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Advisable to take antidepressants without doctor or therapist? What to do
cherryIcecream8299 February 14th, 2020
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I started taking antidepressants end of last year when I was seeing a primary care doctor and a therapist for depression. But the meds didn't seem to be working so the doc referred me to psychiatrists with the assumption that I would go. But psychiatrists cost a lot and then I was starting to feel better anyway so I didn't go. I have been continuing on bupropion, which was the last thing he prescribed. He likely thinks I went to the psych, so I haven't had any follow-ups with him since then. I still have one refill left and three refills of a lower dosage he prescribed earlier of the same med, so technically I could go on four more months without having to see any doctor. Is that a bad idea? I don't have many side effects, just lots of tremors and anxiety that goes away if I skip a dose. I was also seeing a therapist but ran out of 'free sessions' and can't really afford to pay her fee out of pocket so I stopped going. I don't feel exactly good or normal really but I feel like it's a lot more manageable than it was a few months ago. Like suicidal thoughts have calmed down and I'm eating and I'm not crying daily anymore. I have more good days than I did before and lows aren't as low, so I don't feel as desperate for help anymore. So basically now I'm seeing neither person but still taking the meds. And I don't have insurance so I'd like to minimize costs. Would it be reasonable to continue like I have been the past two months without a psychiatrist or a therapist but still taking the antidepressant, or should i find a therapist and continue meds, or should i find a psychiatrist?

3
DavidEss February 22nd, 2020
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@cherryIcecream8299

I don't think anyone wants to advise you on something so critical here.

There are medical forums out there.

I suspect antidepressants are designed to be taken for extended periods of time, so a few months won't matter, probably. What I would do is start saving money to see a mental health professional, probably a psychiatrist because they are the ones who sort drugs out, and aim to see one in the next few months.

What you do is up to you.

blissfulHope420 February 23rd, 2020
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@cherryIcecream8299

While antidepressants may last a while and even with no side effects, it may not be safe to take them without a doctor. If you dont want to visit the doctor, you should at least give them a call and make sure taking them will be safe.

sooty41 February 24th, 2020
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Personally i think it is beneficial to have the support of a doctor behind you. When your meds do run out you could be left in limbo, it might be worth planning ahead so that you have support in place. Unfortunately i don't know anything about private health care but i wouldn't leave yourself stuck with no meds or support. Take Care

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