I am 24 years old, female. I visited a psychiatrist for my depression in 2008. In around 2012, my medication was changed to setalin 50 and i've been taking it ever since, of course, with the consultation of the doctor. When I skip taking the medicine for a day, I feel drowsy, giddy, etc. And I end up getting a headache. Is it normal?

Dr. Saul PereiraPsychologist48yrs exp

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You should never come off of the medication without consulting your doctor. This will lead to withdrawal symptoms of the kind you describe. It must be gradually decreased studying your reactions to the withdrawal. In the meantime I also recommend that you go for counseling and learn some ways of dealing with your emotions and skills and tools that will stand you in good stead when withdrawing from the medication. You should also do the following sincerely because you could resolve the problem better with good cooperation: have a good night?s sleep, have a good breakfast of more proteins, meditate often, remain free of stress, eat a lot of fiber, nuts, avocado, exercise regularly, eat dark chocolate, do yoga meditation exercises, spend time in nature or gardening, etc. I suggest you do the opposite of what this depression makes you feel like doing (actually, not doing): you will need to fight this condition. You must become active; stay upright during the daylight time; meet people; never sleep during the day, wake up by 6 am every day, play some active games, especially contact games, do physical exercises, talk to people and join some social clubs, attend yoga classes etc. Watch sitcoms on tv or comedies and cheer yourself up. Go for excursions in groups, for outings, camps, conferences, and religious conventions. Get a pet dog and spend time training it, exercising it and relating to it. Expose yourself to some sunlight every day, at least, 30 minutes but not in the scorching heat. Whatever happens, please incorporate these three important adaptations in your life: always be responsible, be respectful, and be functional. If you did these three, lots of things will go well in life. Please pray and have faith in god to alleviate your sufferings. Don?t wait for others to help. Use your own motivation, which might be at its lowest, but persevere and win this battle. Above all to be really happy, you need to live in love and for love. Learn all about emotions and how to handle them and that will get you out of the depression rather easily and quickly. A counselor is there only to facilitate you, all the hard word must come from you, and your cooperation with that person is very critical for your success. Be positive every day and learn to be contented with what you have. Do some left brain exercises: it is the happy brain. Here are a few suggestions: shut your left nostril and breathe, move your eyes from right to left and vice versa for at least half a minute at a time, and do calisthenic exercises with some form of counting, regularly. Whatever happens please cooperate with the therapy and do not discontinue until the condition is completely resolved.  

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Dr. Jagadeesan M.S.Psychiatrist15yrs exp

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Sudden stopping might lead to withdrawal. If you have recovered from the medication, consult your psychiatrist again on the ways to stop the medication without withdrawal features. All the best.  

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