Should I stay on antidepressants long-term at 48?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have been on sertraline for a little over four years now. I started at 50 mg, and it has been at 100 mg for the past two years. Things are genuinely better than before, and I function okay day to day, but I am 48 now and starting to wonder if I need to be on this medication forever. My psychiatrist has not pushed me either way, and I do not know how to even bring it up.

Should I stay on antidepressants long-term at 48, and is there a point where coming off is actually safe, or will I just spiral again if I try?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understand your concern

I am glad to hear that you are doing better, and it is completely understandable to wonder about the future after taking sertraline for several years.

There is no single answer; the decision to continue or gradually stop an antidepressant depends on how many episodes of depression you have had, their severity, how long you have been well, whether you have ongoing risk factors for relapse, and how well you tolerate the medication.

Many people safely remain on antidepressants for years if the benefits continue to outweigh any downsides, while others are able to slowly taper off under the guidance of their psychiatrist after a sustained period of stability.

Feeling well may mean the medication is working, so it is important not to stop it suddenly. It would be a sensible idea to tell your psychiatrist exactly what you shared here and ask whether you might be a suitable candidate for a carefully monitored taper.

If you do decide to try coming off, it should be done gradually with close follow-up so any return of symptoms can be recognized early. Whatever the decision, the goal is to help you maintain your mental health and quality of life in the safest way possible.

So please try to follow up if you feel this answer would be helpful for you.

And I hope you will feel better soon.

Thank you.