Hi all,
So for the past 12 months I have been dealing with depression. Throughout that time I have been seeing a private psychiatrist with the Priory Group. I have been on Citalopram, Quetiapine, escitalopram, and Venlafaxine.
I feel very steady currently, however the venlafaxine just doesnt seem to be doing anything apart from make me moody and want to isolate myself. After a conversation with my parents, I am flirting with the idea of coming off medication altogether to see how I 'truly' am without the meds.
The ultimate decision lies with me, and people can only advise and pass on their experiences I know, but I would love it if anyone could offer their advice & guidance.
Thanks! 
Hey Aaron , looks like you have been having a really tough time.
I'm on antidepressants and have been for just over a year now, and I'm trying to come off them.
The only thing I wanted to say to you is , I know you want to see how you are with out meds! But don't forget that coming off meds can have very bad withdrawal symptoms that can last a very long time,
So just bare in mind that it won't be your self as you are coming off, unless you follow the advise on this forum which is to reduce your meds by 10% each month, sometimes you may need to stay on a certain dose for a little longer than a month until you level out again and the reduce 10% again.
All the best x
We are generally not health professionals here so you are talking to another Patient.
Talk to the Priory Group Specialist and ask the best way to reduce your medications. You have a steady full list of medications and withdrawal could be problematic they can give support and a shedule to work to
BOB
Hi Aaron,
All good advice you have received so far from Lattifa and BorderRiever :-)
My past experience of medication to get me through depression has been good and bad. Citalopram has helped me through short (6-9 month) bouts of depression. Currently I am struggling with nearly 3 years of depression (short in comparison with many who post regularly on this forum). I have been unable to cope with the side effects of a few meds in the past 3 years so have decided, with the support of my medical team, to try the no-meds approach. It is tough but I know it is a daily battle for each person on this forum. I am managing day by day and I have not given up hope that I will one day emerge from the "fog". It takes a lot of listening to your own body. I would say if you are determined to come off your meds, do it with the full knowledge and guidance of your doctor/psychiatrist. Also let your close family and friends know what you are doing and how you are coping so that they can make some allowance for the withdrawal symptoms, etc. and give you extra support/space/whatever you need. Remember we are also here to listen and offer you all the support that we can. Don't think that you are ever alone :-) Good luck in whatever you decide to do. Keep in touch!
Hey, Aaron. I'm Nick.
I'm not a professional and I can only give you my personal experiences coming off of anti-depressants. So I wouldn't exactly expect the same results.
I've been on Citalopram, Escitalopram, and Venlafaxine. I've quit anti-depressants both cold turkey and I've also slowly weaned off of them. Quitting Venlafaxine cold turkey (because it wasn't working) was the worst. I had a lot of suicidal thoughts for the first week or two after quitting (I've been off of Venlafaxine for about a month now). But now that I'm off of it, I don't have suicidal thoughts (as much).
Weaning off anti-depressants is obviously the better choice. When I weaned off of Escitalopram I don't think I experienced any withdrawal symptoms. But it has been awhile since I've quit that. So please don't take my word for it.
But yeah, that's my experience with coming off of anti-depressants.
Hope I helped!