Antidepressants "I have been on antidepressants for a number of years now, and when I try to get off, I get sick." With that, an HSI member who goes by "clueme" begins a Healthier Talk community forum thread that offers a number of helpful and insightful suggestions from other members. Clueme continues: "What can I do to wean myself and still be able to take part in life? I have gained weight with them that I seem unable to take off and would love to just go natural again! Can anyone help?" Snowbird: "Very slowly……I've tried several times and have relapses. The Dr I used to see would say 'cut it in half for a week and then stop'. Well I've since been to a new Dr and he said that was way too fast." Kathy: "I was able to get off my antidepressants slowly after about 10 years about a year and a half ago. I did (and do) watch my diet (carbs are NOT good, veggies are) but also added glyconutritionals to my diet so my body would get healthier. It didn't happen overnight but I feel so much better." Vitaminlover33: "It can be done. You can get off anti-depressants. The Pain and Stress Center has a lot of resources on getting off anti-depressants. Some people it takes longer than others. I would recommend fish oil, selenium, magnesium, B complex with a lot of B6 as possible supplements. Also lots of exercise! Getting the proper amount of sleep and not loading up on carbs--eat more protein if you can--so your blood sugar will not go up and down." Harry: "First and foremost, I'd suggest that you seek out the guidance of a good integrative health professional - someone who integrates the best of naturopathic medicine and who is also familiar with allopathic treatment. Usually an approach that's recommended contains, but is not necessarily limited to, these steps: - "Slowly lowering the dosage of the medication while doing some or all of these things:
- engaging in daily exercise…usually walking (or 'power walking')
- increase your exposure to nature and sunlight…utilize local parks or sanctuaries and spend time outdoors in the early morning or late afternoon (for the sunshine)
- improving your diet…decreasing refined carbs and increasing good-quality protein and healthy fats (especially the omega-3's)
- seek out additional emotional/psychological help…support groups, psychotherapy, mind/body approaches, etc.
- certain supplements may help make the transition easier (but it's important to have someone knowledgeable in dosages and interactions to help with this)…5-HTP, SAMe, L-Trytophan, L-Tyrosine, L-Phenylalanine, etc.
- Lots of people can make the switch off of prescribed medications but it's much easier (and probably safer) to have the help of an expert."
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