Hi, all

Just wondered if there was anyone out there who has any experience of coming off antidepressants. I've been taking Cipralex (escitalopram) for the last 20 months or so and have been discussing gradually weaning myself off them. I've been feeling really well (thank goodness) for about the last 6 months or so and it is now nearly 18 months since my second bout of surgery for mouth cancer.

As it's pretty much 3 years since I was first diagnosed, it's great to be finally feeling well and to have got most of my old energy back. I generally feel very positive but am really anxious not to jeopardise this. Has anyone been in a similar position? I've agreed with my doctor to halve my dose and go back and see her in 6 weeks or so but would be really grateful to hear what anyone has to say - good or bad and to know how long they think this process might take.

Thanks in advance and best wishes to everyone out there

Sue

Hi Sue,I gradually weaned myself off my anti depressants over a few months and haven't needed them since. Personally,(I'm no expert) I think if your instincts are saying bin the pills then there is a good chance you'll be ok. You've still got the dr for backup and if you dont cope they can always represcribe if they feel you need pills again.

Hi, Hagg,
Thanks for your response - it's been about 10 days now since I halved my dose and I'm feeling OK, so fingers crossed. It's useful to know that you took a few months to wean yourself off them.. I'll be seeing the doctor in about six weeks so will see how I am then.
Thanks again
Sue

Hi Sue,I cut down the dose really slowly. They were quite strong and I did it without telling my dr first. When I put my mind to something I normally just go ahead and do it so I learn by my mistakes s. Fortunately,leaving the anti depressants behind was a success. I wasn't so lucky with the high doses of Oramorph I was taking,I stopped taking that because I ran out and decided I didn't need it anymore and had a weird sort of cold turkey thing going on for over a week . I laugh at my own stupidity. Like I said,it doesn't always work. It is probably best to always consult your dr unless,like me,you like to take the odd chance or two.

I came off cipralex (20 mg) suddenly after 18 months of taking them. I subsequently had a couple of weeks of nauseous feelings and sudden dizzy spells which could last upto a few hours at a time. I was ok after that period.

Cheers Tony K