IIRC it takes 30 days for SSRI's to completely leave the bloodstream once therapeutic levels are reached. Serotonin syndrome is nothing to mess around with and can be deadly. It's basically the same result as someone on LSD and this is not an exaggeration as I have seen it for myself.
Anyone taking antidepressants of any type need to understand what Serotonin Syndrome is and as well as the persons family. Do not expect a doctor to know what it is as many don't and mistake it for Acute Psychosis and try for committal and more Serotonin Migration causing drugs.
If a person wants off of them inform your doctor first and taper off gradually but not cold turkey. Serotonin is a digestive promoting chemical with 98% contained in the stomach. When migration occurs it goes to the brain. That triggers Serotonin Syndrome which among other things causes halucinations. Your spouse may think you are the devil for example. It's serious too because the person may respond to that danger the way they ares seeing it in their halucinations.
Among other not so desirable things SSRI's may cause is bladder blockage. If this occurs go to an emergency room immediately if not sooner. This is highly dangerous and will trigger the onset of Dysreflexia which is shock followed likely by a stroke and if not treated death. I am not a doctor but I know this can happen.
Next is this. If you have sensory processing damage such as Inner Ear issues you are likely more prone to Serotonin Syndrome as you will be treating the wrong primary cause of depression or anxiety which is the Vestibular disorder itself. Again many doctors do not recognize this I speak from personal experiences. A damaged sensory processing system such as an Inner Ear disorder does not need to be overtaxed by enhanced sensory impulses. The opposite is true as sensory function needs to be toned down to a level you can function at.
Something as simple as an Inner Ear infection can cause depression, anxiety, and a bad startle reaction/and/or/intolerance's to certain noises.
For mild to moderate depression I would highly recommend a good physical and hopefully the doctor will ask extensive medical history questions such as hey fever, tubes in ears at some point etc. Ruling out physical causes seeking the help of a Therapist is money very well spent. They are a step below psychologist and can help a person work to find the source of depression etc.
Was on Celexa for awhile, but I’m off it now. I found it helpful to wean off in the summer, as again, plenty of light.
Clinical depression is not fun and I was depressed for years until I finally got into treatment.
For the folks saying bad stuff happens, etc, that’s fine, but you’ve not really experienced depression, so you don’t know what it’s like to deal with it. It’s not that bad stuff happens and you feel down for awhile, you feel bad regardless of what happens, good or bad.
that bladder blockage thing is frightening. I only took one pill, and no more.