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Posted: 17 September 2006 at 4:09pm | IP Logged

I've decided that I want to stop taking the anti-depressants.  I feel more positive and have more control over how I feel.  My new life is coming together slowly but surely and I would rather see life head on without pumping chemicals into my body.  I've been to the herbal remedy shop and got some natural pills to help combat stress and to promote sleep.  I'm sleeping, but too heavily right now and with the side effects from Cipramil making me feel spaced out-this is not how I want to be. 

I need to be alert especially when looking after my two little boys.  So I'm going to make an appointment to see the doctor tomorrow. 

Besides, it's going to be my little boy's 3rd b'day soon and I have a big party planned to see in his big day.  It would be so nice to celebrate with a glass of wine or two.

Posted: 17 September 2006 at 4:15pm | IP Logged

tell me if i'm wrong

isn't it because of the happy pills u r feeling happier?

don't you also need to be weaned off?

def best idea to see a doc

tc jo x

Posted: 17 September 2006 at 4:20pm | IP Logged

Zoe, please discuss this with your doctor before you consider stopping the tablets. Anti-depressants can take a few weeks to be effective however they need to be taken for at least 6 months to make sure that the illness has gone. Please don't take this the wrong way, but I'm really worried that the depression will come back harder and worse if you stop medication too soon.

If what you are experiencing is side affects to the medication that you are taking, then tell the doctor and ask them to change them. I take fluoxetine, and have done in the past and have suffered no side effects what so ever. I've been on this last lot for 16 months and am only now begining to consider coming off them. I've always been told that you need to have been feeling OK and back to normal for at least 3 months before you start to come off them.

Like I say, this is only my thoughts but please please please do discuss this with your GP. Please also talk to your GP before you take herbal alternatives as some can react badly with antidepressents.

Posted: 17 September 2006 at 4:23pm | IP Logged

there speaks the voice of wisdom

oh great one!just kidding diz

Posted: 17 September 2006 at 4:27pm | IP Logged

The happy pills do relax you, but as one mate's mum said they also delay the emotions.  For me they were there to get me through the shock of the separation.  This is horrid to admit, but I can do now, but I did have thoughts of suicide, which was the catalyst for getting advice and quick.

I forgot to take a pill yesterday.  This was an accident and I only realised when I laid sobbing in bed before I fell asleep.  Otherwise I've been too busy to even think about the split.  I was in high spirits all day.  I have lots of support from friends and family around me who encourage me to talk about my feelings instead of bottling them up.  I still get down about it, and I do 'mourn' for my past life still.  However I do feel that I am now a stronger person, looking forward rather than in the past.  I feel I need to go through all these different stages of emotions to 'get to that better place' that everyone talks about.

Yes, you do need to be weaned off hence my trip to the doctors.  I'm hoping she'll lower my dosage from 20mg to 10mg.  I've got my herbal substitute for when I feel like a good ole cry.  I am hoping though that these episodes will become few and far between soon.

Post edit:  Didn't see you there, Dizie!

Don't worry I won't be taking myself off the tablets.  I read and re-read the enclosed leaflet before starting the course so know the dos and don'ts.  I don't think I can cope with Cipramil though.  I'll let you know what the doctor advises.

Posted: 17 September 2006 at 4:43pm | IP Logged

I won't-promise mum!

Joking apart, I know what I'm doing and haven't had another suicidal thought since starting the anti-depressants.  That is something I never want to feel again.  My children are far too important to me, oh and my friends and family, of course. I have too much to live for, but at the time I felt worthless and useless like the world would be better off without me.  Looking back it seems pathetic and probably was, but at least I was rational enough to seek help.  I'm so glad I did.

I'm going to ask to see the same doctor again as she was extremely sympathetic and I'd rather not have to explain my situation all over again to someone else.  Depression has been hard for me to face, but I'm getting there and can talk about it to you guys and of course those that are close to me, but anyone else I just clam up.

I've even been looking at psychotherapy as an alternative to anti-depressants, but like I say I won't be taking myself straight off the pills nor will I do anything rash.

Thank you for your concern though.  It's very much appreciated

Posted: 17 September 2006 at 4:48pm | IP Logged

it's ok

my lil sis would know where you are coming from!

i've lived with her being depressed all our lives-virtually 

Posted: 17 September 2006 at 5:08pm | IP Logged

Def go and see your GP Zo, I have too be on fluxotine a few times and have suffered no side effects, but if your adamant you want to be weaned off, your GP will probably be best to advise you.

Have you though about counselling?, I know alot of people are put off by the word councilor but they do help.  Being on antidepressants are nothing to be ashamed about, it's just a fact of life that even the strongest people in the world get down and depressed, its life.

It is your decision though, and only one you can make.

Good luck with the GP x

Posted: 17 September 2006 at 6:54pm | IP Logged

Hi Rin,  I'm all for counselling and have seen the benefits first hand through my mother's experience with it.  I am interested in counselling/psychotherapy as an alternative to the anti-depressants.  I know of two people close to me who have had bad experiences on anti-depressants, which has made me look at alternatives so it's a case of weighing up all the pros and cons, I guess.