What happens when people go cold turkey off anti-depressants?

[Thinkalot]

I'm not planning to, but this past week, I have actually completely forgotton to take mine, as I left them by mistake at Mum's place, and didn't get around to getting them, or getting another script filled out. I have them again now.

 

I did not notice any side effects ....but I've read so many warnings on here about NOT just quitting the meds, without slowly reducing the dosage...etc. So what are some of the possible impacts if you do?

 

I have been a bit edgy and snappy this week...but I don't think not being on the meds was the reason for that.

[average guy]

Hi Thinkalot,

 

being edgy and snappy can be a side-effect. I stopped taking Aropax by cutting the dosage in half for 2 months (I'd been on them for 2 years) before stopping. My side effects were being cranky and short tempered, which you might be having, but I also had some terrible other side effects. I completely lost my short-term memory. Honestly, I would think of having a glass of water and by the time I got to the kitchen I would forget why I was there. I founf I had to write everything down as soon as I thoght it and keep looking at my notes to get through a day. And worse, I had such severe vertigo that sometimes I couldn't walk without someone guiding me. I felt like I ws looing to the left and walking to the right.

 

Anyway, thankfully these only lasted about 2-3 weeks (my therapist advised that I withdraw during the holidays, which was the best advice!)

 

Hope this helps

[Matilda]

I t hink it depends on the anti-depressant, some have severe withdrawal symptoms, and others not as much.

[brashgal]

What has been mentioned in recent studies is that more people commit suicide when they go off anti-depressants cold turkey. Since you are taking your meds for OCD rather than depression I'd think it could exacerbate OCD symptoms. There are so many factors, how long you've been taking the meds, taking them in conjunction with other meds, current stressors in your life, dosage (and you are on a low dose so might have less effect than someone taking many more mg's).

 

I went from taking the daily dose of Prozac (20mg) to the weekly dose (90mg) and my doctor had me wait 4 days in between - evidently takes a week or two for the Prozac to be gone from your body - since you've only been off meds this past week that may be why you haven't noticed an appreciable difference.

 

It's a crapshoot - if you are thinking about going off completely, you should still talk to your doctor about it and get his/her advice.

[meanon]

I can't remember which drug you are on but if it's of the class I think then there is a specific Caution about abrupt withdrawal. It's associated with headache, nausea, paraesthesia (tingling, itching, pins and needles etc), dizziness and anxiety. It can take two to three weeks for the drug to clear completely when you stop. By reducing more slowly you allow your body more time to adjust and either get used to the drop in Serotonin or (hopefully) get around to producing some more of your own, naturally.

[msrealdoll]

If you're taking Effexor, withdrawal is so bad for most people that you have to wean yourself off of it. I was only taking 75mg per day when I began weaning. The withdrawal lasted over a month. I will never take it again for any reason. I've read that Paxil is a very bad one, too.

 

Most antidepressants aren't that bad. Call your doctor and ask, though, and see if you should wean yourself. You shouldn't have to go in for a visit-a call should do.

[Thinkalot]

Thanks all.

 

I'm not planning to change my dose without first seeing my doctor. I am about to change doctors, because I'm not happy with my current one. I cannot get into see the lady I want to see, for about a month, as she is away at the moment.

 

I'm going to either go off the meds I'm on (Lovan- Prozac) and stay of everything completely, or switch to something else.

 

The main reason- It has killed my sex drive, and ability to orgasm. I think not being able to orgasm, then has the effect of decreasing sex drive, independent of the medication too. Frankly, I used to be very sexual, and had no trouble coming through sex. The change has been so noticeable, that now, 6 months down the line, it's really starting to get to me. My fiance has been very supportive, and never complains about it...but we both joke about it, and would like things back to normal.

[msrealdoll]

I'm on Lexapro now, and it doesn't seem to have affected my sex drive or ability to orgasm. I did have that problem with Effexor and Zoloft. Not fun.

[Thinkalot]

I have heard others say that Lexapro is not so bad. I'll mention it to the doc for sure.

[Matilda]

I am Wellbutrin, and my sex drive has improved tremendously while on it.