Carla: Long term antidepressant use

[Carla]

Hello. I am new here I’ve been on antidepressants often on for several or for at least 25+ years I’m doing fairly well. my current psychiatrist wont taper me off in Annti depressants despite being on the meds for so long I’ve been through different psychiatrist over the years most not too good I found myself a natural path or holistic doctor and she help me taper off Lexapro over. A period four months but with some difficult mainly anxiety. The naturalopath has me taking supplements and cbd oil which is good for mood. I would like to get over off of my other two anti depressants but I’m gonna wait on that until I find a MD that specializes in tapering of Anti depressants I was wondering how I can find a list of good MDs that do help patients taper off I live in St. Louis Mo region thank you

Edited December 17, 2019 by Shep
added username to title

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Carla.  What other antidepressants are you on?

 

Here is a list of recommended doctors.

Recommended doctors, therapists, and clinics - Tapering ...

Our approach to antidepressant tapering differs markedly from that of naturopaths.  We recommend tapering by no more than than 10% of current dose every four weeks.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

Your naturopath tapered you a great deal faster than that, which would account for your anxiety, which is a common symptom of withdrawal.  What dosage of Lexapro were you on and how fast did your naturopath taper you?

 

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Unlike naturopaths, we don't recommend a lot of supplements, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems,  but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Please research all supplements first and only add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems. 

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  Again, welcome.

 

 

 

 

 

[Shep]

Carla, I received your message via SA's email and am answering it here in your thread. Please continue to use your intro thread to ask questions. 

 

Here are some links to help you find a doctor in your area:

 

SA Recommended doctors, therapists, and clinics

 

Mad in America - Provider Directory

 

[mstimc]

Hi Carla

Welcome!  I just want to assure you recovery is possible.  I was on Paxil and suffered from anxiety and OCD for several years before I learned to taper and worked with a psychologist who taught me coping skills.  It can be a tough slog but its worth it.  My therapist recognized the reality of withdrawal and the value of tapering, so his help was invaluable.  I still have anxious periods and OCD thoughts but I now know how to manage them.  I still take an occasional small dose of Klonopin for some anxiety-inducing situations (e.g public speaking) but it beats Paxil and its side effects.  Good luck!