I have been on anti depressants for ten years i want to stop but i feel so ill ,!

I have been on anti depressants for ten years i want to stop but i feel so ill , i came off hard drugs easier.

i do not want to stay on them for ever but i worry because i do not feel that stable but feel i should so i think i should stop taking them, any advice would help. am on sereoxt

2 weeks ago
when i stop taking them i get like a electric shock feeling in my skull, and shake and sweat.

I was also on anti depressants for 10 years (Fluoxetine) and felt I should stop, so I did! Worst experience of my life - similar symptoms to yours. And I agree with you hard drugs were a walk in the park to kick compared to these. After several failed attemps I did some research on the internet and discovered that sudden cessation of an antidepressant can result in "Discontinuation Syndrome" - an acknowledged collection of symptoms some people can experience when stopping an SSRI. This explained some of my symptoms and many more. Lots of people had suffered a similar experience. If you really wish to come off these pills you must taper down from them slowly - very slowly. Whatever your dose now you would need to shave a tiny amount off the initial dose and take this new level everyday until the body has adjusted - this could take weeks or months. Then if you feel stable shave another tiny amount off and do the same. Preferably you should do this with some outside guidance and support but be aware not all G.P's recognise this syndrome exists. It took me a year to come off 20mg doing it in this way. Unfortunately my mother had died the year before and wanting to be Mrs. Health conscious and organic I decided now was the time to do it. I wasnt doing too bad for about a year and then a series of incidents followed by a viral infection rendered me physically and mentally depleted. I struggled on for a good few months and then had to ask for antidepressants again. I am now on 60mg! I am also involved in some CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Please think very carefully before you make this decision. Do your own research on the internet and if you still want to proceed with withdrawl - PLEASE PLEASE do so very carefully. My heart goes out to you. Bless you.