PERSONAL BUT NEED HELP......

frannyannemum
frannyannemum Posts: 142
edited September 29 in Chit-Chat
Hi,

This isn't really anything to do with dieting but is to do with health. I have looked on the web but couldn't really find much help.

I have been on an antidepressant called Escitalopram since August of last year. Those of you who have read my profile know that I suffered from severe depression and postnatal depression.

I took my last tablet last Thursday and due to financial commitments (it being the end of the month and hubby didn't get paid until Friday plus having two very small children) we couldn't afford for me to renew my prescription. This is now being done tomorrow.

Basically, has anyone tried to come off these tablets or similar tablets and experienced side effects? All day, I have been very light headed and dizzy and have felt close to tears. The fact that I have a very poorly 18 month old who has been crying most of the day and it is TOM doesn't help.

I know this is a really personal issue to most but would appreciate the help and support.

Thank you in advance :cry:

Replies

  • NewVonnie
    NewVonnie Posts: 683 Member
    It absolutely can cause side effects which is why if you try and come off them the doctor usually tapers you off gradually. I have experienced awful effects whenever I stopped abruptly. Not to say I havent done it but it sure didnt go very well. I have learned that I just cant function without them. Of course there are as many opinions on this topic as there are people, I'm just telling you what happened to me.
  • justann
    justann Posts: 276 Member
    I have no personal experience with antidepressents but I had always heard that one should never just stop taking them cold turkey. A person should be eased off them along with doctor's help and knowledge. So, I can believe you would have side effects. Good luck.
  • SimplyDeLish
    SimplyDeLish Posts: 539
    Work with your doctor! If it's a financial issue - they may have some samples to get you through until you can renew it at the first of the month. Many medications can be dangerous if you stop them cold turkey.

    Call the doc tomorrow!
  • Vanessa414
    Vanessa414 Posts: 644
    I take the same meds and I know what you mean about the lightheadedness, dizziness and weepiness. It is brutal. Unfortunately I don't have any advice I can really give because they only way i've been able to stop it is to start taking the meds again :( However, it'll all usually 100 percent better by the next day.. if that helps at all.

    I'm sorry you're going through this. Just try to keep you're head up, you can get through this.
  • LynnBirchfield
    LynnBirchfield Posts: 581 Member
    I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Life, at times, is very hard. You definitely need to taper off your medicine. I bet your doctor has samples that is a lower dosage. I wish you the best of luck and I'll be thinking about you.
  • misscristie
    misscristie Posts: 643 Member
    Coming off of any antidepressant can cause crazy fits of tears for about a week. Defintiely talk to your doc. He will most likely have a whole cabinet full of samples.
  • sexforjaffacakes
    sexforjaffacakes Posts: 1,001 Member
    did they not make perscriptions free the other day? or was that only in Scotland?
  • jessdeweerdt
    jessdeweerdt Posts: 128
    I had similar issues when I came off an anti-depressant.. I highly suggest talking to your doctor of course. I can tell you that my doctor told me the side effects were common for the med I was on.. it took about a week to get it fully out of my system and for the side effects to really go away.. I don't know if that helps or not.. but def talk to your doctor.. like someone else said, they may have samples, or possibly could switch you to something cheaper..
  • tsmom1128
    tsmom1128 Posts: 151 Member
    if you call your doctor, they can give you a script to get you until friday when you are able to get the full script. It is extreemly dangerous to just stop taking antidepressants. The psychological effects can be devestating too. after being on a steady dose for a period of time, your body and mind have adjusted. It is especially important to keep your levels consistant if you are suffering from post partum depression. Some medications, like paxil, will cause you to get something that is called "paxil flu" where you body actually goes through withdrawl symptoms. I am not familiar with your medications, so I can't tell you what will happen. I work in a clinic, so what I am saying has been told to my patients many times. If you have a community health center around where you live that has a pharmacy, they may also be able to help you with getting your meds at a reduced cost. Please check these things out. Mental health is just as important as physical well being.
  • frannyannemum
    frannyannemum Posts: 142
    Thank you everyone for your help and advice. Will pick up tablets tomorrow afternoon but will speak to my Doctor tomorrow morning when the surgery opens.

    Sexforjaffacakes (brilliant name btw) - prescriptions are only free in Scotland and Wales, don't think the English Government would ever give in to letting us have free prescriptions (I remember hearing it on the news a few weeks ago).

    I really appreciate everyone's comments and advice.

    A full and sincere thank you very much :happy:
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