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Robert12: What to do when you have Depression instead of taking AD?

Robert12

By Robert12
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Robert12 Newbie

Robert12

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Posted

Reading through this forum, one serious question remains: What to do if I have depression? Should I take Antidepressents?

4 years ago I took Citalopram for 4 month and then tapered down very slowly (10% a week). Hat no serious withdrawal, but after the taper had very strong sadness which I suffered through with some valdoxane. This took a month or so and was very disturbing...

 

If I remember correctly, I stopped the Citalopram because it gave me an inner restlessness that was uncomfortable.

 

Now I'm again in a depressive/anxious state which is stronger than any previous episode I had. I don't sleep well (5-6h), loss of appetite and pleasure, feeling defeated. And on top of that I fear that I should not take antidepressents because of the possibility of all those nightmare withdrawals. This leaves me in a hopeless state because, well, what else could I do? Either suffer from depression or take AD and feel better now, but maybe way worse later? THATS LIKE A TRAP!

 

Advise wellcome.

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Robert12 Newbie

Robert12

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Posted (edited)

What to do when you have depression?  Should I take AD's?

 

Hey,

 

to start I should say that I'm definitely convinced that antidepressents are dangerous and hard to stop. This is true in my case. I only took Citalopram for 5 month, then tapered approx 10% per week back in 2016. That worked, but after that I had such severe psychological pain in my chest like never before....

So I really don't want to take AD anymore. BUT currently I'm in a pretty bad anxious/depressed state for a month with little sleep, loss of appetite, lack of joy in activities I previously liked and lowered self esteem.

So what should someone with depression do? NOT taking ADs? You probably all know the temptation of taking these drugs in hope that they might give you relieve....

Advice wellcome, because I don't know if I can resist any longer

Edited by manymoretodays
added username to title, merged to introduction, added title
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Gridley Contributor

Gridley

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Posted

Welcome to SA, Robert12.

 

Your taper of citalopram back in 2016 was four times faster than we recommend, which is no more than 10% of current dose every four weeks.  The result was that you suffered withdrawal syndrome thereafter.  Withdrawal can be quite prolonged, lasting years, and is known as Post-acute withdrawal syndrome.  Anxiety, depression, apathy and anhedonia (no pleasure in anything) are typical withdrawal symptoms, both in the acute and post-acute phases of withdrawal.

Protracted Withdrawal or PAWS (post-acute withdrawal ...

Protracted Withdrawal or PAWS (post-acute withdrawal ...

What is withdrawal syndrome.

 

Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF)

 

When we take medications, the CNS (central nervous system) responds by making changes over the months and years we take the drug(s). When the medication is discontinued, the CNS has to undo all the changes it made. Rebuilding the neurotransmitter production and reactivating the receptor and transporter cells takes time -- during that rebuilding process symptoms occur.  

 

Video:  Healing From Antidepressants - Patterns of Recovery

 

Rather than more drugs, we recommend using non-drug methods to copy with depression, anxiety and other symptoms of withdrawal.  Take a look at the links in the following link and see which you think might be helpful to you.

 

Non-drug techniques to cope

 

The following two links contain helpful information on dealing with depression.

Cdav: How to deal with depression and interrupted personal ...

How I am coping with depression - Surviving Antidepressants

 

The following links are about coping with anxiety.

 

VIDEO:  Peace from Nervous Suffering - Claire Weekes (1 hour) (http://sendvid.com/vgquc1dg)
_____________
 
 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, 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) 

 

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.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

Gridley Introduction

 

Lexapro 20 mg since 2004.  Begin Brassmonkey Slide Taper Jan. 2017.   

End 2017 year 1 of taper at 9.25mg 

End 2018 year 2 of taper at 4.1mg

End 2019 year 3 of taper at 1.0mg  

Oct. 30, 2020  Jump to zero from 0.025mg.  Current dose: 0.000mg

3 year, 10 month taper is 100% complete.

 

Ativan 1 mg to 1.875mg 1986-2020, two CT's and reinstatements

Nov. 2020, 7-week Ativan-Valium crossover to 18.75mg Valium

Feb. 2021, begin 10%/4 week taper of 18.75mg Valium 

End 2021  year 1 of Valium taper at 6mg

End 2022 year 2 of Valium taper at 2.75mg 

End 2023 year 3 of Valium taper at 1mg

Jan. 24, 2024: Hold at 1mg and shift to Imipramine taper.

Taper is 95% complete.

 

Imipramine 75 mg daily since 1986.  Jan.-Sept. 2016 tapered to 14.4mg  

March 22, 2022: Begin 10%/4 week taper

Aug. 5, 2022: hold at 9.5mg and shift to Valium taper

Jan. 24, 2024: Resume Imipramine taper.  Current dose as of April 1: 6.8mg

Taper is 91% complete.  

  

Supplements: multiple, quercetin, omega-3, vitamins C, E and D3, magnesium glycinate, probiotics, zinc, melatonin .3mg, iron, serrapeptase, nattokinase


I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice but simply information based on my own experience, as well as other members who have survived these drugs.

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Robert12 Newbie

Robert12

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I'm not entirely sure how this answers my question. Back then I was aware of what you just posted, but due to the intense inner restlessness I had PREVIOUS TO TAPERING (mayby akathisis onset, maybe not, don't know) I had no choice but to get off fast.

Or am I wrong? The label said if you feel onset of inner restlessness get off fast basically.

So the question remains how to deal with depression if SSRIs are a threat? What I have now is from real live events, not from withdrawal.

Because this is a central question never answered here in the forum. The possibility of depression is real and needs some way to deal with it.

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Erell Contributor

Erell

Posted
  • Moderator Emeritus
Posted

Hi Robert,

 

6 hours ago, Robert12 said:

So the question remains how to deal with depression if SSRIs are a threat? What I have now is from real live events, not from withdrawal.

 

As you said, you have strong emotions in réaction To life events.

I think that the key To stay drug free is To find and practice new ways To cope : méditation, mindfullness, CBT, acceptance...

It is a sometimes hard and long work but I think it worth it.

 

Also take care of yourself as the most important person in your life, with the help of love, sleep,  nutrition...

 

 

And, finally, learn To allow ourselves To live émotions, including unpleasant ones. This is life: as the seasons, we are cyclic. 

Yes, depression is a real thing, I agree.  But it is not permanent,  only a phase. As winter is :)

 

 

Take care ❤

2006 : 20mg Paxil+Bromazepam. 2008 : cold turkey of both. 2010 : Reinstatement 20mg Paxil + Bromazepam.

2014-June2017 : Switch from Bromazepam to Prazepam, slow taper to 0mg.

2018 to August 2019 : Paxil 20mg taper (3% every 15 days). 22 Aug 2019 updose to 10mg (was at 8.4mg).

25th Sept 2019 To April 2020 : found SA, holding at 10mg Paxil. 

April 2020 : Paxil 10mg to Prozac 7mg bridge. Details : topic/21457

 

Current Supplements : magnesium citrate + fish oil

Current medication :

* 7pm Diazepam  : 0.85mg (15 Aug 2022) / 0.95 mg (24 April 2022) / 1mg Diazepam (since 29 Aug 2020)

* 8am Prozac : 6.16mg (25 oct 2022, feel awful, slight updose) / 6.08 mg (9 oct 2022) / 6.24mg (11 July 22) / 6.44mg (22 May 22) / 6.64mg (4 Nov 21) / 6.72mg (8 oct 21) / 6.8 mg (15 Sept 21)/ 6.88mg (14 Aug 21)/ 6.92mg (23 Jun 21)

 

I am not a professional, I don't give medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

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jozeff Contributor

jozeff

Posted
Posted

Hi Robert,

 

After reading your topic I would say don't start antidepressants. I've been struggling with citalopram for over two years and it's been an awful journey so far. Much, much worse than before I started this stuff.

 

I had very positive effects of venlafaxine though a couple of years earlier.

 

They might work for you pretty well but you cannot tell. They might poop out on you and coming off of them might be a whole new story of misery.

 

So, if you have a choice I wouldn't take them.

 

Have you tried saffron? I have had very good results in the past by taking 25 mg every day. Felt the depression lift within 4 days. Doesn't work for everybody though....

 

There are other substances that might help you. You can find a LOT of info on this website.

 

I absolutely would try a couple of those before taking ad. If I had known everything I know now I would have tried a lot more .

 

Good luck and Cheers

Jozeff

 

Sep- 2016 - Okt 2017 citalopram some months 15 mg some months 20 mg

Nov 2017- Apr 2018 citalopram 25 mg

Apr 2018 -  Jun 2018 citalopram 3 month TAPER too fast  from 25mg to 16.5 mg (0.1 mg per day decrease, felt horrible and crashed)

Jun 2018 - Aug13th 2018 citalopram trying to stabilize at 16.5 mg for 5 wks

- August 14th 2018 - April 29th 2019  citalopram 18 mg (1.5 mg updose).

 

2019 apr 27 : START taper citalopram @ 18 mg: 29Jun 16.4 mg / 19aug 15.4 mg / 25aug 15.2 mg / 30sep 14.0 mg / 4dec 13.1 mg

2020  03Jan 12.75 mg / 28Jan 12.29 mg / 18Feb 11.83 mg, 25Feb 11.68 mg hold.. / 7May 11.33 mg hold...., 4Aug 10.98 mg / 5Dec 10.0 mg 4 month hold...

2021 30mar 9.8 mg / 06apr 9.5 mg /  13apr 9.4 mg / 14may 8,5 mg / 04jun 8,0 mg / 11jun 7.75 mg, 02jul 7.35 mg /  09jul 7.2 mg hold 3 weeks during holiday /31jul 7 mg/ 8aug 6.8 mg / 15aug 6.63mg / 22aug 6.5mg / 1sep 6.3 mg / 8sep 6.15 mg / 15sep 6.0 mg / 22sep 5.9 mg / 29sep 5.8 mg / 04 oct 5.65 mg / 10oct 5.55 mg / 17oct 5.45 mg / 24oct 5.35mg / 30oct 5.25 mg hold 3 wks / 22nov 5.15 mg / 01dec 5.1mg / 12dec 5.0mg / 20dec 4.85mg / 30dec 4.70mg

2022   08jan 4.5 mg / 16jan 4.4 mg / 23jan 4.3 mg / 27jan 4.2 mg / 18feb 4.1 mg / 25feb 4.0 mg / 04mar 3.9 mg / 11mar 3.75 mg / 18Mar 3.65 mg / 09apr 3.55 mg / 16apr 3.45 mg / 23apr 3.35 mg / 01may 3.25 mg / 8may 3.15 mg / 17may 3.10 mg / 28 may 3.0 mg / 7jun 2.94 mg / 18 Jun 2.88 mg / 27 jun 2.84 mg / 05 jul 2.80 mg / 16 jul 2.75 mg / 23 jul 2.70 mg / 01aug 2.65 mg / 09aug 2.60 mg hold 5wks / 18sep 2.55 mg / 25sep 2.5 mg /02oct 2.45 mg / 10oct 2.40 mg / 19oct 2.35 mg / 27oct 2.30 mg / 05nov 2.27 mg / 14nov 2.25 mg / 22nov 2.20 mg / 29nov 2.10mg / 09dec 2.05 mg / 15dec 2.0 mg 

2023  hold 2.0 mg for 5 months / 05may 1.95 mg / 14may 1.90 mg / 24may 1.87 mg / 02jun 1.85 mg / 17jun 1.82 mg / 27jun 1.79 mg / 07jul 1.75 mg / 31jul 1.72 mg / 12aug 1.69mg / 27aug 1.67 mg / 04sep 1.65 mg / 09sep 1.63 mg / 22sep 1.61 mg / 27sep 1.60 mg / 12oct 1.58 mg / 18oct 1.56 mg / 31oct 1.54 mg / 06nov 1.52 mg / 18nov 1.50 mg / 04dec 1.48 mg / 11dec 1.46 mg / 22dec 1.45 mg / 28dec 1.44 mg

2024 01jan 1.43 mg / 06jan 1.42 mg/ 10jan 1.40 mg hold / 08apr 1.38 mg / 15apr 1.36 mg / 20apr 1.34 mg

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mustafa Contributor

mustafa

Posted
Posted
On 2/2/2020 at 12:37 PM, Robert12 said:

I'm not entirely sure how this answers my question. Back then I was aware of what you just posted, but due to the intense inner restlessness I had PREVIOUS TO TAPERING (mayby akathisis onset, maybe not, don't know) I had no choice but to get off fast.

Or am I wrong? The label said if you feel onset of inner restlessness get off fast basically.

So the question remains how to deal with depression if SSRIs are a threat? What I have now is from real live events, not from withdrawal.

Because this is a central question never answered here in the forum. The possibility of depression is real and needs some way to deal with it.

Hi Robert,

I think this is a very good question.

We all feel regret for having antidepressants because they only worsen us, they don't solve but worsen and hence when tapering or stopping these ads, you don't stop regret that it was best to stay suffering without having antidepressants , I tell myself always: I hope I stayed suffering originally and never had ads because they worsened me and made my suffer a peace of hell.

I thought about this question you asked before and everyone of us as I think, have thout of this and the answer was of 2 parts, the first is that our originally suffer is nothing compared to what we are in now and so getting your self back ( what ever this self is), is a gain itself and the second part is that I will share my problem and try to solve it through alot of natural techniques but this time I will do this correctly.

I always tell myself: I may take omega if iam depressed or have sport or even share my original problem with my friends here in SA,

Alot of techniques may help but first, we all seek for being our old versions.

 

i wasn't on a certain drug all the period. i took many drugs many times and for no very long period but to simplify.

--fluvoxamine maleate100 mg + amisulpride 200mg------started july 2012 and total taper in february 2015 ( 9 months without drugs then)

--sertraline 100mg -------started november 2015 and total taper (withoud reduction slowly) in november 2016( 4 months withoud drugs then).

--sertraline 100mg + quetiabine 25mg ( started in mars 2016 and for 7 months) then fluvoxamine maleate 100mg again for another 7months and after that a something like to use every drug for 14 days and for about 1.5 years.

--my last drug was trintellix 10 mg ( used it in 12/2018and total taper in 4/2019).

symptomts i have now ( bad concentration and problems in short and long memory+ bad depersonalization).

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pinciukas Newbie

pinciukas

Posted
Posted
On 2/1/2020 at 10:10 AM, Robert12 said:

Reading through this forum, one serious question remains: What to do if I have depression? Should I take Antidepressents?

4 years ago I took Citalopram for 4 month and then tapered down very slowly (10% a week). Hat no serious withdrawal, but after the taper had very strong sadness which I suffered through with some valdoxane. This took a month or so and was very disturbing...

 

If I remember correctly, I stopped the Citalopram because it gave me an inner restlessness that was uncomfortable.

 

Now I'm again in a depressive/anxious state which is stronger than any previous episode I had. I don't sleep well (5-6h), loss of appetite and pleasure, feeling defeated. And on top of that I fear that I should not take antidepressents because of the possibility of all those nightmare withdrawals. This leaves me in a hopeless state because, well, what else could I do? Either suffer from depression or take AD and feel better now, but maybe way worse later? THATS LIKE A TRAP!

 

Advise wellcome.

You need to found what is helping you sports, therapy, or anything else if not then you can go on medication. It is very tricky most important how you feel. My friend got clinical depression very severe she just can't cope with anything else and committed suicide lucky doctors saved her she used antidepresants withdrawal year later and now lives good life already 5 years. So stay positive you can cope whatever it takes!

AD: Seroxat since 2005 20 mg and tapering from March 2018 10% every 4 weeks.

15-11-2019 down to 5.5 mg 

28-12-2019 crashed really bad on 5.5mg 

01-01-2020 updose to 7mg

16-01-2020 Updose to 9 mg

 

Benzos: Bromazepam 1.5 mg daily since 2015

Quit CT Bromazepam 16-01-2020 No withdrawals 

Occasionally 1.5 mg extra

Last extra 1.5 mg 12-01-2020

 

 

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Altostrata Grand Master

Altostrata

Posted
  • Administrator
Posted

Not every case of "depression" requires drugs. Erell had excellent suggestions. What you interpret as "depression" might be your emotions telling you that you need to make some changes, which may be more work than taking a pill each day.

 

You will need to decide the best path for yourself. One, of course, is finding a psychotherapist who will help you learn coping skills.

 

See

 

Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

 

Easing your way into meditation for a stressed-out nervous system

 

Music for self-care: calms hyperalertness, anxiety, aids relaxation and sleep

 

Ways to cope with daily anxiety

 

Dealing With Emotional Spirals

 

Shame, guilt, regret, and self-criticism

 

Health anxiety, hypochondria, and obsession with symptoms

 

Coping with irritation, anger and rage

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

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