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Can Lamictal And Fluoxetine Be Discontinued Without Doctor's Consent?
Question: Hi I am taking Lamictol and flouroxetine I am taking2oomg of lamictal 40 mg of fluouroxetine. I have always had depression and anxiety my whole life..No doctor had specifically diagnosed me with bipolar disorder I am 62 years old and have been on antidepreeants since my teens (including the old MAO ones. I am not sure I should continue these meds or change them from time to time. I have had abuse from my childhood and this adds to the depression. What do you think? thank you my email is YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
It is not recommended to change the medicines without the doctor's advise.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
I think that if these medicines are controlling well your depression and anxiety, then it is not good to change them, unless you have been using them and been stable for more then 2 years.
One other advise is that the decision to change them should be made together with your doctor, which knows the details of your problem well, and they can also advice the gradual tapering of there medicines.
Yes, these medicines create a dependence. But the problem of depression and anxiety is more important to be kept under control. At the same time, when it is time to go off them, there are studied techniques, which you can use to lower gradually the doses and so you can control the dependence too.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
It is not recommended to change the medicines without the doctor's advise.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.
I think that if these medicines are controlling well your depression and anxiety, then it is not good to change them, unless you have been using them and been stable for more then 2 years.
One other advise is that the decision to change them should be made together with your doctor, which knows the details of your problem well, and they can also advice the gradual tapering of there medicines.
Yes, these medicines create a dependence. But the problem of depression and anxiety is more important to be kept under control. At the same time, when it is time to go off them, there are studied techniques, which you can use to lower gradually the doses and so you can control the dependence too.
Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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