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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is The Treatment For Depression Long Term?

have been severely depressed for years on and off as well as havin ADD, included 2 suicide attempts, bulimia etc despite this only started taking anti-depressants a year ago (im 33yrs now) and within weeks felt great and like I was alive again! haven t told anybody am on medication but a lot of people are noticing a changed me, just proves its working! should I continue to take this medication long term if I discontinue it im afraid will go back to my old self
posted on Thu, 24 Jul 2014
Twitter Wed, 3 Sep 2014 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 2 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
You should continue to take this medicine long term. If you have no side effects, you are not likely to face any more in future.
You should not stop anti-depressants without consulting your doctor.
Research shows that if you are responding to an anti-depressant and if it is used for adequate duration, it also helps you in any future episodes.
I hope this answers your question.
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Psychiatrist,  Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

You have symptoms of ADD, Bulimia and also suicidal attempts. You never took medicines and started to take about one year ago only. As you have started showing response to medicines and are showing improvement and now feeling better. As per my opinion you should continue to visit your psychiatrist regularly and to take medicines with proper prescription only. There is no harm in continuing the medicines on long term because these are safe medicines and don't result in significant side effects.

I would also advise you to increase proteins and carbs in diet and to reduce fats in diet.

Start taking vitamin B12 and Omega-3-Fatty acid supplements and this will help in early improvement.

You can attend cognitive behaviour therapy sessions to supplement the effects of medicines.

Thanks, hope this helps you.
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Is The Treatment For Depression Long Term?

You should continue to take this medicine long term. If you have no side effects, you are not likely to face any more in future. You should not stop anti-depressants without consulting your doctor. Research shows that if you are responding to an anti-depressant and if it is used for adequate duration, it also helps you in any future episodes. I hope this answers your question.