Re: Withdrawal from Citalopram - i am scared.

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi, I have been on anti depressants for several years and am in my

3rd

> year of taking Citalopram. I am really scared of coming off, not just

> because of symptoms but also afraid of depression returning

I felt this way too. I think it's a common misperception for a few

reasons. One, upon experiencing withdrawal symptoms when people

discontinue the medication, they are told that what the symptoms really

mean is that the depression has returned, and the drug needs to be

reinstated to keep it at bay. This is utter rubbish. The problem with

withdrawal from the drug.

Second, unless something is done to address the original cause of the

depression, then it's entirely possible that the original symptoms will

still be there. However, this presents a golden opportunity for the

depressed person to empower themselves to make changes for the better.

Depression is often the wake-up call that the body resorts to when

changes in one's life need to be made, but the need is being ignored.

People can further repress the body's communication by stifling the

depressive symptoms through drugs. But this then robs them of the

responsibility they have to themselves to start putting things right.

The approach here is two-fold. Depressive symptoms are often caused by

poor diet. This can be responsible for a wide variety of medical and

emotional problems. We address this by eating Paleo and taking high

quality nutritional supplements. Secondly, there's a lot of help

available here for people who are trying to change their perspective on

things. It might help if you think about any factors in your life that

might have helped to trigger the depressive symptoms, what needs aren't

being met. After I got my own diet and supplements sorted out I started

some cognitive behaviour therapy work, and it's really changing how I

think about things.

So by coming here and following the advice you are given, there's no

need to be afraid. You might like to dip into the files and read the

stories there of how some of the people on the list recovered from

years of being on multiple drugs. Whenever I feel low or am struggling,

I think of them, and remind myself that it could be a lot worse, and

that things will get better.

You'll be giving yourself a really good start if you follow the

tapering guidelines here. Coming off your drug too fast can cause a lot

of damage to your body.

Welcome to the list then, and best wishes for your healing. Do let us

know if you have any questions.

[Guest guest]

Hi, your doctor will possibly talk about the depression coming back, as

if only drugs were to regulate your balance. Every time I mention to my

doctor about reduction of my antidepressant she talks about possibility

of depression returning. This is a kind of automatic response they

have, something they (not you!) believe in...

You know that there are other methods, as for example CBT, meditation,

diet, supplements, etc. I am sure you can name more things that help

you to regulate your mood...

I had a time in my life when I was completely free of drugs, it was a

wonderful time!

I did not simply get back, because of " depression returning " . In my

case it was an overwhelming stress.

Rather that listening to your doctor it is better to listen to people

who hav more promoting health beliefs. Good luck!

ikam

>

> Hi, I have been on anti depressants for several years and am in my

3rd

> year of taking Citalopram. I am really scared of coming off, not just

> because of symptoms but also afraid of depression returning -

although

> I feel very well right now. Are there people out there who have

> successfully come off this drug and stayed off it???? I am going to

> discuss with my doctor next week but need some support

>