Stingray34 said:
The most insidious thing about anti-depressants, however, are that they're classically addictive, that is, your body suffers bad withdrawls if you try to get off the stuff. Some are worse than others. Effexor and Lexapro are pretty effective drugs but left me with 2+ months of withdrawl symptoms.
SSRI Withdrawl Syndrome is a pretty serious issue wrt Effexor. Not sure, but it might be with Lexapro as well.
Do not mix up addiction with dependency. I have zero doubt that there are addiction issues with anti-depressants. But the much more prominent issue is you become physiologically dependent on it.
A big 'problem' is that not all depression is the same. Some folks who take anti-depressants really never needed to have, others really should take it for a shorter/time limited period. And some folks really do need it long term ... possibly life long.
Right now where we are with our understanding of depression is about where we were with our understanding of back pain about 50-100 years ago, but still with 100x more stigma.
Stingray, interesting comments about changes in HR, but still able to get faster and the effort still feels similar. Perhaps it is more that the medication you are taking is helping you address other issues that allow you to train differently and perhaps adapt to training more.
Obviously you want to work with your physician.
Some questions for reflection (you don't need to answer to me) -
1. Why do you want to "get off" a medication?
2. Are you working with a psychologist or other professional on cognitive behavioural techniques?
3. Have you addressed the differential diagnoses that could result in the same symptoms (hiero noted hypothyroidism)?
4. Are you ensuring optimal conditions before gradually decreasing your medication regimen (and under the care of a professional)?
All the best!