It can be a very trying time when starting a regimen of anti-depressants. For that reason, amongst others, it’s not the right time to also plan an exit strategy to get off anti-depressants. People just getting started on antidepressant should stay focused on feeling better and laying the groundwork for a healthier future.
If somebody has started to feel better over a period of time, in some cases years, then that’s a good time for them to consult with their medical professionals, especially their doctors, to discuss the possibility of weaning themselves off of anti-depressants. Antidepressant can also have side effects which should be discussed with medical professionals to ascertain whether they outweigh the benefits of the anti-depressant. That would be another reason to try another medication or to try to get off antidepressants altogether.
Regardless, it’s important to keep in mind that treatment for depression can take time, and that we need to be kind to ourselves as we move through our treatment for depression.
The withdrawal effects from getting off anti-depressants can sometimes feel like a return of the original depression. Unless you give the withdrawal process time, there is really no way to tell which of those you’re experiencing.
As with all things related to serious medications, close coordination with healthcare professionals is crucial to determine next steps towards achieving a successful treatment result.
It is generally not recommended that patients to stay on medications that they do not need for extended periods of time. The same is the case with anti-depressants. Either the medications have done their job and you can consider getting off of them, or they’re not working and there is no reason to stay on them.
