Depression | Depression Information

Question: When you take medication for depression and axiety do the doctors take you off them when you feel better?

(Posted by: tigertiger28 on 2010-02-08 08:19:01)

I went to the doctors last week and they said i had depression and anxiety and started me off on 20mg of citalopram if these work and i start to feel better will they take them off me because if they do wont i just go back to square one and start feeling depressed and still hav anxiety???

Posted by: Dr Frank on 2010-02-08, 09:09:05

If the problem is depression they it is usual to continue medication for at least a month after the patient feels well and then withdraw gradually being alert for a return of symptoms. In anxiety medication like your citalopram does reduce symptoms, but does not solve the problem. Ideally these patients should be referred for CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy,) as well s this has a 70% cure rate. Only then can the withdrawal of medication be considered.

Posted by: billy on 2010-02-08, 08:27:05

Yes, they will take you off of them eventually but it usually takes a pretty good while, like 3 months or something.

Posted by: ChiMom on 2010-02-08, 08:38:11

Take it one week at a time. For some people, their depression is from a chemical imbalance--and it may be a lifetime need (to be on the medicine). That is not the end of the world! If you were diabetic and needed insulin everyday in order to live, you wouldn't think twice about taking it. Same with antidepressants--if they work, then why change things? Anyway--everyone is different--and the doctor may wean you down after you are stabilized and feeling better--and may even tgake you off completely. best wishes!

Posted by: willy wom bat on 2010-02-08, 09:32:26

You stay on the medication for six months after feeling well. you should read the leaflet that comes with the tablets.

Posted by: kid on the block on 2010-02-08, 09:52:26

The citalopram will give you a crutch while you work on the reasons for your problems. Once the drugs have started to help you can begin to look for help to sort out the problems, the help can both be ways of thinking about the problems, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or help to solve the causes of the anxiety or both. The drugs are usually prescribed for a while after you feel well and then you will be encouraged to slowly reduce the dose and return to a life without needing them. However you are more likely to cope afterwards if you have taken some other help as well.

Posted by: ohm_456 on 2010-02-08, 15:35:13

In my experience, the drugs are not a long-term solution to the problem. Although they will provide relief in the short-term and still provide relief for a little while after you stop unless you solve the root problem with natural remedies or lifestyle changes then the depression will always return.

Posted by: Susas on 2010-02-10, 07:44:26

As someone else said, usually you should be on antidepressants for at least 6 months after you feel better. I would have to know more about you, such as the intensity of your symptoms and past history with such symptoms and the cause, to predict if you will "just go back to square one. " Usually you don't just go off of them right away; they gradually decrease your dose. Don't be surprised if this first drug doesn't work. It doesn't work for many people, and many can't handle the side effects. There are always other options. Try this for 4 weeks, and if you don't like it ask for something else. If anything serious starts happening that may have something to do with the medication, contact a medical professional right away. Most people achieve maximum recovery from seeing a psychologist, therapist, or social worker while they are on the medication. Group therapy is another option.