Welcome

Typically new generation anti depressants known as SSRIs or SNRIs, often relieve the distressing symptoms of depression. However for some, the side effects and getting off the medication can be just as bad as the illness, or even worse. This service has been designed for those who have found this to be the case.

If you have sought out this site, it is probably because you are experiencing difficulties with anti-depressants prescribed by your doctor. Most likely you suspect symptoms are being caused as a side effect of the medication or may be a feature of withdrawal. Most commonly now known as discontinuation syndrome.

You may be one of those who have tried to get off the medication (possibly several times) and have sought out the site to find answers. Possibly your doctor has said that the symptoms cannot be as a result of the medication, or that they may be a sign that your original illness is returning. You may even have been told that these symptoms demonstrate that you need to stay on the medication, possibly for the rest of your life. However if your doctor agrees that you have a problem (with the medication) it may be they have neither the knowledge or experience to help.

If any of this is sounding familiar, then you are not alone and you may want to access this service.

CAN THIS SERVICE HELP YOU

If any of the following apply to you then do get in touch. This is not an exhaustive list.

Repeated attempts to get off anti-depressants which have been unsuccessful.

Problems convincing your GP that you are either unable to tolerate the side effects or the withdrawal symptoms.

You are concerned that a relative or friend is unsuited to the medication or cannot seem to cope when they try to stop taking it.

Symptoms that you are convinced have been caused by the medication. Including feeling suicidal.

You would like ongoing advice/monitoring as you come off the medication.

USING THE SERVICE

Most people will not need to access the service on a weekly basis. In fact after the initial assessment and possibly one follow up appointment, no further appointments may be necessary for several months, if ever.  Of course some people will be contacting the service to get more information either for himself or herself or someone they know. For those the follow up appointment will suffice.

For those whose funds are limited the cost of accessing the service has been borne with you in mind. For more generalised advice and support, a list of organisations can be found at benzo.org.uk.

However if you want to go ahead and try this service, please make an appointment and I will speak to you soon.