What are the risks of long-term antidepressant use?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been taking tablets Rexipra and Depsol for the past three years, and my doctor says I have been on them for a long time because I have had more than three episodes of depression. I have felt good for the past three years of treatment, but I also have experienced depression three or four times in the last month. The doctor advised me to take tablet Zapiz 0.5 mg daily for a week, and I am now fine. My question is whether my course of treatment is appropriate. Should I take the medication for an extended period of time? Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Patil Mahaveer Jingonda

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Patil Mahaveer Jingonda has done MBBS at Shivaji University, Kolhapur and MS in Orthopedics at University of Seychelles. He is a Consulting Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon with 21 years of experience. He is now working in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I have gone through your medical history in detail. You seem to be in recovering phase. If you are feeling well now, you should discontinue the medications. Avoid using it for an extended period of time. Do not abruptly discontinue the medications. Over the course of one month, gradually reduce the dose.

I hope you get my point.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 4, 2023
Reviewed At July 10, 2023

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Patil Mahaveer Jingonda has done MBBS at Shivaji University, Kolhapur and MS in Orthopedics at University of Seychelles. He is a Consulting Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon with 21 years of experience. He is now working in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Patil Mahaveer Jingonda has done MBBS at Shivaji University, Kolhapur and MS in Orthopedics at University of Seychelles. He is a Consulting Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon with 21 years of experience. He is now working in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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