How Long To Take Antidepressants
There’s no shame in taking medication. However, many people suffering from any type of depression feel resentful at having to take medication in order to feel better. Part of this reason is the cost of the antidepressants. Another is fear of becoming addicted to a certain prescription drug. So, when you are diagnosed as having a type of depression, how long can you expect to be taking antidepressants?
Different For Everyone
Unfortunately, because everyone’s depression effects them in a unique way, the antidepressants also hit in a unique way. Some people may only need them for six months. Some people may need them for the rest of their lives. I happen to fall into the latter category. I have been able to reduce the amount of Prozac I need in a day, but I will most likely need at least 10 milligraims of it every day until I croak. I might even need it in the afterlife.
Medication Is Medication
Would you deny yourself taking an over the counter painkiller for a headache? Or taking antibiotics for an infection? Probably not. Major depression and othe types of depression do have physical causes, such as getting an infection is a physical cause. You’re not going to win any points anywhere by denying yourself the medication.
Of course, you shouldn’t pop pills when you don’t need to take them. That can not only lead to drug addiction, but also to a lot more physical problems that you really don’t need. Also, more isn’t better in the case of any medication.
What About Natural Remedies?
Treat any herbal remedy or any alternative remedy with the same respect and caution that you would with a man-made medicine. Herbs, foods and nutritional supplements are powerful things. Just ask anyone who’s eaten too much bran. Be sure you let your doctor know about all of the natural remedies you are taking or would like to take. Sometimes herbs and antidepressants can clash.
January 29th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
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