Discussion Long Term Damage From Anti-Depressants

[Lefty]

Hello,

Is there anybody that has been on anti-depressants for a long time? Does anyone know if they can cause long-term damage mentally? I've only been on them about a year and I haven't noticed anything really bad about them. They do at least help with anxiety. I was just wondering if there might be side-effects mentally, besides physically.

 

[Epsilon0]

Hello @Lefty

There are various types of antidepressants, so it depends on which ones you take.


I have been on different ssri medicines for about 10 years and the toughest side effect I have experienced is that each time I tried to stop, I could not do it. I have been taking them for so long, that I am unfortunately unable to manage without them.

What happens to me, when I am off my meds, is that I feel every emotion a million times worse. It's like I lose a layer of skin, and every little stressful thing is magnified.

I wish I had never taken them in the first place. I resisted for a long time, but when several doctors told me that was the only medicine that could potentially help me, I gave in. So sorry I did!

 

[Lefty]

Thank you @Epsilon0

I've only started anti-depressants about a year ago. So far I haven't noticed anything really bad about them. They do seem to at least help with anxiety, which is better than nothing. I would like to get off of them, but not sure if I would be able to. Or if I did, how long I would be able to go without them. Though helping with anxiety can be pretty helpful.