worried about stopping anti-depressants

So my surgeon prescribed Lexapro for me about two weeks pre-op and then for two months post op.  I've got about 5 left.  I have been on anti-depressants in the past, but not for a while before this.  I had debated about calling my PCP and asking him to write me a prescription and continuing them, but would honestly rather not be on them.  But I'm really scared of going off of the meds.  I really do have depressive tendencies, although I've felt fine lately.  Anyone here go off anti-depressants a couple months post-op??  If so, how did you do? Thanks, Kim

Hi Kim,  I'm worried that you might be setting yourself up for problems if you stop the meds cold turkey. I would recommend you call your doctor (PCP) and discuss it today if possible. You can explain how you have been feeling lately, and tell him/her that you want to stop the meds, and ask about staging off --- taking less and less over time. Your doctor may have some start-up samples to help ween you off them. For example, when I started Effexor XR, I started on 35mg for a week, then 75mg for two weeks, then on to my regular dose of 150mg that I still take today.  In order for me to stop taking them, it would be optimal for me to stage off them in the reverse over a period of time.  Also, it would be important for your doctor and your family to be aware of your situation, because going on or off anti-depressants, in general, does present some increased risk for mood changes, etc.  (you can read the package insert of your Lexapro to read about the specific findings from the clinical trials on Lexapro). Something else to think about.... Even though you may feel fine right now, your body is still adjusting hormonally to the surgery. You may want to give it another four months or so just to help you through. In fact, you may be feeling fine now BECAUSE of the Lexapro....and stopping it (especially suddenly) may present some negative symptoms (increased depression or other mood changes, headache, etc.) Please talk to your doctor right away!  hugs, Elaine

Hi, Kim!  Elaine just gave you some excellent advice!!!  Do call your doctor before you make any changes.  Also, you could very well be feeling better because of the Lexapro.  People often go off their antidepressants because they are feeling better and think they don't need it, only to find that they fall into depression shortly after stopping their meds.  Don't set yourself up!  I am convinced that I will need to take antidepressants the rest of my life, having been on and off several times over the years.  Take care and good luck, Jean

I am with the others on this... do not abruptly stop your meds.  It could be dangerous... and you could suffer bad withdrawal symptoms. If you feel like you want to stop taking them for any reason you need to talk with your physician about a safe way to do so. I am on anti-depressants as well - and I was someone who thought there was no way I would ever take them.  Desparate times call for desperate measures... they have helped so much. Call your doc!

Hi Kim,   I agree with the others on this.  I've been on anti-depressants for 10 years now and can't imagine just stopping them cold turkey.    I always thought you gradually had to be weaned off them?  I'd give your PCP a call to discuss before you run out of them. Hugs, Carly

Hi Kim: I am not a Medical professional I can only you tell you from my experience.  I have been on antidepressents since I was 10.  I have a chemical disorder and when I go off of them I just feel lousy.  I am currently on Lexapro.  You really need to talk to your PCP as these are not drugs you should go on and off of.  They take several weeks to enter your system and then will take time to get out.   The emotional rollar coaster that a WLS post-op goes through is tough enough for someone who has no disorders or inbalances.  Don't stop cold turkey, especially at this point.  Talk to your PCP. Good luck to you. Jeanne

Thanks for the responses everyone.  I called my PCP and made an appointment.  But I'm a little annoyed that my surgeon would have prescribed this for me for just the two months, and never said anything about what I was supposed to do when it ran out.  I mean, I never got any instructions about weaning off of them or anything.  I was worried because I have been on antidepressants before (although never Lexapro) and I was weaned off then, but it appeared that I was just supposed to take these until the prescription ran out.  How weird. I may just ask my PCP to continue prescribing them, as I'm hesitant to go off them right now anyway.  I'm still trying to figure out everything and it is a bit overwhelming WITH the meds... Thanks all, Kim

I am so glad you called your PCP. Please get a refill and do not abrubtly stop taking the lexapro!!  I can tell you from personal experience that the side effects are awful. In February I ran out and forgot to get my prescription filled within three days I was very very dizzy. So much so I was walking like a drunk.  I did not attribute the symptoms to the medication and thought I had vertigo. In talking with my PCP realized that I had forgotten my Lexapro and that was causing the dizziness. I restarted the medication and in two days felt much better, although it took another week to fully get rid of all the dizziness. I then looked up Lexapro on the Web and found that the medication needs to be slowly tapered off to prevent side effects. Also as you taper the medication it may give you a better idea of how you will feel without it.  Good luck and God bless.

I agree with what everyone else has said.  I don't have experience with anti-depressants myself but I know many people who do and I know it's not something you should just quit cold turkey - especially during this time.  The surgery wreaks havoc on your hormones and you should at least work with your doctor to gradually decrease the dosages - or even wait a few months to do that. Good luck! Carrie