General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
For overwhelming suicidal thoughts, a planned attempt, or access to a means of suicide in a situation of imminent risk, call 15 or 112 in France immediately. Do not leave a person in imminent danger alone and follow emergency instructions; discussion of stopping treatment comes afterwards.
If you or someone close has suicidal thoughts, 3114 is available free and confidentially, day and night, in France. A professional can listen and help find resources. Contact your doctor too; if danger is imminent, call 15 or 112 first.
For an adult treated for a depressive episode, improvement does not mean treatment has ended. French health insurance says it continues after improvement to consolidate the gains; it generally describes six to twelve months of remission before a justified stop, and sometimes several years for severe forms.
If stopping is being considered, plan it with the prescriber. French health insurance recommends reducing gradually over several weeks when stopping is justified, to limit relapse risk. Ask for a schedule suited to your medicine and follow-up; do not infer your own pace from someone else’s.
Discuss side effects or difficulty taking the medicine with your doctor rather than stopping on your own. Drowsiness, for example, can make driving unsafe. Describe what is happening, since when, and the other products taken so your team can assess the situation.
Before changing treatment, agree on a review date and which signs to report if symptoms return. Ask how to continue other planned care, including psychotherapy when it is part of your care. A treatment change is decided and monitored with the professional.
Sources
Your health review
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Mon bilan prévention is an appointment to discuss your habits and choose your health priorities. Review the four age groups and practical information.