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How Can The Pills For Depression Be Stopped?

I am a final year engineering student.I went into depression during my 12th.But nw I am fine it has been like 5 years am on pills.My doc says I have to continue them till I settle down .But am not fine with it.What is the appropriate procedure for stopping it
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Fri, 29 Aug 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 1 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

I understand that you have been on anti-depressants for 5 years and that you want to stop the medication. However you haven't mentioned when your last episode of depression was and how long you have been completely symptom-free. This is because the duration of treatment with anti-depressants actually depends on the number and severity of the episodes of depression and how long a person has been symptom-free.

I'm not sure why your doctor has advised you to continue the anti-depressants till you settle down. But you should realize that depression can be a recurring illness with a high chance of relapse. So, it may not be appropriate to stop the medication without the advise and follow up of a doctor. Even when the decision is made to come off medication, the medication has to be very gradually tapered down before stopping.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist
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How Can The Pills For Depression Be Stopped?

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. I understand that you have been on anti-depressants for 5 years and that you want to stop the medication. However you haven t mentioned when your last episode of depression was and how long you have been completely symptom-free. This is because the duration of treatment with anti-depressants actually depends on the number and severity of the episodes of depression and how long a person has been symptom-free. I m not sure why your doctor has advised you to continue the anti-depressants till you settle down. But you should realize that depression can be a recurring illness with a high chance of relapse. So, it may not be appropriate to stop the medication without the advise and follow up of a doctor. Even when the decision is made to come off medication, the medication has to be very gradually tapered down before stopping. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.) Consultant Psychiatrist