Please give me advice. I would like to try to get off prozac and wellbutrin.?

Question

I have been taking them since about Feb. I have heard that many people want to get off their meds once they really start to work. How do I know if I should get off them or stay on them. They have helped me but I don't think it's enough to keep putting all these drugs in my body.

Answer 1

Doctors often recommend that patients stay on antidepressant treatment for 12 months after remission of symptoms.  You mentioned the reason yourself: "... many people want to get off their meds once they really start to work."  Medications are a treatment, not a cure.  If people discontinue when they feel better, often the symptoms will return.  Staying on the meds for a while gives the depression time to fully remit.

That being said, most people would rather not be on medication forever, so you and your doctor will need to decide on a timeframe.  Often the 12-month guideline is a good starting point.  If you're doing very well or having significant side effects, you might ask your doctor about discontinuing sooner.  Some people choose to stay with medications longer because they feel safer.  Definitely it's a decision tailored to the individual.  Just don't discontinue without a tapering schedule from the doctor, as there can be withdrawal symptoms from going too quickly.