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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by gman22 on October 2, 2022, at 16:14:57
Just looking for advice on how long to stay on meds after remission. I've been successfully treated a few times with meds, with long periods of no meds in between ( up to 10 years). In the past I've had success with higher dose imipramine, and now my second time with sertraline and nortiptyline combo...
Thanks
Posted by Jay2112 on October 2, 2022, at 18:46:42
In reply to treatment length, posted by gman22 on October 2, 2022, at 16:14:57
I'd say permanent...to be honest. Why risk?
Jay
Posted by linkadge on October 21, 2022, at 18:01:45
In reply to Re: treatment length » gman22, posted by Jay2112 on October 2, 2022, at 18:46:42
I would respectfully disagree with Jay. If you feel that your depression improves to the point that you can get off meds, then there may be benefits to doing so. Psych meds are not harmless and we are learning more about some long term effects. As much as I hate to admit, there is an increased risk of some forms of dementia and heart conditions, for example, with long term psych med use. Although it is not fully clarified, it does appear to be above and beyond the risk posed by depression itself.
So, if you go into remission and can get off meds, then go for it. As far as the duration of treatment, traditional guidelines suggested 6-12 months after remission (I believe).
Linkadge
Posted by jay2112 on October 22, 2022, at 16:07:32
In reply to Re: treatment length » Jay2112, posted by linkadge on October 21, 2022, at 18:01:45
> I would respectfully disagree with Jay. If you feel that your depression improves to the point that you can get off meds, then there may be benefits to doing so. Psych meds are not harmless and we are learning more about some long term effects. As much as I hate to admit, there is an increased risk of some forms of dementia and heart conditions, for example, with long term psych med use. Although it is not fully clarified, it does appear to be above and beyond the risk posed by depression itself.
>
> So, if you go into remission and can get off meds, then go for it. As far as the duration of treatment, traditional guidelines suggested 6-12 months after remission (I believe).
>
> LinkadgeHi Linkadge:
Actually, after some nasty experience with my 'regular' meds over the past month, I think I moreso agree with you than not. The issue of self harm and antidepressants really, really concerns me, because some doctors will just say "Ohh...those are just start-up effects...stick with it.."...and something bad happens. And, maybe I sound naive, but I think most people with serious mental illness should be under hospitalization for at least a two week period to keep them safe through med changes.
So, I agree with you, to the point of treatment should be re-evaluated at regular intervals.
Jay
This is the end of the thread.
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