Hello I have been on antidepressants for over 20 years. The reason I was prescribed antidepressants was due to the fact I had very bad premenstrual symptoms. I started with proazac (from 10 mg to a high of 20 mg) for 15 years then changed doctors because I moved to a different city. The new doctor then said Prozac was an old drug and put me on cipralex which I took 20mg for the next 12 years In the past 3 years I have had some ups and downs with my mother being put in an old age home with dementia and had a son who was giving me trouble at home (taking drugs and going out with a girl who was mentally disturbed and a drug addict-who was in trouble with the law constantly)
So, when I went to see my doctor and he asked how I was doing -of course, I was depressed- so he increased my cipralex from 10 mg to 20 -in the next few months he added some wellbutrin for a kicker as he called it. I continued this path for the next 3-4 years. I had become a numb person, forgetful and scared to even drive because I felt out of it. Told my doctor and I went back to 10mg cipralex and small amount of Wellbutrin Well, my husband agreed with me that I should try to go off the meds I did wean myself off but way to abruptly -I had stopped all medication within a month Since June 15th I have not had a pill I am now experiencing very bad nocturnal panic attacks and anxiety early in morning sometimes throughout the day I have been taking vitamin B, Omega 3, Magnesium and some Holy Basil to try and help my symptoms. I know you must be thinking -why I did not tell my doctor that I wanted to go off my meds. At one point I did tell him and he was discouraging, also-I and many others I know feel he is a pill pusher. I never really liked him or trusted him. I just felt desperate with my situation and was ready to take any pill prescribed to me-without question (I know that is my own fault) But looking back now, I think he could have suggested I go to counselling or therapy of some sort instead of giving me more pills. My question is how can I handle my withdrawl symptoms-when can I sort of expect them to subside. If it wasn't for my kids and husband and knowing how much it would hurt them I would commit suicide (that's how bad I feel when I am crashing with uncontrollable emotions) Please offer me some advice I await your response and am thanking you in advance
