IGX

I have just recently found out that a chick friend of mine has been taking this shit for eight fucking years, continuously. I'm actually a little stunned by this. When I asked her why well naturally she was given a prescription due to deep depression from the death of her mother. She flat out said she's tried to get off of it and just can't do it. I know this is serious shit...her brain chemistry is actually altered by this stuff and you can't just quit it cold turkey. What are some strategies for getting off of it? Is it simply one of reducing dosage over time?

She needs to shop for a new doctor.

The addiction possibilities are exactly why I've never been open to drugs to treat my depression and insomnia. I've just suffered through it and dealt with it with exercise and yoga/meditation. Sucks, but I'm guessing it's better than being reliant on some drug to get me out of bed in the morning.

Weaning off seems to be the way people get off it. Maybe Docs have another lighter drug they can switch her too during the process. Sam-e or 5htp might help, I don't know.

I take lexapro right now and have worried about having to wean off it in the future but that is better than not having a future. A friend of mine was on paxil for years and had a hell of a time getting off it but she did and I would say that she is weaker, not stronger willed than the average person. She had a lot of support from her husband and wasn't working at the time. Choosing when to come off it is probably as important as how to come off it. Low stress time where she can go on autopilot would be the best.

I wish your friend good luck.

She will want to wean. I would suggest going in small steps and spreading it over a month or two. Using some of the nutraceuticals known to help with depression (D3, B12, herbs) and slowly ramping the herbs up as the drugs are concurrently lowered is a good strategy and doesn't leave the person feeling like they have no "help" since they've already been reliant on medication for so long.

I totally disagree. Prolonging the agony. Crashing out is the suck but it's better overall. You can quit cold turkey and it's the same net effect.

I've taken many naughty chemicals, none were more persistently evil and mind fucking than SSRI's.. She should absolutely do a full court press to support herself with other shit, talk therapy, yoga whatever. and DO NOT COME OFF IN WINTER.

Check out "The Mood Cure" by Julia Ross who has some great recommendations and substitutions for psychotropics using nutraceuticals, nootropics and supplements. I utilize alot of those interventions with my patients and the response is good.

Bedlam: Lexapro is easy to wean off of and is one of my favorite psychotropics to suggest. Steady improvement curve, relatively low side effects and easy to stop.

Great stuff broheims. I will pass all of this along.

Beat her. With love.

Soupbone wrote:Check out "The Mood Cure" by Julia Ross who has some great recommendations and substitutions for psychotropics using nutraceuticals, nootropics and supplements. I utilize alot of those interventions with my patients and the response is good.

Bedlam: Lexapro is easy to wean off of and is one of my favorite psychotropics to suggest. Steady improvement curve, relatively low side effects and easy to stop.

Thanks, that good to know!

stopping pharmaceutical use would harm the economy

isn't there another pill or grouping of pills she can become addicted to instead??

You've been taking Midol for years...don't you want to stop? This isn't a joke sir!