this post was submitted on 21 Aug 2023
122 points (94.9% liked)
Antidepressant Meds
190 readers
1 users here now
Welcome to our community of support for those coping with mental health challenges. Many of us take antidepressants prescribed by doctors to help manage conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, and panic disorder. This is a space to share experiences, find information, ask questions, and encourage one another.
We aim for open and constructive dialogue. Please be thoughtful and kind. Rude or abusive language will not be tolerated. Our focus is on learning, growing, and walking together through difficulties.
Professional medical advice is irreplaceable. Consult your physician before making any changes to medication routines. Improper antidepressant use can be dangerous. We are here to support you on your journey toward mental wellness, not replace doctors.
founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
Bad withdrawal from stepping the dose down slightly sounds unlikely.
But it's true though.
I tapered escitalopram down following my dr's instructions, in part 3 of my "no more meds" push a couple of years ago. Worst taper of the three, and one of the other two was lorazepam.
Had to stretch the taper schedule out to six months and take tiny steps down and still dealt with terrible brain zaps and intermittent panic attacks throughout the six months and for a month or so after.
I'm "better now" and much more present in my day to day life but without the meds there's no safety net so I work out often, practice mindful meditation and breathing exercises, and have a "moderate" drinking problem.
🤷♂️
Is cannabis legal where you live? It might be a good substitute for the "moderate" alcohol.
It's legal, I just don't react to it well. I've tried for several years. Different strains, different potencies. So, I moderate. It's not a perfect solution, but what is?
Depending on the drug, you can do it in a week, or a few years.
Yes, paxil took me 6 months in flue like symptoms with daily vomiting. Doctors and manuals say 2 weeks, users experience is very different.