Going Off The Ani Depressants

[darcijj]

I have been on and off anti depressants for 18 years.. I have been gluten free since March 08.. I have seen many improvements over the last few months.. well.. except for the occasionally glutening by accident.. which is getting less and less..

So, I have been thinking that maybe the depressions i would have were related to the Celiacs.. it wasn't severe depression, was loss of energy, apathy, no ambition and problems sleeping.. so whenever these episodes would come the doctor would put me back on Zoloft..

Since there are side effects to Zoloft.. I have decided to wean myself off the medication.. which I have done in the past and eventually ended back on it.

has anyone else done this? have you been able to stay off the medication?

I would like to be medication free and hoping the depression stays away and that it was gluten causing my problems.

I am in the home stretch of the withdrawal.. needed to cut the medication back slowly.. and keeping my fingers crossed

Thanks

Darci

[Lisa]

Yes, symptoms for Celiac could very well mimic the need for antidepressants.

I have know several members here who successfully lost the need for such meds. I would certainly consult your doctor to make sure that you, physically and mentally, can handle this change.

[RiceGuy]

I agree that it is quite possible that you can get off those drugs. I would add, that some supplements can really help. Vitamin B12 and magnesium are two which have proven very important for brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids are apparently important as well. So it should help to take some of those, especially during the early stages of your recovery.

[ravenwoodglass]

I weaned off all meds before I went through the elimination diet that made my diagnosis finally possible. I did consult with my doctor as I was on a handful of daily meds and there were some that I needed to wean from. I have never had to add any back in. I do still get an overwhelming depressive episode if I get glutened but it is limited and passes within a couple of days so I simply ride it out now.

[darcijj]

Thanks for the replies.

I am taking a B12 complex with C.. I noticed that helps a lot, especially since I do have some minor tingling still.

I do have some magnesium I can add in..

I do take armour for my thyroid too.. I might need to keep taking those. Altough it would be nice to be off all prescription drugs and just take vitamin supplements

[Sweetfudge]

i worked w/ my doctor to get off all my medications in 2007. i was on 2 antidepressants and an anti-anxiety med. take it really slow. one of the reasons i decided to get off the meds was the side effects. another was that i ran out of them for a couple days when i was on vacation w/ my mom, and i got SO sick from withdrawals. it was a miserable week until they got back in my system. it made me realize i didn't want to be dependent on them. they did their job for awhile, and they helped me get through some tough times. but i didn't feel like they were helping anymore. so i did it. i did just get on synthroid this year, and even though i'm back to the daily pill bottle, i'm ok with it, because i know its helping. good luck to you

[mef]

I too was on medication to deal with the "I'm sick and I don't know why" depression I got pre diagnosis. After moving to a gluten-free diet, I felt so much better.

But, please (I hope you already had plans to do this) talk with your doctor about adjusting medication and/or adding vitamins.

[christian.808]

Hey Darci.. I came across this site that is very helpful and hopefully it will enlighten you some regarding depression and Celiac. Open Original Shared Link I know this sounds simple regarding depression..not sure how much water you are drinking, but it seems the more water that you drink, it really makes you feel better.

Best to you

Christian

I have been on and off anti depressants for 18 years.. I have been gluten free since March 08.. I have seen many improvements over the last few months.. well.. except for the occasionally glutening by accident.. which is getting less and less..

So, I have been thinking that maybe the depressions i would have were related to the Celiacs.. it wasn't severe depression, was loss of energy, apathy, no ambition and problems sleeping.. so whenever these episodes would come the doctor would put me back on Zoloft..

Since there are side effects to Zoloft.. I have decided to wean myself off the medication.. which I have done in the past and eventually ended back on it.

has anyone else done this? have you been able to stay off the medication?

I would like to be medication free and hoping the depression stays away and that it was gluten causing my problems.

I am in the home stretch of the withdrawal.. needed to cut the medication back slowly.. and keeping my fingers crossed

Thanks

Darci

[celiacsoyfree]

I concur with the extra supplements.

make sure the b12 is sublingual and that you are getting enough sunshine! You need vitamin D and K.