Fw: Going off depression medications risks relapse - sent by Tonya

July 9, 2006

sent this in response to the Mayo Clinic Q & A.

Thanks, Tonya!

Re: Going off depression medications risks relapse

To: jgnews@...

" Posted on Sun, Jul. 09, 2006

Medical Edge

Going off depression medications risks relapse "

In response to your reply to the question:

Dear Mayo Clinic: I've been taking doxepin for depression for 15

years. Is it safe to take antidepressant medications for such a long time?

I've

tried to wean myself off, but my symptoms return. - Naperville, Ill.

First, antidepressants do mask depressive symptoms.

Comparing depression to diabetes or hypertension is comparing apples to

oranges.

Re: persistent side effects of antidepressants, there is no evidence only

because of media blackouts. I, myself, suffer from some persistent side

effects, such as insomnia, water retention, unstable body temperature and a

very overactive nervous system, to name just a few.

There are people in my support groups who suffer long term sexual side

effects, persistent peripheral neuropathy pain, persistent sensitivity to

light and sounds, and persistent gastro-intestinal problems, to name some

more.

Going off depression medications risks withdrawal, not relapse. Tapering off

these drugs using the schedule most doctors recommend (cutting the dose in

half for a week or two, then stopping altogether) is as bad as cold turkey

withdrawal.

But, in my support groups, I've witnessed the results of slow taper (5 - 10%

drops at a time). Combined with the steps taken to remedy the real

underlying cause of the depressive symptoms - nutritional deficiencies, the

depression (or bipolar, anxiety, etc.) does not return.

Unfortunately, I discontinued my drugs abruptly, and am paying for it now.

Fixing my nutritional deficiencies, however, has allowed me to heal enough

to be able to function again.

Thank you for your time,

Tonya M.

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