Coming off depression medication

[scratchy_cat]

I am trying to come off my anti-depression medication as I feel that it is doing more harm than good. I have been taking depocote and mirtazapine for about 3 years. I have stopped taking the depocote 5 days ago and feel a bit strange. I am feeling more alive now than I have done for some time, I assume due to the fact that depocote suppresses the highs of manic depression. I need to ask advice as to whether I am doing this the right way. I know sudden withdrawal of any long term drug is not a good idea but I just want this stuff out of my system.
I am still taking the mirtazapine for now but hope to start reducing and then stopping this within the next 4 weeks.
Am I trying to do this too quickly? Should I plan more time to reduce gradually?

Any suggestions most welcome.

[Paxiled]

you've already answered your question.  Always taper, and under a psychiatrist's care.

[heyjude1]

You are a brave person getting off your mood stabilizer.  I would certainly let my p-doc know what is going on so he can monitor you.  I would keep some of the mood stabilizers around in case you start going into an episode.

[wellb]

...yes, and also, you can visit the Bipolar Community Forum (also on MedWell) and share your experiences with the posters there also.

I'm so glad you're on the mend.