Is there a way to avoid withdrawal symptoms after you stop taking antidepressants?
by 
AhMeD_2_3
ANSWERS: 4
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Yes. You must have a psychologist or more likely a psychiatrist if you have been prescribed this form of medication. It's called a taper. You slowly reduce the amount you take. The smaller you decrease it, and the longer the taper schedule, the less you will notice it. You can make it so small that you won't notice it. This is the only way to withdraw, unless you want to go through hell. Paxil is the hardest SSRI to withdraw from. Effexor is even harder because it works with two chemicals. Work with the doctor to make a very gradual slope if you are on these chemicals. If you ever need help, please check out www.off-topic.com, and go to the Asylum boards. Me, and many others are there to help people with these type of problems. Good luck.
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From experience, you can usually switch directly to Prozac (~40mg) for about a week or so and avoid most of the withdrawal symptoms. Prozac has a long half life (24-96 hours for fluoxetine and 4-15 days (!) for the active metabolite). Paxil has a half life of roughly 12-24 hours. It may not work for everyone but it has worked very well for many people.
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Sometimes if the side effects are very severe,your doctor can prescribe ativan which will stop the reactions,but understand it cant be taken regularly.Tapering and just hanging in there for at least 2-4 weeks until the side effects from withdrawal wear off is the best way to go.But in really severe cases,the ativan does work.I suffer from Narcolepsy a sleeping disorder and had to withdraw from numerous antidepressants and can tell you its no picnic.But with determination and right doctor you can make it.good luck.
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yes speak with your doctor. he/she will gradually reduce the dosage of your medication so that you dont get the withdrawal symptoms. also counselling while you are taking the meds can help
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