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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Taken Paroxitine For Depression Problem, Recurs When Medicine Stopped. How Long Should I Take It ?

I have depreesion problem from last one year and I have taken paroxitine 20mg for three months. I was getting fine but when I stop that, I got a gain the problem. I went to Apollo hispital in New Dehli, the doctor again priscribed me paroxitine 12.5 again. Q: how long will a continue paroxitine 12.5 ? thanks, AAAAA, Kandahar, Afghanistan
Fri, 30 Nov 2012
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Even with a single episode of depression, it is recommended to continue on antidepressant which is best tolerated with minimum side effects at least for a period of 12-18 months after complete remission(i.e. near total / total improvement in depressive symptoms. The basic purpose is prophylaxis in such situation to prevent a recurrence of another depressive episode (Depression can be a recurrent disorder in many patients). Moreover the medications prescribed have to be tapered down very slowly as per recommended by your psychiatrist/expert. So I would recommend in your case to continue on paroxetine for next 12-18months minimum, provided you have no major side effects and perceive improvement with the prescribed dosage. It is also strongly recommended to keep in touch with your psychiatrist on a regular basis (once in 3-4 months atleast) to get an objective evaluation. Meanwhile you can maintain a mood diary to monitor fluctuation/ status of your depressive symptoms if any. I hope this information would help you in better control of your depression
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Psychiatrist Dr. Gourav Monga's  Response
hello

welcome to health care magic

Paroxetine is an antidepressant drug with less significant side effects. You should continue the medication for at least 9 months to 1 year. However, long term treatment is always advisable. This all should be discussed with your doctor. Don't stop the medication abruptly as it is associated with withdrawl symptoms.

Good luck

Thanks
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Psychiatrist Dr. Piyush Prakash Singh's  Response
hello zahir ,
i will ask you two questions. do the problems that you face on stopping paroxetine are the same as the original symptoms of depression. as you live in Kandahar have you experienced war and loss due to war personally --as you may be having a more severe disorder of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Do write back as i have experience in treating such patients.
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Taken Paroxitine For Depression Problem, Recurs When Medicine Stopped. How Long Should I Take It ?

Even with a single episode of depression, it is recommended to continue on antidepressant which is best tolerated with minimum side effects at least for a period of 12-18 months after complete remission(i.e. near total / total improvement in depressive symptoms. The basic purpose is prophylaxis in such situation to prevent a recurrence of another depressive episode (Depression can be a recurrent disorder in many patients). Moreover the medications prescribed have to be tapered down very slowly as per recommended by your psychiatrist/expert. So I would recommend in your case to continue on paroxetine for next 12-18months minimum, provided you have no major side effects and perceive improvement with the prescribed dosage. It is also strongly recommended to keep in touch with your psychiatrist on a regular basis (once in 3-4 months atleast) to get an objective evaluation. Meanwhile you can maintain a mood diary to monitor fluctuation/ status of your depressive symptoms if any. I hope this information would help you in better control of your depression