anxiety

[Torie1982]

Hi,
I m taking antidepresant since 1996 and still taking it. I take 20 mg of fluoxetine daily. I have gained lot of weight because of it. I now worry that if I dont stop it, my organs will be destroyed. My parents tried lot of times helping me to drop medicine, but I go depressed again and they are afraid that I cannot stay without medicine.  Now since 1 month I have tried to drop medicine every Sunday and Thursday of the week .Please advise.

Torie

[GettingOlder]

The meds will not destroy your organs, but you might want to speak with your doctor about your concerns. Perhaps something milder (even though that is a low dose) would work for you.

[4Maddie44]

20mg is a very low dose, it cannot do any harm.  I am on 150mg of anti-depressant, and some people on as much as 300mg, and others who take lots of piils of different types.

Why do you think your organs will be destroyed?  Anti-depressants cannot do that.  I have been depressed for 20 years, and my organs are fine.  Yes weight gain can be a side effect.

I know I have to take medicine for the rest of my life.  Make sure you really need to stop.  I know with me, because I have tried it a couple of times, that if I stop, the depression always comes back.

You need to talk to a doctor about this.  You are not harming your body in any way.  Anti-depressant medication is not addictive.  You cannot harm yourself with it.  Why are your parents so keen for you to stop taking it?

[racello]

You don't have to drop off antidepressants entirely.  It might be better to switch medications.  Talk to you psychiatrist about your concerns.