Posted by Bill L on October 16, 2002, at 14:44:30
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Effexor XR, posted by celesteloveage on October 15, 2002, at 18:59:33
Studies are done to test the effects of these drugs on your organs. No problems of this type have turned up with Lexapro or with it's predecesor Celexa.
As to your question about needing antidepressants for life, it depends on the reason behind your depression. For example, if someone is molested and that's why they are depressed, then the medication can end once the person works through the inner turmoil, oftentimes with a therapist.
But if someone is depressed for no known reason, it may be due to a chemical imbalance, generally thought to be the chemical serotonin. In that case, the drugs would probably need to be taken for life. The only time that I am aware of that a drug might possibly need to be discontinued, is either during pregnancy or during breast feeding. I don't think that any problems have been reported but people like to play it safe.
poster:Bill L
thread:123655
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021012/msgs/123897.html