How to find help to safely taper off an SSRI antidepressant

[Guest guest]

I suggest very strongly that the patient become very informed before

any tapering process begins. In all likelyhood the doctor will know

next to nothing or be grossly misinformed, (this includes so called addiction

specialists) and to protect themselves it will be necessary to learn most

things about the taper process, what to expect when doing so, the knowledge to

know when to safely lower the dose, etc. It must be done slowly to be safe and

most doctors don't have a clue and usually make it more difficult or damage

patients in the process.

 

The ultimate control over the process has to be with the patient as

they are the only one who understands what they are going through. If

they are not well informed, they may rely too heavily on what the

doctors says. But, if that doctor gives wrong advise they can get into

trouble.

 

There are books, groups, websites, etc. which cover the problems with

tapering and support. Please read them all. F.

 

 

 

 

SSRI-Research@

Sun, 19 Jun 2005 19:06:47 -0000

[sSRI-Research] How to find help to safely taper off an SSRI

antidepressant

 

 

Tapering off an SSRI can be difficult and dangerous. It must be done

under the close supervision of your doctor. For your safety and

successful separation from this highly addictive and hazardous drug,

personalize and print the following letter, then present it to your

doctor.

 

Dear Doctor,

 

I am extremely concerned about the " tapering off " process. Given that

I have been taking [name the drug] antidepressant for the past [___]

years, it is critical that we follow a proven method. Because of

this, I would like to express my concerns and requests:

 

What is your success rate in helping individuals who have been taking

SSRI antidepressants to stop their dependency? I understand that

advanced scientific testing and research have been done on this

topic, such as:

 

-- Neurotransmitter testing - http://neuroscienceinc.com [urine

analysis/supplement program]

-- Testing for " Chemical Imbalances:

http://hriptc.org/BioTreatment.html [blood, urine, hair

analysis/supplement program]

-- Depression Mood Disorders:

http://gsdl.com/assessments/finddisease/depression [blood analysis]

-- Ability to Metabolize Psychotropic Drugs:

http://healthanddna.com/fortheprof.html [blood analysis]

-- Tapering Schedule: Dr. David Healy " Halting SSRI's " :

http://tinyurl.com/5ypxw

 

Are you familiar with the above? Is the " tapering off " that you are

recommending in compliance with them? Extensive medical testing is

highly recommended. Do you concur? Are you familiar with Dr. Healy's

work? How do you feel about his warnings, suggestions, and approach?

 

All the evidence points to the fact that I am about to embark on a

dangerous journey. Therefore, I am requesting that you complete your

research before we start. Or, if you know of a doctor who is

successful at tapering clients, please help me to contact them.

 

Respectfully,

 

[Your name]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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