Posted by Racer on September 2, 2006, at 20:16:48
In reply to Terrified to stop taking my antidepressants, posted by Djenane on September 2, 2006, at 19:24:22
OK, I've got a few questions for you, but I promise I won't tell you what to do:
1. Why do you want to come off these drugs? I'm absolutely not going to suggest staying on them -- only asking because sometimes identifying the reason you want to come off might help with suggestions about how, etc. Also, if you think about why you want to come off, you may figure out that you don't want to come off all of them, or even maybe any of them.
2. Why have you seen so many psychiatrists about coming off these drugs? Do you not have one pdoc, to handle your treatment? That really is the best way to go. Even if you're wanting to get off these drugs, it's still a good idea to see only the one doctor. That's the best way to get good advice about how to meet your needs, including your need to get off these drugs.
3. Who's been prescribing these drugs, and can that doctor help you taper off? If not, why not?
As for tapering, I guess I'd suggest tapering off one at a time, starting with the Trazadone, then moving through the desipramine to the Lexapro. That's the order I'd go, but that's just me. Plan on a couple of weeks for each medication, with a slowing of the taper for the Lexapro as you get to the lowest doses. I'd also suggest getting one or two Prozac for the end of the taper. I've also heard Benadryl is good for some of the discontinuation effects of SSRIs.
There's a whole board here, about Withdrawal, by the wya. They can tell you a lot about it over there.
poster:Racer
thread:682428
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060901/msgs/682447.html