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Suggest Treatment For Withdrawal Symptoms Of Antidepressants

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Posted on Tue, 6 Sep 2016
Question: hi my name is XXXXXXX

I was on antidepressant for almost 7 months and since 1 month i have stopped taking it completely,
I did tapered before stopping completely. But now i feel very weak and low with energy.
is this an withdrawal effect of the antidepressant?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Most probably due to relapse of symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern. In most cases when antidepressants are discontinued the withdrawal symptoms are seen commonly in first few weeks. You are stopped medicines after proper tapering so the possibility of withdrawal after one month is very less likely.

The symptoms of lack of energy, feeling of weakness are occurring most probably due to relapse of depressive symptoms and not due to withdrawal. Please consult your doctor again and if needed start medicines again.

Thanks, hope this helps you please don't hesitate to ask again for more information.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (56 minutes later)
I do not want to go to the doctor again, is there any other way to tackle this?
And there is numbness in my legs sometimes, why does this happens?
Also I am addicted to chewing tobacco, can this be the reason for my weakness?
And can you suggest any good psychiatrist here in Bangalore?
Please do let me know.

By the way I was taking Venlor XR 75mg for almost 6 months.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Relaxation exercises, yoga, vitamin B12 supplements will help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again, thanks for asking a follow up

- Yes there are other ways to prevent these mild depression symptoms. Exercise daily for at least 45 minutes and this will help to release endorphins and will improve your mood. Relaxation exercises, meditation at least for 5 minutes daily will also help you.

- The numbness could be occurring due to nutritional deficiencies. Low vitamin B12 in blood is one of important cause of numbness in legs and other depressive symptoms you are having. So I'd advise you to start taking Vitamin B12 supplements. This will help to reduce your symptoms of depression too. More than 50% of patients of depression have low vitamin B12 levels.

- Tobacco use can lead to increased anxiety but in depression there are not much roles. But avoid chewing tobacco if possible.

- In XXXXXXX you should visit NIMHANS and there you can find many good psychiatrists in general psychiatry department.

- Venlor or Venlafaxine is a SNRI drug and the drug has good efficacy in depression.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (6 minutes later)
Thanks so much, that was very helpful.
Could you please recommend a good b12 supplement, I have no idea about this b12 vitamin
doctor
Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation.

Yes sure, METHYLCOBALAMINE is good form of vitamin B12. Cobaday OD 1500 mg, Mec Dec, Cobasoft 500 mg (Torrent pharma), Cobamet OD (500, 1500 mg Sun Pharma), Meconerve (Micro labs) etc are brands with some good companies available in XXXXXXX

In general doses of 1000-1500 mg daily with plenty of water for 4-6 weeks help to improve the symptoms.

Thanks, Take care
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Withdrawal Symptoms Of Antidepressants

Brief Answer: Most probably due to relapse of symptoms Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM I can understand your concern. In most cases when antidepressants are discontinued the withdrawal symptoms are seen commonly in first few weeks. You are stopped medicines after proper tapering so the possibility of withdrawal after one month is very less likely. The symptoms of lack of energy, feeling of weakness are occurring most probably due to relapse of depressive symptoms and not due to withdrawal. Please consult your doctor again and if needed start medicines again. Thanks, hope this helps you please don't hesitate to ask again for more information.