Posted by SLS on January 15, 2001, at 6:21:32
In reply to Re: PROZAC: Seems to be working!!!!!, posted by Jackster on January 15, 2001, at 3:06:38
> I came off Paxil once after 4 months and my symptoms returned, and it did not work well the 2nd time I took it.
Dear Jackie,AARGH !
I hope others read your post to avoid having to learn the same lesson that you did the hard way. At the very least, in cases of moderate to severe depression, I should think it prudent to take an antidepressant for a minimum of 14 months. And in such cases, the process of discontinuing the medication should follow a very gradual weaning schedule. The odds of post-continuation relapse are *dramatically* reduced when a slow withdrawal of medication is employed. This includes lithium. If the depression falls into certain catergories, it is true that one best consider that treatment be continued indefinitely.
This sort of thing happens more than I can count on Psycho-Babble. It drives me nuts. It frustrates me. It angers me. It can be a tragic mistake to discontinue an effective treatment prematurely.
I'll truncate the rant.
Jackie, I hope Prozac remains your "miracle" drug as it has been for countless others. Even if you do see diminishing returns at some point in the distant future, there are so many ways to "recapture" the antidepressant response without having to change drugs.
I am happy for you.
Sincerely,
Scott* It may take weeks, or even a few months before you are 100%. It can be a very gradual process once it starts. That you already feel better is a great sign that you will get there. Please be patient.
poster:SLS
thread:51595
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010111/msgs/51714.html