taking medication long term

Hi @Shaz51, interesting question. I've tried to tackle it from a few different perspectives but it's hard to be definitive. Firstly, anecdotally from my client work, I know people who have been on anti-depressant (AD) medications for over a decade seemingly without negative effects. However, a decade may not be the time-frame you have in mind. It's possible that there could be health consequences farther down the track.

I also checked in with members of the Help Centre team who are currently studying to check what's being taught and there doesn't seem to be much information out there. I also did a quick search (as you've got me interested now!) and came back with some mixed results.

There's a strong anti-medication group who feel that we need to be addressing the cause rather than simply treating the symptoms with medication. This group believe that there could be some longer-term effects and there's some information online about that. On the other hand, others recommend weighing up the possible end result of untreated depression, which can include suicide, and so think that possible risks are worthwhile.

In my view, AD medication is ideally simply a bridge which allows people to make the changes which support their long-term mental health without meds. Reducing stress and managing it better, tackling problematic employment, finances or relationships, changing habitual negative/self-critical thought patterns, being more mindful (and focusing less on the past and the future), exercising, the right mix of social activities etc.

With chronic depression all those things seem extremely difficult to do and maintain. So medication can make them more possible. But once enough of them are in place, it might be possible to start coming off meds. It's all down to the individual though. I would never want anyone to feel bad for continuing to use meds. But it's good to start out seeing them as a temporary solution while you put more permanent ones in place.

Does this make sense Shaz? Sorry that I can't be more definitive. I'd love anyone else who has information to chime in too.

Hello @Former-Member

thank you , very interesting

so it would be recomended to have a regular updates with a GP

he was seeing a psychiatrist , my Husband has been taken off the mental health list , but is still on the meds and sometimes he is concerned about the meds

I'm going to say no AD medication does not cause long term problems.

The ones mostly used have been around since the late 1980's. If there were problems I reckon we would know by now. Matter of fact I've got a few relatives on ADs from around that time. They're still kicking.

Better off alive than killed by suicide in my book.

Hello @mrkotter, @Former-Member

Better off alive than killed by suicide in my book. --- I totally agree @mrkotter

as a wife and carer , I have seen a big difference in my husband , still has lots of ups and downs every day ,but it is a lot better than he was

Hi @Shaz51

Just to clarify, what is the 'mental health list' you are referring to?

Nik

Hello @Kurra -- very true xx

Hello @NikNik, Has no mental health team, we are on our own , no support

My husband rang them one day very anxious and wanted to see someone , he was told No

Also - I think it's odd that you're unable to see the psychaitrist who prescibed the medication - did they say why you're unable to see them and who you could see about the medication instead?

hello @NikNik

the psychaitrist who prescibed the medication 13 months ago is 60 km away when he was in the meantal health unit

they transferred him to the a community mental health at the hospital 30kms away --He said to them that he didn`t wasnt to go there as he had been there before and wanted to try somewhere else == but he was still transferred

we have tried to get in contact with the psychaitrist who prescibed the medication , but unable too