im trying to switch over to pristiq 50mg from lexapro 20mg and cant get off the final 10mg w/o feeling ssri withdrawl.

A member asked:

Severely depressed and low-functioning... is there any hope to get my energy, appetite, and self back? already on ssris, how do i never give up

A member asked:

My shrink quit. should i go off my psych meds (gradually, of course)? i take 2 mg of a benzo and a low dose of an ssri. i have not found a suitable replacement shrink, and wondering if i shouldn't just go off the meds, gradually - i won't be able to get

A member asked:

I got diagnosed with bpd. i'm sensitive to ssris. i get uncontrollable movements. my depression is unbearable. i know i need meds.

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