Posted by SLS on March 28, 2009, at 14:58:09
In reply to Re: Stopping w. AD or not? I am feeling better? » hansi555, posted by 49er on March 28, 2009, at 12:15:04
Hi 49er
It is not unexpected that you and I should have differing opinions from time to time. Your opinions are welcome and refreshing.
> As far as taking meds for another 6 months after you are in remission, I vehemently disagree with that as you are subjecting yourself to further unnecessary risks.
I believe that to allow someone to relapse unnecessarily by discontinuing an antidepressant prematurely, the risk of severe depression and suicide is too high to justify.
There are many studies demonstrating the need for 6-9 months of treatment after remission is achieved to prevent relapse. This is for someone's first depressive episode only. For the second and third episodes, 18 months is favored. For chronic of recurrent depressions, treatment may need to be indefinite.
I hope that you continue to feel better with your discontinuation of antidepressants. If I am not mistaken, though, you have been on antidepressants for longer than 9 months? I don't see that you can yet use yourself as an example of your contention.
Most relapses occur during the first 4 months after discontinuation, This often is an indication that longer periods of treatment are necessary. In other words, it might be premature to pass judgment on one's need for continued treatment based on how one feels immediately after discontinuation, especially since some people experience a rebound improvement just for lowering the dosage of the drug they are tapering or discontinuing.
It is sometimes difficult to avoid generalizing one's personal experiences onto the majority. I still have a tendency to do this.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:887227
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090322/msgs/887414.html