SSRI forever?

[Southie]

Can you take an ssri antidepressant forever or will it eventually not work because of tolerance build up?  Is tolerance even an issue with an ssri?  if you do build a tolerance, then can you only take a ssri until your tolerance builds to the point where you would have to take more than the allowed maximum prescription?  so what are you to do if you need an ssri forever and the amount you need is above what is safely prescribed?  also, if a person takes a ssri for 5 years and they taper off correctly, will their symptoms return and be worse than what they originally had?  i would hate to take an ssri if i knew that eventually it wouldnt work b/c of tolerance issues and then i would be in even worse shape than b4 i started it.  i realize that coming off can be tough.  im not concerned about that part of it.  im concerned about after the withdrawal symptoms subside, will i be worse off than originally.  i know there is no for sure answer but any help would be greatly appreceiated.  it just seems hard to believe that a person could take an ssri from 30yrs old until 85 yrs old or however long they live.

[maria623]

ive been taking zoloft for 6 years without any problems.but dont ever go off it without drs supervision. i did and went through hell terrible withdrawels.as far as the zoloft being on it never gave me a problem. i also take klonopin. maria

[Southie]

thanks.  anyone else have any insight on this?

[cj29]

In my opinion the answer is, "it depends."  These medications affect people in different ways, however, I know people who have been on them for 10 years without any major problems.  However, the 'suggested' regimen for many doctors is around a year or so COMBINED with talk therapy.  I am a big proponent of SSRIs in combination with this.  Remember, these are only a tool as you start to gain the knowledge about how to confront the anxiety/panic cycle.  Many times, people will go on them, then come off and sometimes go back on for awhile.  As long as you stay in close consultation with your prescribing doctor, they are pretty effective in what they are designed to do.  Sorry to be so ambiguous....keep those questions and concerns coming!